History of Michael Phelps in Timeline
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.
1912: Otto Farr's Record
In 1912, Otto Farr set the record for the 100 backstroke world record.
1920: Duke Kahanamoku's Olympic Record
In 1920, Duke Kahanamoku set the record for the oldest male champion in Olympic swimming history, a record later broken by Michael Phelps in 2016.
1926: Otto Farr's Record
In 1926, Otto Farr's held the 100 backstroke world record.
1932: Ralph Flanagan
In 1932, Ralph Flanagan was the youngest male to make a U.S. Olympic swim team, a record that stood until Michael Phelps qualified in 2000.
1972: Mark Spitz's Record
In 1972, Mark Spitz set a record by achieving seven first-place finishes at a single Olympic Games. This record was later broken by Michael Phelps in 2008.
1980: Eric Heiden's Record
In the 1980 Winter Olympics, Eric Heiden set the record for individual gold medals at a single Games.
1983: Bowman Swam for Florida State University
From 1983, Bob Bowman swam for Florida State University.
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.
1985: Bowman Swam for Florida State University
Until 1985, Bob Bowman swam for Florida State University.
1992: Vitaly Scherbo's Record
In the 1992 Summer Games, Vitaly Scherbo equaled the record for individual gold medals at a single Games.
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: USA Olympic Team Member
In 2000, Michael Phelps became a USA Olympic team member.
2000: First time without medal
In 2000, Michael Phelps did not get a medal in an Olympic event, for the first time in his career.
2000: Fifth Place Finish in 200-meter Butterfly
In 2000, Michael Phelps finished 5th in the 200-meter butterfly, marking his first appearance in the finals for that event.
2000: 2000 Summer Olympics Qualification
In 2000, at the age of 15, Phelps qualified for the Summer Olympics, becoming the youngest male (since Ralph Flanagan in 1932) to make a U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years. He finished fifth in the 200-meter butterfly.
2001: Ian Thorpe's Record
In 2001, Ian Thorpe set a record of six gold medals at the World Championships.
2002: 200-meter butterfly win
In 2002, Michael Phelps started a winning streak in 200-meter butterfly that continued until 2010.
2002: Pan Pacific Swimming Championships Selection
In 2002, at Nationals, the selection meet for the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, Phelps set an American record in the 200-meter individual medley and was just off the world record in the 200-meter butterfly. In the 400-meter individual medley, Phelps bettered the world record held by Tom Dolan with a time of 4:11.09.
2003: 2003 record
In 2003, Michael Phelps set a record of 1:55.94 in the 200-meter individual medley.
2003: Graduation from Towson High School
In 2003, Phelps graduated from Towson High School.
2003: Nationals and Duel in the Pool
In 2003, at Nationals, Phelps won the 200-meter freestyle, 200-meter backstroke, and the 100-meter butterfly, becoming the first American swimmer to win three different races in three different strokes at a national championship. At the Duel in the Pool, Phelps broke the world record in the 400-meter individual medley. At a meet in Santa Clara County, California, Phelps broke the world record in the 200-meter individual medley.
2003: World Aquatics Championships
In 2003, at the World Aquatics Championships, Phelps won four gold medals, two silver medals, and broke five world records. He broke his first world record on July 22 in the semi-finals for the 200-meter butterfly. In the final of the 200-meter butterfly, on July 23, Phelps easily won the gold medal. Phelps also swam the lead-off leg for the 4×200-meter freestyle relay, winning a silver medal.
November 2004: Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
In November 2004, Michael Phelps, at age 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty to driving while impaired and was sentenced to probation, fined, and ordered to speak to students about drinking and driving.
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 after Jon Urbanchek retired.
2004: Athens Olympics butterfly titles
Following his two titles in the Athens 2004 Olympics, Michael Phelps became the first swimmer, male or female, to win three Olympic butterfly titles.
2004: USA Olympic Team Member
In 2004, Michael Phelps became a USA Olympic team member.
2004: First Place in 200-meter Butterfly
In 2004, Michael Phelps won first place in the 200-meter butterfly.
2004: 2004 Olympic Games in Athens
In 2004, at the Olympic Games in Athens, the United States set a record in the 4x100-meter medley relay.
2004: 2004 Summer Olympics
In 2004, at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Phelps tied the record of eight medals of any color at a single Games, winning six gold and two bronze medals.
