When Michael Phelps watched The Last Dance, the critically acclaimed documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, he couldn’t help but notice striking parallels between their journeys. The relentless hours of practice, the obsession with greatness, and the sheer will to push through boundaries resonated deeply with Phelps. Reflecting on the documentary, Phelps remarked, “It’s pretty wild watching him in this documentary because there are so many similarities to me. To put it bluntly, everyone’s saying he was an a–hole, but I would say the same thing about myself.”

While the Olympic legend found common ground with the NBA icon, his reaction when the two met for the first time told a different story—one of awe and speechlessness. On Run It Back, Phelps recounted his first encounter with Jordan, which took place in Chicago in 2012. “I was on a golf channel show, talking about golf, and all of a sudden, he walks through the door. I couldn’t say anything and I didn’t know what to say.”

For years, Phelps had envisioned this moment, even preparing a list of questions he wanted to ask the six-time NBA champion. But when the time came, words completely escaped him. “I was like, if I ever meet him, I’m gonna ask him all these questions,” he shared. Instead, Phelps found himself dumbfounded, reenacting the moment by miming his jaw-dropping. “I couldn’t say anything, literally couldn’t say a word.”

This out-of-body experience of meeting a legend isn’t unique to Phelps. Superstars across the board have shared similar stories of being starstruck by Jordan’s presence. Even a young LeBron James once described MJ as “Black Jesus,” a moniker that underscores the almost mythical aura surrounding him.

“I was star-struck. He (Michael Jordan) didn’t look real to me.” Even Allen Iverson couldn’t believe he had met the NBA phenom. Despite being swooped by MJ’s presence, many went on to create a bond like no other. Even Michael Phelps did the same.

Michael Jordan was grateful for the appreciation

“For me, MJ was everything growing up. He was the guy I wanted to be. I wanted to do in swimming what he did for basketball,” Phelps once said, expressing his deep admiration for Michael Jordan. The enduring legacy of Jordan is exemplified by the fact that the Jordan Brand surpassed $7 billion in sales this year—a testament to his lasting impact.

When Jordan learned about Phelps’ admiration, his response was both humble and gracious. “I’m truly honored and humbled that he’s looked at me as a motivational figure,” MJ said. The mutual respect between the two icons has grown over time, and what started as an awe-struck first meeting on a golf course in Chicago has become a regular occurrence for these gold-standard champions.

Phelps has often drawn parallels between Jordan’s competitive spirit during his Bulls era and his drive as an Olympic swimmer. “The competitive fire he has—it’s just like what I felt every time I dove into the pool,” Phelps shared, highlighting the shared mentality that made them both legends in their respective fields.

Interestingly, while Jordan is often described as fiercely competitive. But those who meet him are often surprised by his warmth and ability to make others feel at ease. Phelps echoed this sentiment, marveling at how his idol surpassed all expectations, both as a competitor and as a person.