Michael Phelps Digs Up Rio Olympics Note From Late Swimming Coach Jon Urbanchek

When it comes to world records, few athletes can match the legacy of Michael Phelps. With 28 Olympic medals, the Baltimore Bullet is undoubtedly the most successful sports figure in the world. However, his dominance in the swimming pool couldn’t have been achieved without the guiding hands of his trainers. From Bob Bowman to the late Jon Urbanchek, Phelps has been blessed with some true icons of the sports during his career. And some of their advice continues to be words to live by for the Flying Fish.

As the world mourns the recent passing of Jon Urbanchek, Phelps has been reminiscing about the strong bond they had over the past few days. And now, the North Baltimore Aquatic Club swimmer has once again taken to social media to share how Urbanchek kept Phelps motivated.

Michael Phelps kept his head in the game with some help from Jon Urbanchek

In his recent Instagram story, Michael showed off the “BIG O,” the apparatus that has been by his side throughout his illustrious professional career as a swimmer. “Big o was/is my kick board and the only one I’ve used for 20+ years,” wrote Phelps in the caption of the story. While fans of the swimming legend would think that the latest and top-of-the-line equipment would be the norm for someone like Phelps, the revelation will definitely come as a shock to many. But there’s a reason why he never parted ways with his trusted friend.

The kickboard contains a message from Michael’s former trainer Jon. The message, now barely readable, was given to Phelps before the 2016 Rio Olympics. “Move it! For one last time,” reads the message, Michael elaborated in his IG story. When a veteran of the sport puts his trust in you, you’d also go the mile to pay respect to their belief, and if you’re Michael Phelps, you’d obviously pull off another spectacle. That year, Michael won a total of six medals, five of them being gold.

With the world still reeling from Urbanchek’s demise, this wasn’t the only message left behind that made Michael smile.

Jon’s passing has left a gaping hole

Only a couple of days ago, the swimming phenom remembered the ominous words Urbanchek had for Michael to help him prepare for what was to come in the future. In a 2016 interview, Jon warned Phelps that he should know that sooner or later his towering accolades will also be subdued by someone else. “Your records Michael…will be broken,” sounded Urbanchek’s prediction. With that, Jon also emphasized the necessity to forge and maintain bonds during one’s life. “It’s the relationship that I remember,” confessed Phelps’ iconic trainer.

Bob Bowman, Michael’s other trainer, also fondly remembered the life and legacy of Jon in his recent social media update. Love from his colleagues also poured in to help him get by the difficult times. Other celebrated names of the sport including Gretchen Walsh and Katie Ledecky also couldn’t help but extend their love when Jon’s old friend Jack Roach penned down an emotional message as his tribute to his late buddy. However, it looks like the memory of Jon will continue to inspire the newer generations for at least as long as the likes of Michael Phelps continue to be a familiar face in the swimming community.