2005: Ian Crocker's Record
In 2005, Ian Crocker set a world-record time of 50.40 seconds in the 100-meter butterfly.
2005: 2005 World Aquatics Championships
In 2005, at the World Aquatics Championships, Michael Phelps secured a total of six medals, comprising five gold medals and one silver medal. He did not advance past the preliminary heats in the 400-meter freestyle. He won gold in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, the 200-meter freestyle, the 200-meter individual medley, the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, and the 4x100-meter medley relay. He earned a silver medal in the 100-meter butterfly.
2005: World Championship Trials
In 2005, at the World Championship Trials, Phelps dropped his specialty events, the 400-meter individual medley and the 200-meter butterfly, and experimented with the 400-meter freestyle and the 100-meter freestyle. Phelps went on to win the 400-meter freestyle, the 200-meter freestyle, the 100-meter butterfly, the 100-meter freestyle, and the 200-meter individual medley at the Trials.
2006: 2006 Pan Pacific Championships
In 2006, Michael Phelps competed in the backstroke at the Pan Pacific Championships.
August 1, 2007: US Nationals
On August 1, 2007, at the US Nationals in Indianapolis, Michael Phelps swam the 200-meter backstroke in 1:54.65, the third fastest time ever in the event.
2007: Meeting Nicole Johnson
In 2007, Michael Phelps met Nicole Johnson at the ESPYs.
2007: 100-meter butterfly win
In 2007, Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly.
2007: 2007 World Aquatics Championships
In 2007, at the World Aquatics Championships, Michael Phelps showcased his dominance by winning seven gold medals, equaling Mark Spitz's record. He broke five world records in the process. Phelps's gold medals came in the 4x100-meter freestyle, the 200-meter freestyle, setting a world record, the 200-meter butterfly, setting a world record, the 200-meter individual medley, setting a world record, the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, setting a world record, the 100-meter butterfly, and the 400-meter individual medley, setting a world record.
August 17, 2008: Eighth Gold Medal
On August 17, 2008, Michael Phelps secured his eighth gold medal in the 4x100-meter medley relay at the Olympic Games in Beijing, surpassing Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals won in a single Olympic Games. His team set a new world record in the event with a time of 3 minutes and 29.34 seconds. Phelps swam the butterfly leg, setting the fastest split ever for the event.
2008: Establishment of Michael Phelps Foundation
After the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps used his $1 million Speedo bonus to set up the Michael Phelps Foundation, focusing on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles.
2008: Bowman Returned to Baltimore
After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Bob Bowman returned to Baltimore as CEO at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.
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: 2008 Olympics
During the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps faced press scrutiny regarding potential use of performance-enhancing substances. Phelps had signed up for Project Believe, a program by the United States Anti-Doping Agency. He passed all nine tests administered to him during the Games.
2008: Eighth Olympic Gold Medal
During the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, Michael Phelps won his eighth Olympic gold medal in the 4×100-meter medley relay. Ian Thorpe, who previously doubted Phelps could win eight golds, congratulated Phelps.
2008: First Breakup with Nicole Johnson
In 2008, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson broke up for the first time.
2008: USA Olympic Team Member
In 2008, Michael Phelps became a USA Olympic team member.
2008: Defended individual title
In 2008, Michael Phelps defended his individual title.
2008: First Place in 200-meter Butterfly
In 2008, Michael Phelps won first place in the 200-meter butterfly.
2008: Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Award
In 2008, Phelps earned Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year award due to his unprecedented Olympic success in the Beijing Games.
2008: 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials
In 2008, at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, Michael Phelps showcased his talent by competing in six individual events. He broke his own world record in the 400-meter individual medley, and won the 200-meter freestyle, the 200-meter butterfly, the 200-meter individual medley, and the 100-meter butterfly. He also secured a spot on the relay team.
2008: Beijing Olympics Success
The national team's success in the men's 4 × 100 m freestyle relay during the Beijing 2008 Olympics served as a motivation for Michael Phelps's return to swimming.
February 2009: Photograph Using a Bong Goes Viral
In February 2009, a photograph of Michael Phelps using a bong went viral, leading to the loss of Kellogg's as a sponsor and a three-month suspension by USA Swimming. He admitted the photo was authentic and apologized for his "inappropriate" behavior.
