Michael Phelps Biography

Fast Facts

• Became the youngest swimming world-record holder ever at age 15
• In 2003, set five world records in one international meet
• Claimed eight medals (six gold, two bronze) in his Olympic debut, the 2004 Games in Athens
• Started the Swim with the Stars Tour (with Ian Crocker and Lenny Krayzelburg) after the 2004 Olympics to promote the sport
• Won eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, breaking fellow swimmer Mark Spitz's record for most first-place finishes in a single Games
• In 2008, established the Michael Phelps Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes swimming and helps kids build healthy lives through the sport
• Captured four gold and two silver medals at the 2012 Olympics in London, breaking the all-time record with 22 total Olympic medals
• Retired following the 2012 Games, but returned to competition in May 2014
• Is a two-time Associated Press Athlete of the Year (2008, 2012)
• With his qualification for the 2015 Olympics in Rio, became the first American male swimmer to make five Olympics; chosen as the flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremonies
• Won six golds at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and was part of a three-way tie for silver in the 100m butterfly, bringing his total medal count to 28, with 23 of them gold
• Has a street named after him in Baltimore