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Michael PhelpsAthlete Card | Olympics Swimming Medal TrackerPhelps 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. |
Memorable Moments: 2008 Beijing Olympics
Hi-res photos from all the exciting Olympic action, from Michael Phelps eight golds to Usain Bolt's three world records
Photo | Conversation | August 22, 2008Swimming into History: Michael Phelps Quest For Eight Gold Medals
Hi-res photos of Michael Phelps record-setting performance in Beijing, inside ESPN's ZOOM Gallery
Photo | Conversation | August 16, 2008The Closest Race: Michael Phelps vs. Milorad Cavic
Hi-res photos of the 100M butterfly race that Phelps won by just a hair, tying Spitz's record for most golds in one Olympic games
Photo | Conversation | August 15, 2008Different Strokes: Breaking Down Michael Phelps
Hi-res photos from the 2008 Olympics analyzing each of Phelps' different strokes, inside ESPN's ZOOM Gallery
Photo | Conversation | August 07, 2008United States swimmer Michael Phelps swims during a training session at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday Nov. 9, 2009, ahead...
Photo | November 09, 2009United States swimmer Michael Phelps smiles during a press conference at Eriksdalsbadet arena in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday Nov. 9, 2009, ahead...
Photo | November 09, 2009
AP Photo/Steve Ruark
A Cadilliac Escalade belonging to Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps, and a Honda Accord sit on a tow truck near where they collided Thursday, Aug. 13...
Photo | August 14, 2009
AP Photo/Bob Bukaty
...United States' Michael Phelps, Garret Weber-Gale and Jason lezak, bottom, celebrate winning the gold medal in the men's...
Photo | August 11, 2009
Phelps flexes
AP Photo/Michael SohnMichael Phelps reacts after winning the men's 100m butterfly final at the World Championships in Rome. Every...
Photo | August 04, 2009
Lars Baron/Getty Images
ROME - AUGUST 02: Michael Phelps of the United States competes in the Men's 4x 100m Medley Relay Final during the...
Photo | August 02, 2009
Intimate moment, sort of
Quinn Rooney/Getty ImagesMichael Phelps celebrates with sister Hillary and mother, Debbie, after winning in the 100-meter butterfly final Saturday...
Photo | August 01, 2009
AP Photo/Michael Sohn
Michael Phelps of the United States reacts after winning the Men's 100m Butterfly final, at the FINA...
Photo | August 01, 2009
AP Photo/Andrew Medichini
Michael Phelps, left, and Ricky Berens of the United States celebrate after winning the gold medal of the...
Photo | July 31, 2009
AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis
...Michael Phelps swims to the gold medal in the final of the Men's 200m Butterfly, at the...
Photo | July 29, 2009EXPLORE RELATED TOPICS
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