Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, is set to make a return to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris as a commentator for NBC. Phelps, a renowned swimmer, has an impressive total of 28 Olympic medals, including a remarkable 23 gold medals, earned throughout his illustrious career spanning five Olympic Games.
Standing at six feet four inches tall, Phelps possesses a body perfectly suited for swimming, characterized by a long torso, arms, and elite lung capacity. He set an astounding 39 world records in various swimming events, with notable achievements in the 200-meter freestyle and the 400-meter individual medley.
Phelps, now 39 years old and residing in Paradise Valley, Arizona, with his wife Nicole and their four children, began his swimming journey in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of seven, he started swimming lessons and quickly rose to prominence, setting a national age group record within three years.
Phelps made his Olympic debut at the 2000 Games in Sydney, becoming the youngest male athlete to compete in nearly seven decades at just 15 years old. Despite not medaling that year, he went on to secure an impressive six gold and two bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Throughout his career, Phelps worked closely with his coach Bob Bowman, achieving remarkable success. Notably, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he made history by winning an unprecedented eight gold medals in a single Games. Phelps continued his dominance with four gold and two silver medals at the 2012 London Olympics before announcing his retirement.
However, Phelps staged a remarkable comeback at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, clinching five gold medals and one silver before retiring for good. His total of 28 Olympic medals surpasses those of other swimming legends, including Katie Ledecky, Ian Thorpe, and Chad le Clos.
Aside from his sporting achievements, Phelps has been open about his mental health struggles, advocating for mental health treatment and therapy. He has also been actively involved in philanthropic endeavors through his foundation, focusing on water safety and swimming lessons.
Phelps' dedication to his sport was evident in his rigorous training regimen, which included six hours of training per day, six to seven days a week, and a diet comprising 8,000 to 10,000 calories daily. Since retiring, he has shifted to a diet emphasizing nutrient-dense foods like protein smoothies and salads.
As a prominent figure in the sports world, Phelps secured lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands like Speedo, Subway, Visa, and Under Armour, contributing to his estimated net worth of $5 million to $7 million annually during his peak.
Beyond his athletic pursuits, Phelps enjoys golfing and supports his hometown football team, the Baltimore Ravens. He maintains a close friendship with former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, showcasing his continued passion for sports beyond swimming.
