Michael Phelps - Audio Biography

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Within just the past few days, Michael Phelps has been front and center in both the sports headlines and boardroom buzz, demonstrating yet again the extraordinary reach of the worlds most decorated Olympian. Phelps ignited nationwide discussion with a lengthy and strongly worded Instagram post criticizing USA Swimming leadership during the 2025 World Championships. According to AOL Sports, Phelps targeted organizational management rather than athletes, citing poor operational controls, declining performance—he pointed out only 44 percent of possible medals at Paris 2024, the nations worst since 1988—and a lack of support for athletes. He proposed an independent review of the organization, an athlete-first approach, and grassroots investment, even stating he would be hesitant to let his own sons swim under current conditions. Phelps went so far as to say his previous letters to USA Swimming had been ignored, signaling a rift between the sport's greatest star and its governing body. Weeks earlier, he had amplified a post from Ryan Lochte practically holding a funeral for USA Swimming, and asked if the World Championships would finally be a wake-up call.The public reaction was swift. US Olympian Katharine Berkoff said candidly on the SwimSwam Podcast that Phelps and Lochte's critiques were annoying, though Lilly King gave a playful nudge on Instagram after the US women broke a relay world record, tagging Phelps and Lochte and joking that they were being quiet now. Phelps replied in apparent sarcasm, apologizing for having higher expectations for leadership and hinting that he knew when to stay in his lane—a masterstroke that had fans and insiders reading between the lines. Swimming World Magazine confirmed that amid this uproar, USA Swimming has just named Kevin Ring as its new CEO, and one of Rings first public remarks was that reaching out to Phelps is a top priority to restore the bond with alumni and learn from their experience.Away from the pool, Phelps continues his high-profile presence in business and entertainment. PR Newswire and SportsPro Media reported that Phelps and his wife Nicole were included among the star investors in Unrivaled, a fast-growing womens basketball league that just closed a $340 million valuation round led by Bessemer Venture Partners. Phelps was mentioned alongside sports titans like Serena Williams and Steph Curry, signaling his ongoing interest in major sports ventures.On social media, Sportskeeda reports that Phelps displayed his trademark Baltimore pride by hyping up the Ravens before their NFL season opener, sharing an Instagram story to rally support and even referencing team legend Ray Lewis visit to the game. The Times of India named Phelps the richest swimmer of 2025, with an estimated net worth of $100 million, fueled by sponsorships, speaking fees, and ongoing brand partnerships.Perhaps most telling for his long-term biographical story, these recent days have not just been about medals or legacy but about Phelps embracing a role as outspoken advocate, business mogul, social presence, and still a beloved son of Baltimore—speaking out, investing big, and making headlines in every lane. There have been no reports of new television appearances but the Olympic icon has not left the stage, just graduated to far bigger arenas. Any speculation about him backing away from the sport is countered by his vow to help USA Swimming—if they are willing to accept his call.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.This week the world witnessed Michael Phelps at the center of both a major sporting controversy and a feel-good community event. According to Essentially Sports, Phelps found himself in a heated exchange with both US Swimming teammates and fans after his recent stinging critique of the program's leadership following Team USA's disappointing performances at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Thailand. His comments—which focused on what he called weak operational controls and poor leadership—ignited backlash from current athletes, prompting Olympian Katharine Berkoff to push back publicly on the SwimSwam Podcast. Then, as the US team rebounded in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay to clinch a new world record, swimmer Lilly King trolled Phelps on Instagram with the phrase Y'all been real quiet tonight, to which Phelps responded with an apology that dripped with sarcasm, saying he should have stayed in his lane and would step back from criticizing US Swimming. This episode marks a potential turning point in Phelps's role as a public critic of the national program, possibly signaling a retreat from active involvement—especially as he has previously said he is unsure about letting his own kids pursue competitive swimming due to the current environment.Simultaneously, Phelps entered the business news cycle after USA Swimming ended its year-long search for a new CEO by hiring Kevin Ring, former Legends Golf President. According to Swimming World Magazine, Ring immediately named outreach to Michael Phelps as a top priority, stating in interview he would be calling Phelps right away to repair strained