Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps

Athlete Card | Olympics Swimming Medal Tracker

Phelps first took to the pool at the age of 7 and was undoubtedly influenced by his two elder sisters, including Whitney, who competed at the U.S. Olympic trials in 1996. At 15 he was the youngest male American since 1932 to take part in the Olympics, where he finished a very respectable fifth in the 200 butterfly. Just a year later he bagged his first world championship gold in the 200 butterfly, adding another three golds in the 200 and 400 medley and the 4x100 medley. The 6-foot-4 Baltimore native won three gold and two silver medals breaking five world records in the process.

Now, at just 23 years old, Phelps has won eight gold medals in Beijing and become the most successful single-Games Olympian of all time. He is also the most decorated gold medalist in Olympic history with 14 career gold medals.

1769 Results for michael phelps

Readers tell us who they'd like to be

ESPN.com

The Kings of Leon told us which athlete they'd want to be, and here are your selections of sports stars you said you'd want to be if you could "Be Somebody."

Story | Conversation | November 05, 2009

Michael Phelps challenges you

You might just be able to beat Olympic swimming superstar Michael Phelps … at sinking the most 5-foot putts in one minute.

Story | Conversation | November 04, 2009

"Ocho Cinco": Chapter 1

Chad Ochocinco, Special to Page 2

In an excerpt from his book "Ocho Cinco," Chad Ochocinco introduces himself, and his philosophy on life.

Story | Conversation | October 29, 2009

Phelps to lead U.S. vs. Europe

Associated Press

Michael Phelps will lead the U.S. team at Duel in the Pool against a squad of European swimmers.

Story | Conversation | October 28, 2009

Davis says he'll consider team pursuit

Associated Press

Shani Davis finished up a brilliant week at the U.S. speedskating trials with a surprisingly easy win in the 10,000 meters Sunday.

Story | Conversation | October 25, 2009

JJ just a part ... but a very big part

David Newton, ESPN.com

Is Jimmie Johnson a product of the system at Hendrick Motorsports or is the three-time defending Sprint Cup champ just that good? The debate continues ...

Story | Conversation | October 23, 2009

4 days, 3 nights and $1 million

Chad Millman, ESPN The Magazine

In the Nov. 2, 2009, issue of ESPN The Magazine, Chad Millman profiles Phil Ivey by following him around to four countries in four days in an effort to see how the world's best poker player rolls. Turns out, he knows famous people and makes bank.

ESPN Insider Story | Conversation | October 20, 2009

POTD: Tanner Nelson

Cody York

...body type dominates bike riding. For example, Tanner Nelson looks like he'd match up with Michael Phelps in the pool or throw an 80 mph fast ball. He can't come close to...

Blog Entry | Conversation | October 13, 2009

Who runs this town? (Part 1)

Cameron Martin, Special to Page 2

Page 2 goes region by region to determine which sports figures have the most juice in each city.

Story | Conversation | October 12, 2009

For Sale by Owner

Alyssa Roenigk, ESPN The Magazine

This column appears in the October 19 Body Issue of ESPN The Magazine. Weeks before this magazine hit mailboxes, the media wrote about the photograp...

Story | Conversation | October 07, 2009

Twins, Tigers save the best for last

Gene Wojciechowski, ESPN.com

In the final regular-season game at the Metrodome, the Twins and Tigers turned Game No. 163 into an instant classic.

Story | Conversation | October 06, 2009

O'Neal reports to training camp

Associated Press

Mike Brown, LeBron James and the rest of the Cavaliers have been impressed by Shaquille O'Neal's conditioning through the first few days of camp. At 37, the 325-pound center looks trim and is moving well.

Story | Conversation | October 01, 2009

IOC all about the money

Gene Wojciechowski, ESPN.com

As the International Olympic Committee's decision approaches regarding the host city for the 2016 Games, Gene Wojciechowski writes that the honor of hosting comes with a large and indiscernible price tag.

Story | Conversation | September 30, 2009

The ultimate "don't come back" list

LZ Granderson, Page 2

This is the year of the comeback, but Page 2 lists 100 of them that should be avoided at all costs.

Story | Conversation | September 24, 2009

PTI : Happy B'day, Bill Kurtis!

A happy 69th birthday to Bill Kurtis, the former newscaster who's currently working in advertising.

ESPN Insider Video | September 21, 2009