Michael Phelps Michael Fred Phelps (born June 30, 1985) is an American swimmer who has won 13 Olympic gold medals, the most of any athlete of the modern Olympic era.
He shares the record with Mark Spitz of seven gold medals at a single Olympics. He also shares the record with Soviet gymnast Alexander Dityatin of the most medals (of any type) at a single Olympics - eight medals at Athens 2004. He also holds seven world records
He shares the record with Mark Spitz of seven gold medals at a single Olympics. He also shares the record with Soviet gymnast Alexander Dityatin of the most medals (of any type) at a single Olympics - eight medals at Athens 2004. He also holds seven world records
Overall, Phelps has won 15 Olympic medals. He won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals at Athens in 2004, and 7 gold at Beijing in 2008, six of which were in world record time. He currently ranks second in total career Olympic medals, after Larissa Latynina, who accumulated 18 medals (nine gold) spanning three Olympic Games. Phelps' international titles, along with his various world records, have resulted in him being awarded the World Swimmer of the Year Award in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and American Swimmer of the Year Award in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007.
So far, Phelps has won a total of 47 career medals: 39 golds, 6 silvers and 2 bronze. This includes all the Championships he has competed in The Olympics, the World Championships, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps has qualified to compete in eight swimming events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.