relationships and get his input on rebuilding trust with high-profile alumni. This development could herald a new collaboration between Phelps and the governing body as USA Swimming tries to steady itself ahead of the LA28 Olympics.On a more uplifting note, Field Level Media reports that Phelps spent time in Baltimore teaching swimming lessons to Ravens NFL players and local children. Using his foundation, he spotlighted drowning prevention and water safety, earning praise from Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith and drawing a $100,000 donation from the team to the Michael Phelps Foundation. The event saw viral social media traction, a heartwarming contrast to the headlines swirling around Olympic controversy.Businesswise, Phelps's financial clout was reaffirmed with Times of India and other major outlets recently naming him the world's richest swimmer with a $100 million net worth, fueled by ongoing brand endorsements, speaking fees, and his growing foundation.In short, it's been a week where the most decorated Olympian balanced fierce opinion, real-world community impact, high-level business news, and enduring celebrity. The key question: Will Phelps's next act focus on healing USA Swimming from within or maintaining distance, as his latest comments suggest? For now, his words and actions remain headline news and a barometer for the soul of Olympic swimming.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps has been at the center of major swimming news in recent days, making headlines with a forceful critique of USA Swimming leadership. According to AOL and Fox News Digital, Phelps released a five-page statement on Instagram condemning the organization for what he described as poor operational controls and weak leadership. He expressed frustration over USA Swimming's inability to regain pre-pandemic membership and concern for the emotional well-being of athletes, stating as a father of four boys he is uncertain if he would want his sons involved in the current system. Phelps did not stop at criticism; he offered himself as a resource and urged for an independent review and a shift to an athletes-first culture. This intervention arrives on the heels of his commentary about Team USA's underwhelming performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where American swimmers captured only 44 percent of possible medals, their lowest rate since 1988.On the community front, Phelps has been making a splash—literally—with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens' official website and Yahoo Sports shared that several players, including Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton, requested swimming lessons after admitting many of them could not swim. Phelps obliged and joined the team at their renovated training center, using the opportunity to teach both players and children from the Boys and Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore water safety basics. Beyond just a feel-good story, the Ravens made a one hundred thousand dollar donation to the Michael Phelps Foundation, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to water safety and youth empowerment.Phelps' philanthropic endeavors remain robust. The Michael Phelps Foundation continues to drive initiatives around swimming access, mental health support, and scholarships for youth athletes. The Skills, an online sports education platform featuring Phelps alongside other elite athletes, raised five million dollars in fresh funding, with Phelps' name used as a draw for those seeking Olympic-level instruction.He has also spoken openly about his personal mental health. In a recent Times of India piece, Phelps revealed reaching out to NFL insider Jay Glazer during a “dark day,” underscoring how essential support is for athletes combating anxiety and depression. Social media, meanwhile, has been abuzz with both the Ravens' swimming sessions and continued discussion of Phelps' advocacy on mental health and sports leadership. Notably, Oscar winner Naomi Osaka appeared alongside Phelps at a New York mental health forum according to Time, further boosting his role as a voice for wellness in and out of sports.No credible reports indicate any legal or financial scandals, and there are no substantiated rumors of new endorsements or business launches in the past several days. The recent headlines have largely centered on his critique of USA Swimming and his collaborative community work, marking a period where Phelps' voice away from competition seems as influential as ever.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps has been everywhere these past few days, making headlines both for his activism and his openness about personal battles. The most talked-about story is his raw revelation about mental health struggles. On the Unbreakable with Jay Glazer podcast and as first covered by The Athletic, Phelps candidly described a harrowing period when he contemplated taking the rest of his prescription pills during the night of his second DUI in 2014. He didn't hold back, texting Jay Glazer on May 31, 2025, that he'd fallen into a “dark place.” Glazer, acting fast, texted back with unwavering support—a testimony to the circle of “battle buddies” Phelps has built. Their friendship has become an inspiring example of how athletes can help destigmatize mental health, making vulnerability a strength and not a hidden shame, as highlighted by Times of India coverage.But Phelps hasn't just been staying in the background—he's been using his platform to make waves. Two weeks ago, his five-page Instagram rant took direct aim at USA Swimming's leadership, clearly naming “poor operational controls and weak leadership” as the heart of the team's recent struggles. That now-famous post cited the US team earning just 44 percent of medals in Paris, the lowest since 1988. He wrote not with condemnation of the athletes, but fierce disappointment about how organizational failures have left too many swimmers unsupported. As a father of four, he went so far as to confess he wasn't sure he'd want his own sons to compete in the current system. Importantly, he called for a full, independent review of USA Swimming and offered his continued help, closing with “my door is open and there is work to be done,” as Essentially Sports detailed. Other big names in the sport—like Ryan Lochte—echoed Phelps' concerns, and Regan Smith agreed on a recent SwimSwam podcast that change is overdue, though she wished Phelps had offered more specific solutions.On the lighter side, Phelps' business profile got a boost as his bagel venture, PopUp, is set to open its first Florida store in Tampa on September 5. It's backed by a star-studded list of investors including Paul Rudd, JJ Watt, and Michael Strahan. The buzz hit local and national foodie press, with fans tracking updates on Instagram.Meanwhile, Phelps got social media buzzing with a fun philanthropic turn: when the Baltimore Ravens challenged him to teach their players to swim, Phelps showed up at training camp. He and his foundation led an aquatic clinic at Loyola University, culminating with the Ravens donating $100,000 to the Michael Phelps Foundation, as reported by AOL and The Independent. The story mixed humor and heartfelt praise for Phelps' Baltimore roots and his continued commitment to water safety—proving you can make touchdowns in and out of the pool.And social media? With every candid post about mental health, every pointed letter to USA Swimming, and every charitable event, Phelps is dominating conversations among athletes, sports fans, mental health advocates, and business watchers. If he's slightly less present on the meet podium, he's more visible than ever where it counts—challenging old norms, supporting teammates, building new ventures, and showing the world that you never really retire from making an impact.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps has once again proven that even in retirement the world's most decorated Olympian continues to shape the sports landscape and inspire well beyond the pool. Just days ago Phelps took center stage with the Baltimore Ravens after viral social media posts from Ravens players revealed surprisingly few on the roster could actually swim. According to coverage from USA TODAY Sports and other major outlets, Phelps responded enthusiastically, visiting the Ravens training camp alongside his young son Beckett and helping run swim lessons for both players and local kids. The event included lighthearted racing, hands-on coaching, and practical safety tips from Phelps and instructors from his foundation. The day concluded with the Ravens making a $100,000 donation to the Michael Phelps Foundation, strengthening Phelps's mission for water safety and drowning prevention. Phelps himself summed it up as “a special day” and voiced hope that the skills and confidence learned in the water will carry over for the players and the broader Baltimore community.On social media, Phelps continued to catch headlines and connect with fans. His Instagram stories showed heartfelt congratulations to pro golfer Tommy Fleetwood for Fleetwood's first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship. Phelps's big “let's gooooo” message quickly made rounds in the golf world and sports pages, a nod to his keen passion for golf that started even before his retirement. Commentators note how his competitive drive and confidence, so evident in swimming, now fuel his success and enjoyment on the course. Phelps also remains vocal online about mental health and advocacy, most recently sharing a message about being “the voice for the voiceless” via uninterrupted, reinforcing themes from his ongoing public speaking and campaign work.In the business arena Phelps's influence runs deep. The Skills, a Los Angeles-based sports education platform featuring lessons and mentorship from top athletes including Phelps himself, just announced a $5 million seed round to expand its reach. The company positions itself as the “master class for athletes,” and Phelps's involvement both boosts its profile and extends his lifelong mission of mentoring the next generation.Numerous organic social media mentions and campaign tie-ins—such as motivational posts with Cayman Marathon and BlueSky Properties—are leveraging Phelps's story of overcoming obstacles and building champion habits.No major news has broken regarding his personal life in the last days and there are no substantiated rumors, only further confirmation that Phelps has seamlessly transitioned from superstar athlete to trusted leader, philanthropist, educator, and enduring presence in both sports and pop culture.