Childhood and Education Journey of Michael Phelps in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Michael Phelps. A timeline of key moments.

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time, holding a record of 28 medals. He has the most Olympic gold medals (23), the most individual gold medals (13), and the most individual medals overall (16). At the 2004 Athens Olympics, he tied the record with eight medals, winning six gold and two bronze. In 2008, he broke the record for most first-place finishes at a single Olympic Games with eight gold medals. He continued his success at the 2012 London Olympics with four gold and two silver medals, and at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, winning five gold and one silver. He was the most successful athlete for four consecutive Olympics.

Sections (6)

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

June 30, 1985: Michael Phelps II born

On June 30, 1985, Michael Fred Phelps II was born. He is an American former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Others born on this day/year

1994: Parents' Divorce

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

2000: Father's Remarriage

In 2000, Michael Phelps's father remarried.

2003: Graduation from Towson High School

In 2003, Phelps graduated from Towson High School.

2007: Meeting Nicole Johnson

In 2007, Michael Phelps met Nicole Johnson at the ESPYs.

2008: Michael Phelps Foundation Started

After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Phelps started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles.

2008: First Breakup with Nicole Johnson

In 2008, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson broke up for the first time.

2010: Second Breakup with Nicole Johnson

In 2010, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson broke up for the second time.

2012: Contemplation of Suicide After 2012 Olympics

After the 2012 Olympics, Michael Phelps contemplated suicide due to struggles with depression.

2012: Reconciliation with Nicole Johnson

In 2012, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson started to reconcile their relationship.

2012: World Record at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

In 2012, Michael Phelps, paired with Paul Casey, set the world record for the longest televised putt at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, sinking a putt from 159 feet away.

2012: Retirement from Swimming

In 2012, after the Olympics, Michael Phelps announced his retirement from swimming, expressing his desire to be done with the sport.

April 2014: Comeback Announcement

In April 2014, Michael Phelps announced he would come out of retirement and enter an event later that month.

April 2014: Phelps's Comeback

In April 2014, Phelps made a comeback after retiring from swimming.

February 2015: Engagement to Nicole Johnson

In February 2015, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson got engaged after reconciling their relationship.

June 13, 2016: Secret Marriage to Nicole Johnson

On June 13, 2016, Michael Phelps secretly married Nicole Johnson, a former Miss California USA. The marriage was not publicly reported until months later.

2016: Retirement Reflections

After retirement in 2016, Phelps stated that he initially got into swimming because his mom wanted him to learn, and he and his sisters fell in love with the sport.