Michael Phelps

          Michael Phelps, the swimming champion, set a world record when he won eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.Not only did Michael set a new record, but this young swimmer surpassed the previously set record of seven gold medals by Mark Spitz. 

          Michael Phelps, whose nick name is ‘MP’ was born in Baltimore, United States. In fact as a child he was afraid of water. He tried his hands at various sports like soccer and baseball but gradually moved away from other sports and began trying to be a swimmer under coach Bob Bowman.
          At the age of seven, Michael was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperacitivity Disorder), a condition in which a child is constantly active and is unable to focus his/her attention on anything for even a short span of time. Michael found a release for this extra energy in swimming. Despite all odds, Michael’s focus never changed and he become what he dreamt of becoming –a real champion! 

          In the 2004 Olympics held at Athens, Greece, Michael won six gold and two bronze medals. During an interview after the Athens games, Michael recalls how he had tried for the games.
          On cold, dark winter morning when he did not feel like getting up to train at 5.30 a.m., he would look inside his swimming cap. His cap had ‘ATHENS’ stitched on the inside. He focused on the word ATHENS. It reminded him of his goal and he would grab his bag and head for the pool. He has been doing that ever since. He does not recall missing his training for anything – Christmas, New Year or Thanksgiving. 

          This young athlete spends most of his time training in the pool. Like most young people he is found of movies and music. His favourit movie is Austin Powers and he loves video games and rap music. In one of his interviews he says that, “you should dream as big as possible because only then can you achieve your dream”
     

    Michael studies tapes of his races over and over again so that he doesn’t repeat the same mistakes and can better his performance. He hates losing. Michael’s determination and focused endeavor have made him a youth icon.