April 9, 2009: Honored by Maryland House of Delegates and Senate
On April 9, 2009, Michael Phelps was invited to appear before the Maryland House of Delegates and the Maryland Senate, to be honored for his Olympic accomplishments.
2009: 2009 World Aquatics Championships
In 2009, Michael Phelps competed in the World Aquatics Championships. He won his third consecutive title in the 100-meter butterfly. He also participated in the 4x100-meter medley relay, where his team won the gold medal.
2009: 2009 National Championships
In 2009, Michael Phelps shortened his program at the National Championships, participating in only three individual events. He emerged victorious in the 200-meter freestyle, the 200-meter butterfly, and the 100-meter butterfly, setting a world-record time in the latter.
2010: Second Breakup with Nicole Johnson
In 2010, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson broke up for the second time.
2010: 2010 National Championships
In 2010, at the National Championships, Michael Phelps competed in five individual events. He won the 200-meter freestyle, ahead of Ryan Lochte, and the 200-meter butterfly, although he was dissatisfied with his butterfly performance. Phelps also won the 100-meter butterfly, securing his 50th national title. In the 200-meter individual medley, Phelps finished second to Lochte. In the 200-meter backstroke, he finished in fourth place.
2010: 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships
In 2010, at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships, Phelps won the 200-meter butterfly. He also participated in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, where his team finished first. Phelps also competed in the 100-meter butterfly, finishing first and setting a championship record. His team also finished first in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay, and Phelps set the championship record in the 100-meter freestyle as the lead-off leg. In his final event, the 4x100-meter medley relay, Phelps and his team finished first.
2010: Development of the "im" Program
In 2010, the Michael Phelps Foundation, 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, with a focus on swimming.
2011: 2011 World Aquatics Championships
In 2011, at the World Aquatics Championships in Shanghai, Michael Phelps won a bronze medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. He also won a silver medal in the 200-meter freestyle. He won a gold medal in the 200-meter butterfly, becoming the first swimmer to win five gold medals in one discipline at the World Aquatics Championships.
2011: Release of Michael Phelps: Push the Limit Game
In 2011, the Xbox 360/Kinect game "Michael Phelps: Push the Limit" was released, aiming to bring swimming excitement to living rooms. Reviews were lukewarm.
July 28, 2012: 2012 Summer Olympics - 400-meter individual medley prelims
On July 28, 2012, at the Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps placed eighth in the prelims for the 400-meter individual medley, qualifying last for the final. His time was well off his world record set four years earlier in Beijing.
July 31, 2012: 2012 Summer Olympics - 200-meter butterfly and 4x200-meter freestyle relay
On July 31, 2012, Michael Phelps won a silver medal in the 200-meter butterfly and a gold medal in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay at the Summer Olympics. With this win, he became the all-time record holder for the most Olympic medals won, surpassing Larisa Latynina.
August 2, 2012: 2012 Summer Olympics - 200-meter individual medley
On August 2, 2012, Michael Phelps won his 16th Olympic gold medal in the 200-meter individual medley, becoming the first male swimmer to win the same event in three consecutive Olympics. This marked his fifth Olympic title in the individual medley.
2012: Contemplation of Suicide After 2012 Olympics
After the 2012 Olympics, Michael Phelps contemplated suicide due to struggles with depression.
2012: Plans to Work with Foundation After Retirement
Following the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Michael Phelps stated he hoped to work more with his Foundation after retiring from competition.
2012: Reconciliation with Nicole Johnson
In 2012, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson started to reconcile their relationship.
2012: USA Olympic Team Member
In 2012, Michael Phelps became a USA Olympic team member.
2012: Second Place in 200-meter Butterfly
In 2012, Michael Phelps finished second in the 200-meter butterfly at the London Olympics, losing to Chad le Clos.
2012: 2012 Olympics - Final Event and Award
In 2012, Michael Phelps's final event at the Olympics was the 4x100-meter medley relay, where he won his 18th career gold medal and his 22nd overall. He ended the 2012 Olympics as the most successful swimmer for the third Olympics in a row. FINA honored Phelps with an award commemorating his standing as the most decorated Olympian ever.
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: FINA Swimmer of the Year Award
In 2012, Phelps won the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award for his international titles and record-breaking performances.
2012: Deteriorated relationship with coach
In 2012, The relationship between Phelps and coach Bob Bowman had deteriorated in the preparations for London.
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.
