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 28 medals. He boasts the most Olympic gold medals (23), individual gold medals (13), and individual medals (16). He tied the record of eight medals at the 2004 Athens Games, winning six gold and two bronze. In 2008, he broke Mark Spitz's record by winning eight gold medals at a single Olympics. He continued his success in London 2012, winning four gold and two silver, and Rio 2016, with five gold and one silver, making him the most successful athlete for the fourth consecutive Olympics.
1983: Bob Bowman at Florida State University
From 1983, Bob Bowman swam for Florida State University.
June 30, 1985: Birth of Michael Phelps
On June 30, 1985, Michael Fred Phelps II was born. He later became an American competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time.
1985: Bob Bowman at Florida State University
Until 1985, Bob Bowman swam for Florida State University.
1994: Parents' Divorce
In 1994, when Michael Phelps was nine years old, his parents divorced, which he later revealed had a severe negative impact on him and his siblings.
2003: Graduation from Towson High School
In 2003, Michael Phelps graduated from Towson High School.
2004: Bowman Hired at University of Michigan
After the 2004 Summer Olympics, Bob Bowman was hired as the head coach for the University of Michigan.
2007: Met Nicole Johnson
In 2007, Michael Phelps met Nicole Johnson at the ESPYs, beginning their relationship.
2008: Established Michael Phelps Foundation
After the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps established the Michael Phelps Foundation using his $1 million Speedo bonus, focusing on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles.
2008: Bowman Returns to Baltimore
After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bob Bowman returned to Baltimore as CEO at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
2008: First Breakup with Nicole Johnson
In 2008, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson broke up for the first time, experiencing a temporary pause in their relationship.
2010: Second Breakup with Nicole Johnson
In 2010, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson broke up again, facing another challenge in their relationship.
2010: Developed "im" Program
In 2010, the Michael Phelps Foundation, along with the Michael Phelps Swim School and KidsHealth.org, developed and piloted the "im" program for Boys & Girls Club members, teaching children the importance of being active and healthy.
2011: Release of Xbox 360/Kinect Game
In 2011, the Xbox 360/Kinect game 'Michael Phelps: Push the Limit' was released, aiming to bring swimming excitement to living rooms.
2012: Planned to Work with Foundation More After Retirement
Following the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Michael Phelps stated his intention to work more with his Foundation after retiring from competition.
2012: Started to Reconcile with Nicole Johnson
In 2012, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson started to reconcile, beginning the path toward re-establishing their relationship.
2012: 2012: First Retirement
In 2012, after the London Olympics, Michael Phelps retired from swimming, expressing a desire to be done with the sport.
2012: Set World Record for Longest Televised Putt
In 2012, at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Michael Phelps set the world record for the longest televised putt in history, sinking a putt from 159 feet away.
April 2014: April 2014: Coming out of retirement
In April 2014, Michael Phelps announced his return to competitive swimming.
February 2015: Engagement to Nicole Johnson
In February 2015, Michael Phelps got engaged to Nicole Johnson, marking a significant step in their relationship.
2015: Bowman Hired at Arizona State University
In 2015, Bob Bowman was hired as the men's and women's swimming coach at Arizona State University.
June 13, 2016: Secret Marriage to Nicole Johnson
On June 13, 2016, Michael Phelps secretly married Nicole Johnson, a former Miss California USA, though the marriage wasn't publicly reported until months later.
2016: Retirement
After retirement in 2016, Michael Phelps reflected on how he started swimming because his mom wanted him to learn.
2016: Sought Ray Lewis's Advice
In 2016, Michael Phelps sought Ray Lewis's advice, which helped him find his life purpose and desire to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
2017: Joined Board of Medibio
In 2017, Michael Phelps joined the board of Medibio, a company focused on the diagnosis of mental health disorders.
2022: Death of Father, Fred Phelps
In 2022, Michael Phelps's father, Fred Phelps, passed away, leading to a tributary post on Instagram.
