58-year-old world swimming Hall of Famer became famous as he was responsible for developing swimmer, Michael Phelps’ extraordinary skills. He is the head coach of the Arizona State Sun Devils at the moment. Recently he shed light on the 28-time Olympic medalist’s outstanding recall and intuition. He discussed Phelps’ ability to recall the exact specifics of his races with Swimming World.

And the Arizona Head Coach also made fascinating comparisons between Phelps, basketball icon Michael Jordan, and NBA sensation LeBron James.

Legendary coach points out the common trait of extraordinary athletes

Bob Bowman claimed that he and Phelps could relive some of Phelps’ most spectacular Olympic races during the COVID-19 epidemic. They watched these events together, giving them a unique viewpoint on Phelps’ career. They noticed that certain races proved to be more entertaining to watch than others. So during an interview with Swimming World, publisher Jack Hallahan asked Bowman if “Phelps’ race recall was similar to how LeBron James can remember the details of basketball games from years ago?”

To which Bowman gave a great answer. “I think he is definitely a savant,” Bowman said of Phelps. “He is a lot like Michael (Jordan) was, in that he is able to remember specific details, key moments that made a difference.” Bowman then provided an illustrative case from the 2016 Rio Olympics, notably the final of the 200-meter individual medley. Phelps told Bowman confidently, “In three strokes, I’m going to breathe and look to see where (Thiago) Pereira is.”

Read More: 7 Years After Retirement, Michael Phelps Shares the Stage With His Legendary Coach to Be Honored With One of the Highest Awards

Phelps followed through on his words, winning another gold medal and creating history. He became the first athlete in history to win the same event at four consecutive Olympic Games. This extraordinary degree of detail and strategic recall distinguishes Phelps in the swimming scene. However, it also draws fascinating parallels to the iconic Michael Jordan, who was known for his uncanny remember of important events in basketball games. Another basketball legend, LeBron James, is known for his capacity to recall minute details from his career. This demonstrates a depth of learning and insight into his sport that extends beyond athleticism.

How did Michael Phelps meet Bowman?

Behind Michael Phelps’ great swimming career is a critical event when he met coach Bob Bowman. This meeting would influence the life of the most decorated Olympian of all time, who won 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds. Phelps met Cathy Lears at a technique clinic at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club when he was just seven years old. Bowman, a seasoned coach, praised Phelps’ ability, which sprang from a competitive swimming family. Bowman, seeing Michael’s promise, continued to observe his progress in the water.

He contacted Phelps’ parents in 1997 with a bold prediction. That their son had the potential to become a swimming phenomenon and reach the Olympic squad in 2000. Despite initial doubt, Bowman persevered in his opinion and finally persuaded Michael’s mother, Debbie Phelps, of his vision. Bowman advised Phelps to forgo other sports such as baseball and lacrosse in order to concentrate completely on swimming. Phelps, then 15, became the youngest American Olympian in 2000 and went on to win six Olympic gold in 2004.

Bowman’s effect on Michael Phelps’ career went beyond coaching. He identified Phelps’ potential early on and was instrumental in determining the destiny of one of the greatest athletes in modern history.

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