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps has had an unusually dynamic week blending advocacy, celebrity, and a dash of controversy. On August 12, Phelps made headlines and viral waves when he held a water safety event for the Baltimore Ravens, personally teaching players and Boys & Girls Club kids how to swim—joined by his childhood instructor, Miss Cathy. This followed a playful but ultimately earnest call-out by Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey on Instagram, which kicked off a story about one in three Ravens players not knowing how to swim. Phelps lived up to his word, delivering a pep talk about overcoming fear and taking baby steps in the water while even diving in for races and hands-on coaching. In a show of gratitude, the Ravens capped off the event with a $100,000 donation to the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on mental health awareness and water safety. The day wrapped with Ravens swapping jerseys for trunks and Phelps's young son Beckett joining the festivities, leaving local news and social media abuzz with heartwarming images and feel-good highlights, according to People and Today. Not all recent Phelps news has been pure Olympic nostalgia and charity. Earlier this week, he released a five-page public statement leveling fresh criticism at the leadership of USA Swimming, clearly frustrated after the American team's disappointing showing at the world championships. SwimSwam details that Phelps's remarks called for institutional reform, more athlete safeguarding, and improved transparency, with a tone much sharper than his previous, more diplomatic critiques. According to ConcussionInc, Phelps's latest broadside against USA Swimming's leadership stops short of openly naming the organization's decades-long struggles with sexual abuse scandals; however, the timing and specificity of his letter are being read by some as a tacit opening for broader discussion or possibly his own reckoning with the sport's systemic failures.Meanwhile, his business portfolio remains strong. MonitorBP and business news outlets continue to peg his net worth in the $80-100 million range, stemming from endorsements, his swimwear line MP Michael Phelps, real estate, and paid public speaking. Case in point: Phelps was just announced as a featured speaker at Becker's 16th Annual Meeting in Chicago for 2026, confirming his ongoing value as a business and motivational figure. On the personal publicity front, Phelps has been active on Instagram, recently sharing photos with his son and golf pro Rickie Fowler, further cementing the image of a content family man and enduring public personality.In sum, Michael Phelps spent this week as both a celebrated hometown hero in Baltimore and a vocal critic of the sport's establishment, all while cultivating his status as a motivational speaker, business owner, and social media influencer. The combination of grassroots advocacy, policy critique, and family life continues to define this chapter of his post-Olympic legacy. There are no credible reports of scandal or personal controversy beyond his sharpened stance on swimming's institutional issues. Speculation about future formal leadership ambitions in the sport is circulating among commentators but remains unconfirmed.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps has surged into headlines this week after igniting a heated public call for reform within USA Swimming. On August 13, Phelps released a detailed multi-page statement via his Instagram, expressing deep frustration with the federation's leadership and governance. He declared that USA Swimming has not only failed its athletes but is now teetering on the edge of crisis, with post-pandemic membership numbers lagging and the organization still lacking a permanent CEO nearly a year after the last one departed. This statement was picked up across national and international media, making waves well beyond the pool. According to SwimSwam and Swimming World Magazine, Phelps accused USA Swimming of ignoring his previous warnings and letting operational controls crumble, stating bluntly that “if we don't talk about it, it won't get fixed.” CBS Sports summarized his stance with the headline: “Michael Phelps torches USA Swimming, calls for massive overhaul: it was always about more than just medals.”Within his message, Phelps referenced a viral meme from his former teammate Ryan Lochte—depicting a headstone for USA Swimming—to make clear the dysfunction is about the leadership, not the athletes, whom he continues to respect and support. He expressed doubts about encouraging his own children into competitive swimming given the federation's failures, a telling moment from the father of four. Multiple sources, including the YouTube channel of former Olympic swimmer Kyle Sockwell, reported that Phelps made several specific proposals: demand for an independent review of the organization, more proactive athlete services, and urgent attention to grassroots development to rebuild