Many experts and fans regard Michael Phelps as the king of the butterfly stroke. Phelps held the world record for the 200m butterfly from 2009 to 2019. Even at 31, in Rio 2016, Phelps won the gold medal in the 4x 400m medley. During the butterfly section, Michael put his team back in the lead. With seven medals in the 100m and 200m butterfly, it’s hard to argue against Michael’s achievements.

However, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist had an unorthodox technique. In fact, according to conventional wisdom, Micheal’s breathing pattern might be suboptimal. So how did the most decorated Olympian dominate the most demanding event in swimming?

The unorthodox breathing technique of Michael Phelps

In 2021, Fares Ksebati of ‘MySwimPro’ analyzed Michael Phelps’ butterfly stroke. Ksebati said, “Michael breathes every stroke, which is often frowned upon since breathing is the slowest part of the stroke and causes the hips to drop slightly.” However, Phelps maintained consistency throughout the race. Ksebati also said that while Phelps had unconventional breathing, he had, “incredible dolphin kick(s).” Which, “creates the undulating, dolphin-like motion in the stroke! Michael’s ability to maintain this technique set him apart from the pack in the 100 and 200.”

Ksebati says that Michael Phelps’s biggest strength was consistency. While “Flying Fish” wasn’t the fastest off the line, his ability to maintain a steady technique throughout a race was second to none. Phelps’ strategy was much like the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt’s. Similar to Bolt, the American would keep getting faster while others slowed down.

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The upper part of the Olympic legend’s dolphin kick generated a lot more power than most swimmers. Apart from the kick, “The recovery phase of his stroke — when the arms are out of the water — is especially smooth.”, said Ksebati.

“His Legs Are Massive”: Michael Phelps Also Known for Body Structure, Was Left Dazzled by Usain Bolt on Their First Abrupt Meet After 12 Years of Dominating the Olympics

The butterfly is the hardest technique to master. While Phelps had unconventional breathing, it’s hard to argue against the results. The American won 23 Olympic golds and did so because he adapted the technique to suit his physiology. 

Phelps overcame ADHD

The most decorated Olympian in history didn’t just beat his opponents, but he also conquered ADHD. The doctors diagnosed Phelps with ADHD at 6. However, swimming helped, as the young Phelps who struggled in class swam for hours. Even at 6, Phelps practiced for 3 hours and by the time he turned 11, Phelps held a national ranking. Since retiring Phelps is on a mission to raise e awareness about athletes’ mental health.

Watch this story – Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Stood Beside Gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles During Her Worst

From having an unorthodox technique to beating mental health issues. Michael Phelps is truly a special athlete whose unconventional technique gave him an edge in competition. While the ‘Baltimore Bullet’ didn’t have textbook technique, his 28 Olympic medals have long silenced every doubter.