Michael Phelps, a swimming champion, a name which is pretty much known worldwide for his extraordinary achievements. He has won 28 Olympic medals in 20 years. This unbelievable feat makes him the most decorated athlete in the history of the Olympic Games. Other than that, Phelps had multiple records during his two-decade-long career. Phelps’ historic comeback in the Rio Olympics after retirement and a lot of struggles is an example of the phrase ‘The comeback is greater than the setback.’

Michael overcame all the adversities that came in between him and his goal. However, achieving legendary status in the sport was not so easy. It took years of hard work that began from his childhood days to the time he retired. Phelps is the epitome of hard work, dedication, and relentless effort. His drive toward success is an inspiration to many.

Michael Phelps and Coach Bowman

Michael Phelps started taking swimming lessons at the age of six. He had already become the national champion at the age of 10 and held the national record in the 100-meter butterfly for his age group at that time. After that, he started training under Coach Bob Bowman from the age of 11 at the North Baltimore Aquatics Club. Bowman has been responsible for his career since then. Phelps described Bowman as a disciplinarian and imbibed that quality from him. Coach Bowman believed that when Michael was a rookie, the only thing that he needed to do was to have ‘stiff competition on a daily basis.’ Regular tough competitions would help Michael become a good swimmer and ultimately make him the best in the world.

Speaking on the hard work they had collectively put in coach, Bowman said, “It used to be if Michael was on fire, nobody could beat him,” describing Michael’s dominance in the sport when he was at the peak of his career. However, this was not the case before the Rio Olympics. Coach Bowman’s perspective had changed many times during Michael’s career. 

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A male swimmer is in his peak form between 26 and 29 years old. During the Rio Olympics, Phelps was 31 years old. People believed Phelps had crossed his age to produce a medal-winning performance. Recalling his prior comment on Phelps’ performance, Coach Bowman decoded his diminishing dominance in the sport due to his age and said, “Now, if Michael’s on fire, there are maybe a couple of people who can still beat him. They’re that good.”

Phelps’ unbelievable consistency

Phelps’ extraordinary performances are no joke. Years of relentless effort, dedication, and sacrifice done behind the scenes are what produced such performances. Phelps’ discipline and dedication separate him from other swimmers.

Coach Bowman revealed that Phelps while training for the Olympics, had trained for five years straight without a day off. He did not skip practice on Christmas days or even on his birthdays. This shows the effort taken into training and the sacrifices Phelps made in the process to achieve his ultimate goal. Phelps describing his mindset during such days, said, “It is just not wanting to lose, wanting to do something no one has never done before.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Resurfaced video shows Michael Phelps Race of the century with Ian Thorpe, Pieter Van Den Hoogenband’s at 2004 Athens Olympics

Michael, in his attempt to achieve greatness, has not only inspired his generation but stands as an inspiration to future generations as well.