Michael Phelps is one name who is the center point of every event he enters. He is the youngest swimmer in the American swimming squad. Many people succumb to pressure under the expectations of their fans but not Phelps. He has created a craze about swimming in the world. He is the most popular athlete. At the age of nineteen he has broken many world records and still to create many. He stands 6 feet 4 and weighs 195 pounds, with the broad shoulders.
Michael and his family
Michael Phelps was born on June 30, 1985 at Baltimore, MD, United States. His parents Fred and Debbie Phelps lived in Maryland where he was brought up. He has two elder sisters’ Hilary and Whitney. It was due to the family environment that he developed interest in swimming. His father was a good athlete and two sisters were actively involved in swimming. He took on swimming at the age of six. The lessons of swimming were sowed in him by his sister’s.
In early periods of swimming he had quite a fear of water. But gradually the instructors generated confidence in him and removed his fear. He found backstroke quite comfortable and mastered it. He first dreamt becoming a champion when he saw Tom Malchow and Tom Dolan when he was 11 years old. His disturbed family went to split up around the same time. He along with his sisters then went to live with his mother.
He then moved on to the North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the Meadowbrook Aquatic and Fitness Center. There he met Bob Bowman, who saw the potential of his swimming and took the responsibility to sharpen his skills. Michael was very quick to grasp his coach and performed all the required hard work. He took hours of practice under water. He was very aggressive and at times showed his short temperament.
Michael Phelps career
Michael first made up to qualify as a part of the U.S. National B Team in 1999. He made history by qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia, when he was just 15 years old. He performed quite well finishing the race in fifth place in the 200-meter butterfly. Michael ended the year ranked 7th in the world in the 200-meter butterfly and 44th in the 400-meter individual medley. After he claimed the 200m fly mark at the World Championships in Japan, he became the sport's youngest male world-record holder. He became a professional swimmer at a very young age of 16. It was then he heard about Mark Spitz. His mother is big fan follower of Spitz and has a framed poster of the swimmer hung in her home.
At age of 15 years and nine months he became the youngest man to break a world record, breaking 200m fly mark at 2001 Spring Nationals. He was named the USA swimmer of the year. He completed his graduation in 2003. After that he focused his attention on US Spring National Championships. He won the 2003 Sullivan Award as America's top amateur athlete. He was the first swimmer to win the award since Janet Evans in 1989. He was named Swimmer of the Meet at the 2003 World Championships, after winning six medals, including four gold’s and breaking five world records. He also became first person to ever break five world records in one meet. He was also USA swimmer of the year 2003.
Michael’s interest :
Michael swims everyday for two to two-and-a-half hours. He also does doubles whenever he finds time. He listens to music before competing. His favorite artist is Eminem, and he gets forced up by DMX's "Party Up" and MAC 10's "Connected for Life". He enjoys playing video games. NHL HITZ is a particular favorite. He is a huge fan of the late Chris Farley. He loves the movie "Tommy Boy". He drives a used Cadillac Escalade.
Difference between Michael and other swimmers
Phelps has a tall body of 6-4 with a wingspan of nearly 80 inches which he poses him an added advantage in the water. He has body shape which any perfect swimmer should have. He has double-jointed in his elbows, knees and ankles, which allow him to explore positions few other swimmers can. His shoe size is 14, and those feet act like giant flippers. He has developed the attitude to raise the performance at the peak of pressure. His ability to relax, focus and block out the pain all at once is unique in his sport.
Michael is a national inspiration for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He is also voluntary board member of the Boys & Girl Club of Harford County, Maryland, and Pathfinders for Autism. Each and every skill of swimming can be taught and each swimmer does extract it yet Michael has proved himself unique it’s because he has the feel of water. He is undoubtedly the worlds best all rounder in swimming world.
Source : http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/8-27-2004-58516.asp