Olympic legend Michael Phelps, often hailed as one of the greatest Olympians in history, continues to capture hearts, but it’s not just his sporting prowess that fans adore. With his staggering 28 Olympic medals, including a remarkable 23 golds, Phelps stands as a sports icon like no other.
Michael Phelps proudly displays his eighth gold medal, wearing a smile and the American flag, following the Men’s 4×100 Medley Relay at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 17, 2008, in Beijing, China | Source: Getty Images
Born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, Phelps embarked on his extraordinary journey from a young age and achieved unparalleled success in the pool.
One can debate the greatest Olympian of all time with names like Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, and Nadia Comaneci in contention, but when it comes to sheer medal count, Phelps is the undisputed champion.
Michael Phelps celebrates his fourth gold medal with a hand gesture after his victory in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games | Source: Getty Images
His 23 gold medals alone surpass the combined medal count of most other Olympians, including swimmers. Apart from legends like Mark Spitz, Matt Biondi, and Jenny Thompson, no other swimmer has come close to Phelps’s remarkable tally of gold medals.
Michael Phelps joyously celebrates during the medal ceremony for the Men’s 200m Individual Medley Final on Day 6 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Source: Getty Images