Thank You, Michael Phelps

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Chandler Brandes, Swimming World College Intern

I know you may never read this, and that’s okay. But I just wanted to say thank you from myself and, quite frankly, on behalf of people everywhere.

So, thank you.

You once said that you wanted to change the world of swimming. Well, add that to your long list of accomplishments during your incredible 24-year career.

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

You were 15 years old when you competed in your first Olympics. You didn’t medal in your only event, but registered a fifth-place showing in what would become one of your signature races. But no way would Michael Phelps, who was becoming a household name at that point, settle for fifth.

And so that lit a fire inside of you, one that although may have dwindled at certain points throughout your illustrious career, never, ever burned out.

Photo Courtesy: Peter Bick

You competed in your second Olympic Games at 19 years old, the age I am right now. You earned six gold and two bronze medals— extremely impressive for someone who was still just a teenager.

But was that good enough for you? Not a chance.

Then 2008 rolled around, your third Olympic Games where you swam to an unprecedented eight gold medals. You had the entire world sitting at the edge of their seats watching your every stroke. You had doubters, and you proved each one of them wrong. You were unstoppable.

Michael Phelps, right, and Garrett Weber-Gale, both of the U.S., react after winning the men's 4X 100-meter freestyle relay swimming event on day three of the 2008 Beijing Olympics in Beijing, China, on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008.

You have openly expressed how you loathed swimming in the years leading up to London, your fourth Olympics. Despite this, you still finished with four golds and two silvers.

Flash forward yet another four years, and here we are, a few days after you competed in your final race in your fifth Olympic Games. So much for retiring after London, huh?

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

You concluded your career by earning even more accolades, notching five golds and one silver in Rio. More importantly, you left the sport loving it, and as always, golden.

The numbers do not and will not lie. Twenty-eight Olympic medals, 23 of them gold. Sixty-three races in five consecutive Olympic Games. Thirty-nine world records, seven of them still standing. The list goes on and on.

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

No one will ever be able to take away those 28 Olympic medals, tokens of the years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifices you endured. Time and time again you have etched your name into the history books, a place where you will forever remain.

While those impressive numbers and statistics will always be associated with Michael Phelps the athlete, your character and accomplishments outside of the pool are an equally crucial part of your long-lasting legacy.

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

As a spectator watching all of your races, press conferences, and interviews from the comfort of my own couch, I have never seen you this relaxed and composed. In recent years, you have epitomized that a happy swimmer is a fast swimmer.

The love you display for your family is indescribable and genuine. The images of you embracing fiancée, Nicole Johnson, and your son, Boomer, pulled at all of our heart strings.

2016-michael-debbie-boomer-nicole-johnson-phelps-200fly

Photo Courtesy: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The footage of your family screaming and cheering in the stands are all of our families watching you from home, and all of those times you’ve given your flowers and medals to your mom, Debbie Phelps, is enough to bring my own mother to tears.

You were chosen to carry the American flag at the Opening Ceremonies, an honor most Olympians can only dream of. You were also chosen by your own teammates as captain, further exemplifying the pride you have in your country and Team USA.

michael-phelps-usa-flag-2016-rio-olympic-opening-ceremony

Photo Courtesy: Jack Gruber, USA TODAY Sports

Your work with the Michael Phelps Foundation allows you to share your love and passion of swimming with others. You’ve changed and saved lives by giving back to the sport that has done so much for you.

You’ve had your ups and downs throughout the years and you owned up to your mistakes and accepted the consequences. You proved that despite making mistakes, you can—and will—become a better person as you bounce back in better form than ever.

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

You always let your swimming do the talking. You win humbly and lose gracefully. As your newfound Internet meme #PhelpsFace proves, no one can take you out of your pre-race zone. And the next time my cap rips right before my race, I won’t even blink twice.

You have been an inspiration to me throughout my own swimming career, and I have never known a world of swimming without you. You’ve been the subject of many book projects and assignments throughout my school years. Heck, you’ve even been the background of my phone this entire summer.

Photo Courtesy: Huffington Post

You turned small goals as a 15-year-old rookie into gold medals— 23 of them, to be exact. You proved time and time again that no goal is ever impossible and no mountain is too high to conquer.

While I spent last week screaming at my TV during finals, I grew quiet on Friday night upon realizing that was the last time anyone would ever see you stand on the blocks and swing your arms three times behind your back.

And then on Saturday evening, I shed a few tears watching you compete in your last race, the final two laps culminating the career of the greatest athlete to walk this earth.

michael-phelps-stretch-starting-block-start-finals-mesa-2016-arizona

Photo Courtesy: Kara Sekenski

So thank you for your ability to bring the world together through the power of sport. Thank you for making a comeback after London, and thank you for putting swimming on the map and for continuing to grow the sport.