2012: 2012 Summer Olympics
In 2012, at the Summer Olympics in London, Phelps won four gold and two silver medals.
2012: 2012 Summer Olympics and Olympic Trials
In 2012, leading up to the Summer Olympics in London, Michael Phelps initially expressed a desire to try new events but ultimately qualified for the same eight events he swam in Beijing in 2008. He later dropped the 200-meter freestyle to focus on the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. During the Olympic trials, he finished first in multiple events and secured his place on his fourth Olympic team.
2012: Phelps's First Retirement
Phelps retired following the 2012 Olympics.
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.
May 2014: Arena Grand Prix Win
In May 2014, Michael Phelps won the 100-meter butterfly event at the Arena Grand Prix in Charlotte, North Carolina.
September 2014: Arrested for DUI and Suspended by USA Swimming
In September 2014, Michael Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and speeding in Baltimore. As a result, USA Swimming suspended him from all competitions for six months and barred him from representing the United States at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships.
2014: Deterioration of Relationship with Le Clos
In 2014, Michael Phelps came back from retirement and suggested that current butterfly times were slow, which caused his cordial relationship with Chad le Clos to deteriorate.
February 2015: Engagement to Nicole Johnson
In February 2015, Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson got engaged after reconciling their relationship.
December 2015: Winter Nationals Win
In December 2015, Michael Phelps won titles in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter individual medley at the Winter Nationals in Federal Way, bringing his career total to 62 national titles.
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.
2015: US National Championships
In 2015, after being dropped from the team for the World Aquatics Championships due to a DUI, Michael Phelps competed in the US National Championships in San Antonio. He won gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter individual medley, achieving the fastest times in the world for that year in each event.
2015: United States Fails to Qualify for Finals
In 2015, due to Michael Phelps's suspension, the United States failed to qualify for the finals of the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay at the World Aquatics Championships.
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.
August 12, 2016: Second Retirement
On August 12, 2016, Phelps announced his second retirement, having won more medals than 161 countries.
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.
2016: Physical strength in the water
By the 2016 Olympic Trials, Michael Phelps "felt physically stronger in the water, perhaps because of drills Bowman added to his pool workouts, like multiple repeats of 40 seconds of dolphin kicking while hugging a 10-pound weight to his chest".
2016: USA Olympic Team Member
In 2016, Michael Phelps became a USA Olympic team member.
2016: Desire to Compete in 2016 Summer Olympics
In 2016, Michael Phelps stated that he found his life purpose and desire to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics after seeking Ray Lewis's advice.
2016: FINA Swimmer of the Year Award
In 2016, Phelps won the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award for his international titles and record-breaking performances.
2016: 2016 Summer Olympics
In 2016, at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Phelps won five gold medals and one silver, becoming the most successful athlete of the Games for the fourth Olympics in a row.
2016: 2016 Summer Olympics Qualifications
In 2016, at the US trials in Omaha for the Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps won the 200 m butterfly, 200 m individual medley, and the 100 m butterfly events. This made him the first American male swimmer, and the second American swimmer overall, to qualify for a fifth Olympics. He also secured a spot on the Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay.
2016: Won first gold medal of 2016 Games
On August 7, 2016, Michael Phelps won his first gold medal of the 2016 Olympic Games in the 4 × 100 m freestyle relay. He swam the second leg, overtaking France's Fabien Gilot, securing a lead for his team with a split time of 47.12.
2017: Joined Board of Medibio
In 2017, Michael Phelps joined the board of Medibio, a company focused on the diagnosis of mental health disorders.
2017: Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award
In 2017, Phelps won the Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award.
January 2018: Revelation of Struggles with ADHD and Depression
In January 2018, Michael Phelps revealed that he has struggled both with ADHD and depression.
August 21, 2018: Age Group Records
As of August 21, 2018, Phelps still held 11 age group records, eight in long course, and three in short course.
2020: Federica Pellegrini Becomes Second Swimmer to Make Five Finals
At the 2020 Olympics, Federica Pellegrini became the second swimmer in history to make five finals in the same event, a feat Phelps had achieved previously.
2022: Death of Father, Fred Phelps
In 2022, Michael Phelps' father, Fred Phelps, passed away, and Michael made a tributary post on Instagram on October 24th.
July 23, 2023: World Records Held
As of July 23, 2023, Michael Phelps holds world records in two events, after his last standing individual world record in the 400 m individual medley was broken.
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