Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is an American former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian in history.
Michael Phelps is an American former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian in history, with 28 Olympic medals including 23 golds.
What it is
Michael Phelps is a retired swimmer from Baltimore, Maryland, who competed in five Olympic Games from 2000 to 2016. He holds the all-time records for most Olympic medals (28) and most gold medals (23). His eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Games remain a single-Games record.
Why it matters
Phelps is a benchmark in Olympic history, often referenced in Canadian coverage of swimming and medal records. His achievements set a standard for comparisons with top Canadian swimmers like Summer McIntosh and Penny Oleksiak.
Key details
Born June 30, 1985, Phelps stands 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m). He retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics and has since focused on mental-health advocacy through the Michael Phelps Foundation, founded in 2008.
In short
- Most decorated Olympian ever: 28 medals, 23 gold.
- Eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—a single-Games record.
- Competed in five Olympics (2000–2016) before retiring.
- Born in Baltimore, Maryland; active in mental-health advocacy post-retirement.
Phelps is a major figure in Olympic history and a frequent reference point for Canadian coverage of swimming, Olympic medal records, and comparisons with Canadian athletes at the Games.
Quick questions
How many Olympic medals does Michael Phelps have?
When did Michael Phelps retire?
How tall is Michael Phelps?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_PhelpsSupports: Birth date, nationality, Olympic medal totals, and retirement after Rio 2016.
- Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/michael-phelps-iiSupports: Birth date, Olympic medal totals, and biography details.
- Team USA — https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/michael-phelpsSupports: Olympic appearances, medal totals, and Rio 2016 results.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-PhelpsSupports: Biographical overview, Olympic record, and retirement/return context.
- World Aquatics — https://www.worldaquatics.com/athletes/1001621/michael-phelps/medalsSupports: Olympic medal breakdown of 23 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze.