Michael Phelps

Sporting legend Michael Phelps is a former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all-time, having picked up 28 medals over his incredible career. He holds the all-time records for Olympic Gold medals (23), and Olympic Gold medals in individual events (13) as well as Olympic medals in individual events (16). Out of the pool, he set up The Michael Phelps Foundation with his wife, former Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson, which aims to promote water safety, healthy living, and the pursuit of dreams.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Phelps began swimming at the age of seven, partly because of the influence of his older sisters and partly to provide him with an outlet for his energy, and by the age of 10 he held a national record for his age group (in the 100-metre butterfly). He began training under Bob Bowman from the age of 11, and he qualified for his first Olympics when he was just 15 in 2000. The following year he entered the 2001 World Championships and broke the world record in the 200-meter butterfly to become, at 15 years and 9 months, the youngest male ever to set a world record in swimming. Since then he continuous broke more and more records, until he had become to be widely regarded as the greatest swimmer of all time, and often considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. He finally retired in 2016 after having set 39 world records (29 individual, 10 relay), which is more records than any other swimmer that is recognised by FINA.

Phelps regularly connects with his millions of followers and fans through Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, posting pictures and videos of his life in the deep end. He also has an official website, michaelphelpsfoundation.org.