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Born in Baltimore
Michael Fred Phelps is born in Baltimore -
Started Swimming
Phelps began swimming at 7 years old after watching his older sisters, Hiliary and Whitney, begin swimming as well. Although, he was scared at first to submerge himself underwater, he said swimming helped drain his excess hyperactive energy. -
Fred Phelps Leaves
Fred Phelphs, Michael's father, seperates from Debbie Phelps after having marriage trouble, then divorcing the year after. Fred left Michael when he was 9 years old and was barely involved in their lives after. -
National Record
At age 10, Michael set a national record for his age group and started to train under Bob Bowman, who actually filled the void of a father figure for Michael. Bowman was the senior coach at North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where he saw the potential in Michael and trained him strictly. -
Sydney Olympics
At 15 years old, Michael is the youngest athlete of the US Olympic Team and competes in his first Olympic Games. He does not win any medals, however he placed fifth in the 200 yard butterfly event. -
Breaking a World Record
The 2001 World Aquatic Championships in Ft. Lauderdale Florida where he broke the world record for the 200 meter butterfly and the youngest an to break a record at 15 years and 9 months. -
World Record on World Record
Michael Phelps broke his own world record and winning his first world championship gold medal in the 200 meter butterfly in Fukuoka, Japan. -
The Start of His Professional Career
At the age of 16, Phelps becomes professional and signs his first endorsement deal. -
World Championship in Barcelona
A month after graduating high school, Phelps participated in the world championships in Barcelona, Michael obtaining 4 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and breaking 5 world records -
2004 Athens Olympics
Phelps' second Olympics where he takes home 8 medals, 6 which are gold. -
Arrested
Phelps is caught by a state trooper after running a stop sign and getting caught for a DUI, where he plead guilty, fined, and sentenced to probation and community service. -
Montreal World Championships
Winning five gold medals, one silver, and swimming a personal best for the 200 freestyle. -
World Championships in Melbourne
Another win with seven gold medals from March to April in the12th FINA World Championships in Melbourne, Australia. -
2008 Beijing Olympics
Record after record, Phelps won 8 medals (all gold) and breaking the Olympic record for the most medals in an Olympic game. However, during this time he was mentally unhappy and "despised the image of perfection his success had created" where six months later he was caught photographed with illegal substances. -
Teammate Pressure
His fellow teammate, Ryan Lochte, when Lochte beat Phelps in the 200 IM with a world record time and in the 200 free at the World Championships in Shanghai. However, Phelps was able to obtain four gold medals. -
2012 London Olympic Games
At the 2012 Olympic Games, he won six more medals and became the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals total and the titled the world's greatest swimmer.
July 27 - August 12
