Michael Phelps is one of the greatest swimmers in the world. Establishing sheer dominance as a swimmer, he holds the record for winning the maximum number of Olympic medals. With 28 Olympic medals to his name, he is the most decorated Olympian of all time. Michael rose to fame after winning 8 medals at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Many celebrities and famous dignitaries have been vocal about the fact that they admired Phelps. During Michael’s races, the stadiums would be fully packed with the crowds on their feet. His prowess was such that everyone’s eyes would be on the time hoping for a new world record.

Michael Phelps weighs in on famous people watching him perform

After the Athens Olympics in 2004, Michael Phelps had become a household name in swimming. Phelps put forward incredible performances at competitions following the Olympics. These incredible performances made the anticipation of people grow to another level. 

His participation in the 2008 Olympics had a great build-up. Many famous people attended Michael’s races. In an interview with CBS after the Beijing Olympics, the host questioned him, “There were people in the crowd like Lebron James, Kobe Bryant. Some of the best athletes in the world stood in line to get an opportunity to see you perform. Did you ever look up and say, holy cow, this is really happening?”

DIVE DEEPER: “Couldn’t Even Turn On Lights”: Michael Phelps’ Family Was Forced to Sneak in Their Own House During the Horrifying Time of His Infamous Controversy

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To which he responded, “I mean, we saw people from Lebron to Kobe to Mellow to G Wade, to President Bush, to Bill Gates. We saw literally so many people in the stands that were cheering us on, and I think that the sport is really starting to take off and it’s just an honor to be a part of it and help the sport grow and attract new faces to it.”

Michael encountered NBA legends at the Olympic village

Going to the Beijing Olympics, Michael was already a star. The Olympics is the most prestigious event for an athlete and Michael did not leave a stone unturned to outshine in those events. During the Olympics, Michael had an amazing encounter with NBA legends at the Olympics village.

Phelps said one of the coolest things about the Olympics was seeing NBA legends like Kobe and LeBron James. He was thrilled to meet them. Phelps also met legendary tennis players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the games.

WATCH THIS STORY: Resurfaced video shows Michael Phelps Race of the century with Ian Thorpe, Pieter Van Den Hoogenband’s at 2004 Athens Olympics

Michael retired from the sport after the Rio Olympics in 2016. He left an everlasting impact on the great sport.