US swimming from the bottom up.Meanwhile, Phelps's positive impact beyond controversy continued as the Baltimore Ravens announced a high-profile partnership with the Michael Phelps Foundation, aimed at teaching essential swimming and water safety skills to NFL players and their families. The event drew mainstream attention, with Phelps and his original swimming instructor leading workshops and the Ravens donating $100,000 to further the Foundation's work. Phelps emphasized the importance of vulnerability, preparation, and holistic athlete development, aligning his advocacy with the rising trend of supporting athletes “beyond the field.”On the broadcast front, Phelps is set to return as a major voice for swimming, joining NBC and Peacock for both primetime and daytime commentary during the Paris Olympics, sitting alongside Dan Hicks and Rowdy Gaines. Over on social media, his posts spurred thousands of shares and replies, further cementing his role as both a critic and guardian of the sport. For now, the swimming world is abuzz with speculation on whether USA Swimming will acknowledge this unprecedented pressure from its most decorated champion—or if, as Phelps warned, the organization will risk fading into irrelevance by refusing to change.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.I'm Biosnap AI, and here's what I've seen about Michael Phelps in the past few days. The big headline is his blunt rebuke of USA Swimming after Worlds in Singapore, accusing the federation of treating him like a piece of meat and shutting out legends from meaningful input. Firstpost reports Phelps wrote on Instagram that USA Swimming shoved us out the door for years and treated me like a piece of meat throughout my career, remarks that landed amid criticism from him, Ryan Lochte, and Rowdy Gaines about the program's direction. Hindustan Times echoes those comments and notes the backdrop: a stomach bug that hit Team USA during camp in Thailand and a medal table where China topped the haul. Swimming World Magazine adds USA Swimming issued a statement saying it was saddened and disappointed by alumni criticism, defended the team's resilience, and said it had reached out to notable alums, a claim Phelps refuted in the Instagram comments as maybe a false statement and insisted no outreach was made to Rowdy.Rowdy Gaines publicly backed Phelps. Swimming World Magazine published an op-ed from Gaines titled I Stand With Michael Phelps; I'm Fighting Too, framing Phelps's viral funeral meme as a wake-up call ahead of LA 2028. On social media, Rowdy's Instagram post directly tagged Phelps and doubled down that Michael Phelps is right, while current star Lilly King jabbed at the critics after a big medal night; Hindustan Times captured Phelps's reply that he has higher expectations for leadership and that USA Swimming finally has what they want, for him to stay in his lane.Media Mindset on YouTube summarized the controversy, highlighting Phelps and Lochte's posts, USA's illness-hit Worlds, and leadership questions with new National Team director Greg Meehan. That video contextualized the stakes with rising global rivals and the looming LA 2028 Olympics; it is commentary rather than reporting, but it tracks with the verified statements and timeline.On the pool deck, Phelps's name resurfaced in meet coverage as the American record holder in the 200 free, noted in SwimSwam's U.S. Summer Championships prelims recap, a reminder of his historical benchmarks rather than a new competitive result. On the business front, recent credible coverage centered on the ongoing ecosystem he's part of, like athlete-led education platforms featuring his lessons; dot.LA previously profiled The Skills' fundraising and offerings including Phelps, though no new Phelps-specific business deal was reported in the past few days. Any rumors beyond these sources are unconfirmed and should be treated as speculation.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has once again found himself at the center of both swimming and pop culture headlines this week. The big story shaking up the swimming world was Team USA's underwhelming and drama-filled showing at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, where widespread illness among athletes set the stage for a poor performance compared to expectations. Phelps, along with long-time teammate Ryan Lochte, publicly ripped into USA Swimming on Instagram. In a pointed post featuring a tombstone and the caption "In loving memory of United States Swimming 1980–2025," Phelps added his own critique, challenging whether this flop would serve as the wake-up call USA Swimming desperately needs. According to AOL and EssentiallySports, these moves mark an increasingly vocal, critical stance by Phelps about the direction and leadership of the sport he dominated for so long.The drama didn't end there. Following Phelps and Lochte's posts, swimming legend Rowdy Gaines jumped into the fray, backing Phelps on social media and amplifying calls for real change. USA Swimming itself responded publicly, expressing disappointment in the timing and tone of the criticism. But Phelps wasn't buying their olive branch, using his own social commentary to reject claims that the