Michael Phelps Research Paper

It is safe to say that almost everybody who follows the news nowadays has heard of the name Michael Phelps. Upon coming to worldwide attention at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Phelps has taken the sport of swimming to new limits, setting records that seemed impossible just years before. He shocked the world with his record-breaking win of eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and also holds the record for most Olympic gold medals ever won. However, getting to that point was not easy, and required a high amount of diligence, an excellent work ethic, and an extensive support system. Phelps’ awe-striking performance in the pool has certainly earned him a place among the sporting world’s elite, and he will definitely be remembered
They first met at the North Baltimore Aquatic Centre when Phelps was 11 years old, and Bowman instantly recognized the potential in the young boy. Phelps quickly started breaking national records in his age group, which eventually culminated in his qualification at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney at the age of 15, “becoming the youngest male to make a U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years” (Wikipedia). Although he did not win any medals, Phelps placed fifth in the final for the 200 meter butterfly race. Known for his strict coaching methods, Bowman would analyze and rework Phelps’ stroke under scrutinizing detail, until it was close to perfection. He would also have Phelps watch the tapes of famous swimmers such as Ian Thorpe, to assist in his training. In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Phelps says, “Training with Bob is the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’m not going to swim for anyone else” (Van
To retain his energy levels and strength, he would also have to eat much more than what the average male his age would consume. It is no secret that Phelps has a definite willpower that has allowed him to attain success in his sport. He himself says in an interview with Details magazine, “Whatever Bob told me to do, I would do about 10 times better. I wanted to be the best. I still do” (Yeager). Prior to the 2008 Olympic Games, Ian Thorpe, who Phelps idolized in his youth, made the comment that it was highly unlikely for anyone, even Phelps, to win eight gold medals at a single Games. Instead of letting the comments discourage him, Phelps put them up on his locker door to motivate him to accomplish his