Swimming World Magazine Announces Male and Female American Swimmers of the Year

2014 was a year that Michael Phelps would rather forget: he was arrested for a second DUI in September; suspended for six months by USA Swimming—which also took away his monthly funding stipends during the suspension; he underwent treatment at a six-week rehab program; and withdrew himself from Team USA’s 2015 World Championships roster.

But in 2015, Phelps showed his resiliency by being selected Swimming World’s Male American Swimmer of the Year for a record 10th time—even without competing at Worlds in Kazan, Russia.

Instead, he focused all of his energies on the 2015 U.S. summer nationals. He did so well there that he even finished second in the Male World Swimmer of the Year voting!

With all of his rivals swimming in Kazan, Phelps, 30, put on a show in San Antonio. And since the results at Worlds were available before Phelps stepped on the block before each of his events, he had the chance to have the “last laugh.” And he did:

• First, it was the 200 meter butterfly: Hungary’s Laszlo Cseh won the gold medal at Worlds in 1:53.48, ahead of South Africa’s Chad le Clos in 1:53.68. Two days later, Phelps clocked 1:52.94.

• Next, the 100 fly: Le Clos and Cseh in Kazan—50.56, 50.87; Phelps in San Antonio later in the day—50.45.

• Then, the 200 IM: countryman Ryan Lochte at Worlds—1:55.81; Phelps at nationals three days later—1:54.75.

Phelps finished the year with three No. 1 times in the world.

Katie Ledecky won her third straight Female American SOY award, tying her with Katie Hoff (2005-07) and Tracy Caulklins (1980-82) for the second most consecutive wins. Janet Evans reeled off five straight from 1987-91.

The 18-year-old had just graduated from Stone Ridge High School (Md.) before dazzling the world this summer at the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia. While winning five gold medals, Ledecky also became the first swimmer to win the 200-400- 800-1500 meter freestyle events at a major international meet.

She set world records twice in the 1500 meter freestyle (15:27.71p, 15:25.48) before adding a third WR four days later in the 800 (8:07.39). She now has 10 world records in her career since first clocking a 15:36.53 as a 16-year-old at the 2013 World Champs.

However, her most stunning victory in Kazan came in the 200, an event in which she was not favored. After turning in the fastest time during the morning prelims, she was faced with a difficult double that night: the finals of the 1500 followed by the 200 semis—just 29 minutes later!

Still hurting from her WR effort in the 1500, she qualified sixth in the 200 semis and had to be consoled by teammate Missy Franklin, who helped her out of the pool.

The next day—after plenty of rest—Ledecky clocked 1:55.16 to beat a stellar field that included Franklin and world record holder Federica Pellegrini of Italy.

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