Challenges in the Life of Michael Phelps in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 13, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Michael Phelps's life and career.

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, holding a record of 28 medals. He holds all-time records for Olympic gold medals (23), Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16). At the 2004 Athens Olympics, he won six gold and two bronze medals. He broke Mark Spitz's record by winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games. In 2012 London Olympics, Phelps won four gold and two silver medals and continued his success in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics with five gold medals and one silver, marking his fourth consecutive Olympics as the most successful athlete.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1994: Parents' Divorce

In 1994, when Michael Phelps was nine years old, his parents divorced, which had a severe negative impact on him and his siblings.

2000: Failure to medal

Since 2000, the 2012 Olympics was the first time Michael Phelps failed to medal in an Olympic event, marking a significant moment in his career.

November 2004: Arrested for DUI

In November 2004, Michael Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired and received a sentence including probation, a fine, and mandatory speaking engagements.

February 2009: Photograph Using a Bong Surfaces

In February 2009, a photograph of Michael Phelps using a bong went viral, resulting in the loss of Kellogg's as a sponsor and a three-month suspension by USA Swimming. Phelps admitted the photo was authentic and apologized.

July 28, 2012: 400-meter Individual Medley at the 2012 Summer Olympics

On July 28, 2012, at the London Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps placed eighth in the prelims for the 400-meter individual medley. He won his heat but with a time well off his world record. In the finals, Phelps finished fourth, marking the first time he failed to medal in an Olympic event since 2000.

2012: Deterioration of Relationship

Before the London 2012 Olympics, the relationship between Phelps and coach Bob Bowman had deteriorated.

2012: Contemplated suicide after 2012 Olympics

In 2012, Michael Phelps contemplated suicide after the Olympics.

September 2014: Arrested for DUI and Speeding

In September 2014, Michael Phelps was arrested again for driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding in Baltimore, leading to a six-month suspension from all competitions by USA Swimming.

2015: Suspension from World Aquatics Championships

In 2015, due to his suspension, Michael Phelps was not chosen to represent the United States at the World Aquatics Championships in August. The United States subsequently failed to qualify for the finals of the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay.