Michael Phelps, the swimming legend, has a massive wingspan. In this interview from 2008, a physician shares how Michael Phelps uses his long wingspan better than any other swimmer out there.

Michael Phelps is regarded as the most successful, and most decorated Olympian of all time. He has won a staggering 28 medals throughout his career. Phelps also holds the record for Olympic Gold medals, with 23 medals in his name. He also has the record for getting the highest number of gold medals at any single Olympic Games.

Michael Phelps and his long wingspan!

Talking of wingspan, it has been said that Phelps’ longer arms help him win and give him an anatomical advantage. According to a physician in 2008, Phelps uses his height and long arms in the best possible manner, unlike other swimmers. The physician says, ?But not as well as Phelps.?

A lot of the thrust in swimming comes from arm propulsion, and hence, Phelps was said to have an anatomical advantage. The physician’s statement clears this that even though height and long arms are advantageous, no one uses them as well as Phelps, and that makes him special.

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Phelps is said to have extremely good stroke mechanics. That has helped him do better than other swimmers. This is possible only because of his hard work. Over the years, he has perfected his techniques and made the best use of his skills.

Phelps has a rigid focus!

Michael Phelps has battled depression during his career. Phelps’ condition worsened after the 2012 Olympics. He felt extremely lonely and spent days at a time in the bathroom and barely slept. However, he always says that he feels extremely good to not have taken any bad steps. He even had suicidal thoughts, but thanks to his incredible focus, he came out of it and stood taller than before.

To sum up, Phelps does have long arms which might lead some people to believe that this is what makes Phelps better than others. But the fact is, it is his own technique of using his skills that makes him better than other swimmers. This is evident from the physician’s statements.

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