Michael Phelps
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Biography
Michael Phelps is an American swimmer. Considered one of the greatest swimmers of all times, he has broke several world records. He also became the first person since 1980 to win eight medals in an Olympic Game.
Michael Fred Phelps II was born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland. He has two elder sisters Hilary and Whitney. Michael's father was an all-around athlete and Michael, following in his father's footsteps, started swimming at a very young age.
In 1996, while training at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center, Michael met his coach, Bob Bowman. The pair soon began an intense training regime, often working out up to 10 times per week.
In 1999, Phelps made the U.S. National B Team and in 2000, at the age of 14, he secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic swim team. Though he was not too successful in the 2000 Olympics at Sydney, Australia, by 2001 he was breaking all kinds of world records.
In 2001, Michael broke the world record in 200-meter butterfly and in the process became the youngest ever male swimmer in history to set a world record. He earned his first international medal later that year when he again broke his 200-meter butterfly world record in Fukuoka, Japan, during the 2001 World Championships. Shortly after this event, Michael decided to forfeit college and turned pro.
In 2002, Michael set a new world record for the 400-meter individual medley and broke it again later in the year.
In 2003, Michael graduated from Towson High School and set five world records. He also became the first male swimmer to win five national titles in a single meet.
2004 was probably the most illustrious as well as the most controversial year in Michael's life. He was slated to beat Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in one Olympics. He almost achieved the feat by winning six gold medals, but had to be content with bronze medals in the remaining two events that he participated in. He did however manage to equal the record for most medals (eight) won by an individual at an Olympics. Later in the year Michael was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland. He was sentenced to 18 months probation, fined $250, obligated to speak against drinking and driving to high school students, and had to attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving meeting.
In 2005, he enrolled himself at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with plans to major in sports management or sports marketing.
Links
Mr. Phelps
AskMen.com: Michael Phelps
Net Glimse: Michael Phelps
PopStarsPlus.com
101lifestyle.com: Michael Phelps
The Michael Phelps Message Boards
Shirtless Male Celebrities - Michael Phelps
djmick - Michael Phelps Pictures
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