From 2000 to 2012, Michael Phelps cemented his legacy as the strongest swimmer of his generation. Dominating almost all the swimming competitions at the beginning of his career, he took it up a level during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Phelps broke Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals. Therefore, he received praise from some of the greatest athletes of all time, including Shaquille O’Neal. 

He offered appreciation for his dominance for over 12 years spanning from 2000 to 2012. In those 12 years, Phelps broke several world records and became the benchmark for swimmers to follow. O’Neal represented the USA at the 1996 Atlanta Games and offered his thoughts on Phelps’ domination. 

Shaq’s heartfelt tribute to Michael Phelps

After the 2012 London Olympics, Phelps retired from the sport. Achieving greatness for 12 years, he called it quits, and Shaq quickly appreciated him for his. “Another congratulations to Michael Phelps. Thank u for twelve yrs of total domination. The best Olympian ever,congrats brother u r da man,” mentioned O’Neal. So looking back at his career, it seems fitting for the big center to offer his appreciation. 

Phelps made his Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Although he did not win a medal, he gave fans a preview of what they could expect. His first breakthrough came at the 2001 World Championships. He won a gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly and set the world record with a time of 1:54.58. The rewards kept coming, and the 2002 Pan Pacific Championships saw him win three gold medals and two silver. From thereon, no one could match with the Baltimore Bullet. 

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At the 2003 World Championships, Phelps claimed four gold and two silver medals, heading to the 2004 Athens Olympics with momentum on his back. Athens was the place where Phelps made his name by winning six gold and two bronze medals. 

Record-breaking moment

Carrying a sack of medals on his back, Phelps won five gold at the 2005 World Championships, five gold medals at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships, and seven gold medals at the 2007 World Championships. Aiming to break Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold, Phelps earned eight gold medals, etching his name into the history books. Later, he won gold medals at other major competitions and claimed 14 gold medals heading to the 2012 London Olympics. 

Even though he only won four gold and two silver medals in London, Phelps ended his career. Eventually, he returned for the 2016 Rio Olympics and five gold medals. Those medals tally is unbelievable. Shaquille O’Neal understood his contributions to the sport and gave him great appreciation. 

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