When it comes to breaking records, Swimming legend Michael Phelps is a force to be reckoned with. The Baltimore Bullet is undoubtedly the most decorated Olympian with his 28 individual medals standing proof.?

In the world of sports, the greatness of an athlete is measured by the number of accolades he/she clinched in his/her beloved sport. For Michael Phelps, his stacked-up mementos for the best swimmer in the world do a fine job.?

Michael Phelps’ stature got a competition

Ever since he stepped foot in the world of swimming, Phelps never shied away from clinching accolades and framing them to his wall of fame. Interestingly, if only his 28 Olympic victories are heaped up, it would over-tower the Flying Fish’s 6’4” stature. In a recent Instagram post by Retro Swimming, the icon?s height is compared to his 28 Olympic medals. It?s interesting to note that these medals, when stacked one above the other, stand at 7?8?? compared to his height of 6? 4??. The page penned “Michael Phelps standard tall, his medals stand taller Graphic by @bleacherreport”.

Breaking down the unmatched feats, Phelps was only 15 years old when he made his Olympic debut at the Sydney 2000 Games, but didn’t take home any medals. At the 2000 Games, he placed fifth in the 200-meter butterfly final to earn his first Olympic medal. Continuing the Olympics streak, at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016, Phelps earned 16 medals. Phelps became the first athlete to win eight gold medals at a single Olympics in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In terms of numbers, Phelps has earned 23 gold medals in his last four Summer Olympics appearances, which is less than the 66 nations who have collectively won fewer gold medals since the modern Olympics’ debut in 1896. And that doesn’t include the 42 countries that took part, winning no gold medals. His stature is undoubtedly his greatest strength. One of his biggest assets, one cannot help but notice, is his height, and he sure knows it.

What makes Phelps so good??

The legend of the swimming world is blessed with a strong physique. His long torso and short legs, in particular, reduce his drag and enable the greatest forward propulsion. With a wingspan of 208 cm, giving him powerful levers to move through the water. His swimming speed is further enhanced by his big hands and size 14 feet, coupled with excellent stroke mechanics, which are vital in the sport.

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

Besides his physical traits, he offers admirable personal qualities of being goal-focused, realizing what is required for success, and further avoiding distractions from other swimmers. Phelps’ physical prowess, his commitment to training, and his mental fortitude all contributed to his success. He serves as a role model and inspires many with his charity efforts and mental health advocacy. And in the realm of swimming and Olympic sports, lives like a legend while motivating future generations.

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