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 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

1983: Bob Bowman Swam for Florida State University

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps' coach, swam for Florida State University from 1983 to 1985.

June 30, 1985: Michael Phelps' Birth

On June 30, 1985, Michael Fred Phelps II was born. He would grow to become the most decorated Olympian of all time.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Bob Bowman Swam for Florida State University

Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps' coach, swam for Florida State University from 1983 to 1985.

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: Father's Remarriage

In 2000, Michael Phelps' father remarried.

2003: High School Graduation

In 2003, Michael Phelps graduated from Towson High School.

2004: Bowman Hired by University of Michigan

After the 2004 Summer Olympics, Bob Bowman was hired as the head coach for the University of Michigan, and Michael Phelps joined him there to train.

2007: Meeting Nicole Johnson

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

2008: Bowman Returns to Baltimore

After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bob Bowman returned to Baltimore as CEO at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, and Michael Phelps returned with him.

2008: Michael Phelps Foundation Started

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

2008: Phelps and Project Believe

During the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps addressed press questions regarding performance-enhancing substances and confirmed his participation in Project Believe.

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: Retirement from Swimming

Following the 2012 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps announced his retirement from swimming, expressing a desire to be done with the sport entirely.

2012: Reconciliation with Nicole Johnson

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

2012: Contemplated suicide after 2012 Olympics

In 2012, Michael Phelps contemplated suicide after the Olympics.

April 2014: Announcement of Return from Retirement

In April 2014, Michael Phelps announced his decision to come out of retirement and return to competitive swimming.

April 2014: Comeback

In April 2014, Michael Phelps made a comeback to competitive swimming.

February 2015: Engagement to Nicole Johnson

In February 2015, Michael Phelps got engaged to Nicole Johnson.

2015: Bowman Hired by Arizona State University

In 2015, Bob Bowman was hired as the men's and women's swimming coach at Arizona State University, and Michael Phelps moved to Arizona to continue training under him.