“It’s Been a Hell of a Career”: Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Broke an Age-Old Record Just Before His Retirement in 2016

When it comes to breaking records, Michael Phelps’s name would always feature at the top. Phelps is undoubtedly the most decorated Olympian of all time with his 28 individual medals standing proof. The 37-year-old has broken almost every record in the book of swimming. The Flying Fish didn’t stop toward the later phase of his career and ended up breaking a unique record. 

In the Rio 2016 Olympics, Phelps broke a 2000-year-old record. Now that’s some stuff for history!

Michael Phelps broke a 2168-year-old record at the Rio Olympics

Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 witnessed the exceptional performance of Michael Phelps. The superman from Baltimore won the 200m medley. However, this wasn’t just another one of Phelps’s heroics. With this win, Michael Phelps grabbed the 13th individual gold medal. This medal broke an ancient record the legendary runner Leonidas of Rhodes had held for 2168 years.

According to an article in the New York Times, Michael Phelps surpassed the great Rhodes’s record of twelve individual gold medals. “I don’t know what to say. It’s been a hell of a career,” said Phelps after setting up the record. Michael Phelps also added his name to an elite list of swimmers.

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The win at Rio helped him to get his name next to legendary Olympians Al Oerter and Carl Lewis. He stood tall among the only three Americans to win an individual event four times. Phelps was overwhelmed with the love and support from his fans after the win. He said, “Right now I don’t know how to wrap my head around that.” 

Who was Leonidas of Rhodes?

Leonidas of Rhodes was a legendary runner who competed in four successive Olympiads. He dominated the sporting event from 164 BCE to 152 BCE. Rhodes held the record of winning different foot races. Leonidas is the only one known to have achieved the honor more than once. Remarkably, he was 36 when he accomplished it for the fourth time, while Phelps achieved this honor at the age of 31.

Phelps retired in 2016 with a total of 28 Olympic medals to his name, including 23 golds. The 37-year-old has set up high standards not just in swimming, but as an Olympian, by creating incredible records. Phelps has indeed been a true inspiration for anyone who believes in themselves. 

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