Octagon Speakers

Michael Phelps has been making waves in the world of sports since he was young. Phelps has won 14 Olympic gold medals, the most by any Olympian. In the Beijing Olympics in 2008, he took home eight gold medals, setting a new record for the most gold medals won at a single Olympics. He tied the record for the most medals at a single Olympics in the 2004 Athens Summer Olympic Games when he earned six gold medals and eight medals overall. Already a sports legend at the age of 23, he has been named World Swimmer of the Year for 3 out of the last 4 years (2003, 2004, and 2006). He holds several World Records in addition to his many other awards.

Although he is young, Phelps has already had a lifetime of experiences—in the pool and out. He founded “Swim with the Stars”—the first ever Olympic Swimming Tour that travels the country to give kids the opportunity to learn from the best. He is also a national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs. Phelps is youthful but intelligent, successful yet modest, and understands the importance of following a dream. Phelps is the illustration of dedication and passion, practicing 365 days a year. And, his results speak for themselves.

Photograph Credited to Anders Overgaard