organization had sincerely reached out to its icons, and describing feeling discarded by the very group he brought glory to, according to Swimming World Magazine.Amid this controversy, Phelps made headlines of a different kind for Baltimore sports fans. The NFL's Baltimore Ravens posted a video asking the city's most famous swimmer for a lesson, since a third of their players reportedly can't swim. Phelps gamely replied, "I got yall! Let's do it!" This playful but on-brand moment showcases his post-competition mission: making swimming accessible to all, as he continues through his foundation's youth programs, Yahoo Sports reports.On the business and personal side, Phelps remains active with investments in swimwear, coffee shops, and endorsement deals with major US brands. He recently shared a personal, emotional reflection on social media, resharing an inspiring fan video and writing about the often unseen sacrifices behind his achievements, a story picked up by Sportskeeda this week. In a podcast appearance, he candidly discussed his relentless drive and discomfort with anything less than gold, giving fans insight into the mindset that made him a legend.Meanwhile, his competitive legacy stays in the headlines too, with his American 200-meter freestyle record still standing unbroken since 2008, as noted by SwimSwam on August 8th. The combination of outspoken advocacy, business activity, and continued public engagement cements Michael Phelps as an enduring, complicated, and still-very-much-present force in both sports and American culture. There are currently no substantial rumors or speculative reports on new ventures or personal life.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps BioSnap a weekly updated Biography.Michael Phelps has seamlessly balanced his roles as legend, mentor, and provocateur in the past few days, capturing headlines with both candor and local affability. At the forefront, Phelps and fellow swimming icon Ryan Lochte ignited a high-profile debate on the future of USA Swimming following a rough patch at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. The duo used Instagram to make a bold statement, sharing an AI-generated gravestone declaring the “funeral” of United States Swimming. Lochte, ever the disruptor, captioned the dramatic image with an ominous warning—"Call it a funeral, or call it a fresh start. We've got three years," alluding to the lead-up to the LA 2028 Olympics. Phelps, never one to shy away from tough love, amplified the message, asking if this was the wake-up call the sport needed and encouraging a fresh start, further stirring speculation about impending systemic change, especially as the U.S. grapples with its lowest Olympic gold haul since 1988 and a recent outbreak of illness that derailed America's typically dominant Worlds performance. As reported by Essentially Sports and confirmed by Swimming World Magazine, this revolt against the federation's stumbles and the ensuing conversation among current athletes on The Independent triggered a rare and pointed exchange—some swimmers bristled at the criticism, while Olympic champion Gretchen Walsh dismissed the negativity, focusing on her own double gold triumphs and the behind-the-scenes adversity the team faced.In a moment far lighter, Phelps showed his playful Baltimore roots. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey led an Instagram appeal for swimming lessons and, ever the superfan, Phelps gamely replied, “I got yall!!! Let's do it!!” The prospect of America's greatest swimmer teaching NFL stars captivated Baltimore media and delighted fans, furthering his legacy as both a champion and community ambassador, as covered by the Daily Record and kfgo.com.On the business front, Phelps' high-performance ethos remains in demand in the boardroom: he is set as a featured speaker at the prestigious World Business Forum in Sydney this November, according to the official program. Rumors and speculation about deeper involvement in Team USA reform or Olympic administration are swirling, but as of now, those plans remain unconfirmed.And while rising Canadian star Summer McIntosh surges to match some of Phelps' records at World Championships, the legend himself stays fixed in the public gaze—not competing but shaping the narrative in and out of the pool.Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta

Michael Phelps is an American former competitive swimmer who dominated the sport in the 2000s-2010s, becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time. Over four Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016, Phelps won a record total of 28 medals - 23 of them gold - in butterfly, individual medley, and freestyle events. His unprecedented achievement of winning 8 golds in a single Games in Beijing in 2008 cemented his legend. With dogged work ethic under coach Bob Bowman, Phelps used his ADHD tendencies to his advantage, funneling relentless energy into perfecting his swimming technique and endurance to repeatedly break world records. Retiring with twice as many medals as any other swimmer in history, Phelps leaves a legacy of sustained excellence through tireless pursuit of excellence that made the unachievable seem routine.