“There Wasn’t a Shot in Hell”: Michael Phelps Shared the Story About Winning His 21st Olympic Gold Against Strong Competitors in the 2016 Rio Games

2016 was ‘the year’ for legendary Olympian and competitive swimmer Michael Phelps. To set the stage it was the year Phelps would announce that he was retiring post the 2016 Olympics. The Rio Olympics was Phelps’ fifth run in the games and he was ardent to have one final hurrah before hanging his gear for good. Phelps had once retired previously in 2013 but came back for the sheer love of his sport. 

In his mission to set and cement a legacy for himself, he put his best form forward and showed everyone why he is the GOAT of the sport. He proved his mettle by winning his 24th medal in the 200m butterfly swim. 

Michael Phelps retired in style, thanks to his 2016 wins

Phelps managed to score his 24th Medal in the 200m butterfly event, a specialty of his. No wonder, he outperformed everyone in the pool by being the superhuman that he is. The finishing time for him was 1:53.36, earning him an impressive gold. Perhaps, salvation for his muter performance in the 2012 Olympic games but, Michael’s magic was not complete with this. He also assisted team USA in the 4 X 100 relay, bagging another medal. 

Phelps, after his 20th Medal run, offered to speak some words regarding his victory. For this veteran swimmer, it seemed the win was indeed a redemption for the lukewarm silver of 2012. In the 200m butterfly in 2012, he’d lost to South African swimmer Chad le Clos. 

READ THIS: “That’s Why I Swim in the Dark”: Michael Phelps Revealed a Special Technique That Guaranteed His Victory Despite Sudden Adversities in the Pool

Phelps confirmed that when he said, “I didn’t say anything to anybody else, but there wasn’t a shot in hell I was losing that tonight.” 

The legacy of Phelps lives on

As Phelps finished his time as a competitive swimmer with 28 medals, fans were left searching for someone to step into those shoes. The swimming world has since provided a few very bright rising stars. From David “chlorine daddy” Popovici to 2020 Olympians Caeleb Dressel and Ariarne Titmus, quite a few swimmers have risen to challenge Phelps’ records.   

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Phelps Vs Caleb Dressel: Butterfly STroke Comparision Between Two American Legends

But, Michael remains in the public eye, posting about brand deals and family adventures on social media. Both Michael and his fans also love the little throwback videos on his Twitter. Phelps is leading a smooth life all-in-all, and his fans are happy for him.