Did you know that Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history? He owns 28 medals, redefining what it means to be a world-class swimmer. His career spanned five Olympic Games, and he set records that remain untouchable for many. But how did Phelps achieve such extraordinary success in the pool? His dominance wasn't due to just one factor but a combination of unique physical attributes, a rigorous work ethic, mental resilience, and a strong support system. In this blog, we’ll explore how Phelps reached the highest level of swimming and what aspiring swimmers can learn from his journey. Let’s dig in:
Michael Phelps started swimming at the young age of seven in Baltimore, Maryland. By the time he was 15, he had already made his Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games, where he finished fifth in the 200-meter butterfly. While he didn’t win a medal, it was the beginning of a legendary career. Four years later, Phelps returned to the Olympics in Athens and took home five golds and two bronze medals. One of his victories in this series of competitive swimming was in the 400m individual medley, where he set a world record with a time of 4:08.26. This early start, combined with relentless dedication to improving his craft, laid the foundation for the unprecedented success that was to come.
Phelps was born with natural advantages that made him almost tailor-made for swimming. Yes, you heard it right! Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, he had a wingspan of 6 feet 7 inches—longer than his height. His long arms helped him cover more distance with each stroke, while his relatively short legs reduced drag in the water. Another key advantage was his large feet, which acted like flippers, propelling him faster. Additionally, his hyper-flexible, double-jointed ankles and knees allowed for a more powerful kick.
While these physical attributes certainly played a role in his success, Phelps didn’t rely on them alone. He worked tirelessly to hone his technique, maximise his physical advantages, and push the boundaries of what the human body could achieve in the water.
Phelps' success wasn’t just the result of his natural abilities; it was also because of his gruelling training regimen. Under the guidance of his longtime coach Bob Bowman, Phelps trained with an intensity that few could match. He often practised for 30 hours, swimming 80,000 meters a week. Bowman described him as "a solitary man" with a "rigid focus" when it came to swimming.
Phelps was known for his dedication to swimming training programs, even on holidays and his birthday. This level of discipline set him apart from his competitors. He understood the importance of consistency, showing up every day, whether he felt like it or not. For him, every training session, including private swim lessons was an opportunity to improve, and he viewed setbacks as opportunities to get better.
"We live in a crazy, fast-moving world where there's always things trying to get our attention, so if we can simplify things and focus on what's important to us, I think it makes our life easier." –Michael Phelps
Moreover, Phelps set structured goals for himself too, writing them down and reflecting on them regularly. His ability to set clear, specific goals and maintain his focus on achieving them was a crucial aspect of his dominance. Isn’t that amazing?
Mental strength is just as important as physical strength in sports, and Phelps exemplified this throughout his career. Despite his numerous victories, Phelps faced significant challenges, including mental health struggles. After the 2012 London Olympics, where he won four golds and two silvers, Phelps decided to retire from swimming. However, without the structure and discipline of his training regimen, he struggled with depression and even contemplated suicide.
In 2014, Phelps made a comeback, not for medals or fame, but to find joy in the process of swimming. This mental shift allowed him to approach the sport with a renewed sense of purpose, ultimately leading to another stellar performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won five golds and one silver. His ability to overcome personal struggles and return to the sport with a healthier mindset is a powerful lesson for aspiring swimmers about the importance of mental resilience.
Phelps' training regimen required a massive caloric intake to sustain his energy levels. There were rumours that he consumed up to 12,000 calories a day, although Phelps himself later clarified that his intake was closer to 10,000 calories daily. His diet was carefully structured to provide the nutrients he needed to fuel his rigorous training.
Behind every great athlete is a team of people providing support and encouragement, and for Phelps, this support was vital to his success. His mother, Debbie Phelps, is often cited as one of his biggest influences. She supported him through the highs and lows of his career, attending his meetings and offering guidance throughout his journey.
Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman, also played an important role in his development as a swimmer. The two worked together for nearly two decades, with Bowman guiding Phelps through five Olympic Games. Phelps’ support system extended beyond his family and coach to include his friends and teammates, who provided camaraderie and motivation throughout his career.
Michael Phelps' dominance on the world stage was solidified with his historic performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won eight gold medals, breaking the record for the most golds in a single Games, previously held by Mark Spitz. These victories were earned from multiple events, including individual medleys, butterfly races, and relays, demonstrating his versatility as a swimmer.
Phelps continued to break records in subsequent Olympics, adding to his medal tally in London 2012 and Rio 2016. In total, Phelps competed in five Olympic Games, accumulating 23 gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals.
While Phelps' journey to the top may seem extraordinary, it serves as an inspiration to swimmers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced swimmer, learning proper techniques and committing to regular practice is key to improving your swimming skills. If you're around the Auckland area, enrolling in an adult swimming lesson in Auckland can be the perfect way to start or continue your journey. These lessons offered at our Auckland swimming school, designed to help you refine your skills, boost confidence, and even work toward personal goals, just like Phelps did. Contact us to enrol today!