Michael Phelps Was Ready to Take On a New Challenge After His Coach Stumbled Upon an Interesting Opportunity in 2004: “Would Go Anywhere You Would Be”

Retired Olympian Michael Phelps found one of his life’s best coaches in Bob Bowman. As he carefully depicts in his book titled ‘Beneath The Surface – My Story’. In the foreword of his book the swimmer even calls Bowman the “world’s greatest swim coach.” In a loving note to his mentor, Phelps illustrated an anecdote involving an interesting opportunity that found its way to Bob Bowman.

The 57-year-old swimming and diving head coach of Arizona State University played the role of a father figure in the young athlete’s life. The swimmer explained in detail his devotion to Bob in his novel, stating that he was always ready to follow him to any corner of the world.

Michael Phelps was dumbfounded at the shocking news of his mentor’s career

Phelps was on a spree of ad shoots at the onset of the 2004 Olympics. That was when he found out that Bob Bowman had received a lucrative job offer. Jon Urbanchek decided to step down as the head coach at the University of Michigan and enquired if Bob had an interest in interviewing for the forthcoming vacancy. Bowman even visited Ann Arbor at that time and told Phelps, “If I want the Michigan job, it’s mine.”

When the coach questioned Phelps about what he would do if Bowman decided to take up the offer, the swimmer was quick to respond. “Are you kidding? I would go anywhere you would be. I like new challenges and I used to wear the Michigan cap at school,” he said.

“What About Us?”: Michael Phelps Feels Forgotten as Coach Bob Bowman Recounts His “Glory Days”

Bob Bowman’s contribution to Phelps’ life is immense. His degree in developmental psychology further allowed him to handle the nuances of a personality with ADHD, like Michael.

Bob Bowman was more than just a coach

“No other coach could have gotten me as far as Bob,” Michael Phelps wrote in his book. He explained how much he relied on his coach for fatherly advice. They would talk about school, friends, family, music, and even girls. 

Bowman helped Michael plow through his difficult times and reach for success. Phelps was always ready to follow his lead without second thoughts. The 23x Olympic gold medalist stated, “I like Ann Arbor and I admire Michigan’s tradition, but if Bob had accepted a job in Siberia, my decision would have been the same.”

Watch this story > Rare image shows swimming legend Michael Phelps real father