Thank you for lighting the world on fire every time you dove into the water. Thank you for representing our country with pride, honor, and grace, and thank you for inspiring generations past, present, and future.

Thank you, Phelps, for changing the world of swimming.

Photo Courtesy: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

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Luis Lugo

7 years ago

Very moving and heartfelt article.

Merari

7 years ago

Beautifully expressed.

RScottDunn

7 years ago

Amen ! We’ll written article. I don’t think that the author wI’ll obect to my saYing that the Subject Matter made the story easier to write. Thank you Michael Phelps you are truly the best, and I’m old and have seen quite a few good ones !

R.Scott Dunn

B. Eppert

7 years ago

What a beautiful tribute to Michael Phelps. You summed up what most of us watching have felt over the years. Well done.

Orlando De La Torre

7 years ago

Swimming World will remember you for Centuries.
You are the Greatest Ever.
All the Glory and Honor for you Michael Phelps.

Marcela Figueroa Alvarez

7 years ago

Fantastic article and yes a million times yes… Thank you Michael Phelps for putting our sport in the spotlight! You are a great athlete and human being!!! Many blessings for you and family.

LeighAnn Saylor

7 years ago

As a mom of a swimmer / football player, thank you Michael Phelps for being the role model you are. You are only 3 years older than my son and I will always have fond memories when I hear your name. My Kyle and I would watch all of your Summer Olympics events together all through HS and college. He is married, a college graduate and expecting his first son in December. He says… Just maybe, he will be the next Michael Phelps! You are a wonderful role model to all the kids with dreams out there. And you overcame Normal Boyish mistakes and came back and made it right all in the public eye! You truly are the GREATEST!

Cath Randell

7 years ago

Thank you for also hi-lighting the fact – that a child who was informed that he would ‘never achieve’ has become the most decorated & famous Olympian of all time! For all those young people – struggling with where their life will take them – you can all achieve – you just need to find & follow your strengths !! Go find it & good luck xx

Mar Herr

7 years ago

Thank you Michael to get the chance to see you in Olympics and private life. The best swimmer ever!!!

Bennie Bouwer

7 years ago

Was and still is an absolute joy watching you swim All of the best for your future for you personally as well as your young growing family??????

Debra Murane Eagleton

7 years ago

Thanks for the ride Michael

Martin Paulo Gonzales

7 years ago

Thank you Michael Phelps! You inspired me a lot! 😀

Sandra Bledsoe Landtroop

7 years ago

Beautiful tribute. Sums it up perfectly!

Vittorio Pulpo

7 years ago

Olympic History

Lily Ing

7 years ago

Great tribute to the greatest!

Brian Chick

7 years ago

A true Legend!!

Allison Banta Hauer

7 years ago

Love this! ❤️???

Romane Marie

7 years ago

My role model ❤

Linda Jean Oates Brown

7 years ago

Simply an excellent article

Angela Van Wyk

7 years ago

Love this guy

Josephine Ann Lumba

7 years ago

GOAT

Ann Ellsworth Guins

7 years ago

Fantastic writing! I hope MP reads this.

La Mate

7 years ago

Thank u Legend❤️

Katy Dean

7 years ago

Indeed. Thank you.

Marie Forsell

7 years ago

He will be missed!

Ayten Di Bello

7 years ago

#ThankUMP we ♥♥♥♥♥♥ u

Ken Henry

7 years ago

The Golden One! Thank you for being “The Man” ???

Marieta Petrova

7 years ago

GREAT SWIMMER! !!!!!!

Kerry Wyse

7 years ago

Incredible athlete and an inspirational human!

Jessica Da Silva Barreto

7 years ago

Lina Khammash

7 years ago

Abdullah Hayek

Lisa Cupp

7 years ago

Thanks for saying what all of us MP fans feel. I’m very proud to say I’ve seen the greatest Olympian ever. Always an honor to watch you tear it up in the pool. You have always been kind to your teammates and other competitors. A true inspiration to us all. Enjoy your new family and I wish you the best in your future endeavors. You sir deserve a vacation.

MPH

7 years ago

Great article. We love Michael Phelps. We will never see again an amazing swimmer in our lifetime like him. He doesn’t need Kellog’s endorsement. We don’t need Kellog’s either…

Tiffany

7 years ago

Thank you, Michael. You are the best of the bests!!!

David

7 years ago

Really a great sportsperson of this century whose name will be remembered for long, his hardwork,dedication and will to win inspires upcoming swimmers