American · Baltimore, Maryland · Born 30 June 1985American swimmer who won a record 23 Olympic gold medals and 28 total across five Games (2000-2016).
Born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 30, 1985, Michael Fred Phelps II began swimming at age seven after being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. His mother Debbie encouraged the sport as an outlet for his energy. Coached by Bob Bowman from age 11, Phelps showed exceptional promise early, becoming the youngest male swimmer to make a U.S. Olympic team in 68 years when he qualified for the 2000 Sydney Games at age 15. Phelps's career peak spanned from 2004 to 2012 across three Olympic Games. At Athens 2004, he won six individual gold medals and two relay golds, becoming the first athlete to win eight medals at a single Olympics. His dominance culminated at Beijing 2008, where he captured eight gold medals to surpass Mark Spitz's 1972 record of seven golds in a single Games. At London 2012, he added four golds and two silvers. After a brief retirement, he returned for Rio 2016, winning five golds and one silver. His career achievements include 23 Olympic gold medals, three silvers, and two bronze medals across 28 total Olympic medals, making him the most decorated Olympian in history. He won 26 World Championship gold medals and held world records in seven individual events at his peak. His physical attributes—a 6-foot-7-inch wingspan on a 6-foot-4-inch frame, size-14 feet, and double-jointed ankles—provided an optimal swimming physique. Phelps transformed competitive swimming's global profile and became one of sport's most recognizable figures. His later career included personal struggles with depression and a 2014 DUI arrest, leading him to become an advocate for mental health awareness. Following his definitive retirement after Rio 2016, he remains synonymous with swimming excellence and Olympic achievement.
Most decorated Olympian in history
During peak training he consumed up to 12,000 calories per day — five times the average adult.
Did You Know?How They Played
Versatile across multiple strokes, exceptional butterfly technique
Lasting Impact
Greatest swimmer in history, revolutionized competitive swimming
Career Honours
- 8 golds at Beijing 2008 (single-Games record)
- 23 Olympic golds career
- 26 World Championship golds
American Athletes