Paris Olympics: How Michael Phelps’ Backing Helped Chase Kalisz’s Swimming Career Witness Tokyo 2021 Gold

“When you have someone like Michael in your corner, you believe anything is possible,” Chase Kalisz once remarked about his mentor and friend, Michael Phelps. From the days of spinning the custom rims on Phelps’ car and being playfully chased down for it, to considering him an older brother, Kalisz’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2021, he crowned his career by winning gold in his favorite event, the 400-meter individual medley, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Recently, at the US swimming trials in Indianapolis, Kalisz placed second in the 400m IM event, virtually securing his spot for Paris 2024. This marks his third consecutive Olympics since his debut in Rio. As we celebrate this incredible achievement and anticipate his performance in Paris, we reflect on the profound influence of the man who motivated Kalisz to reach the highest echelons of swimming.

How Michael Phelps helped an NBAC peer achieve the Olympic dream

In an interview with Olympics.com after winning his gold medal in the 400m IM at the Tokyo 2020 Games, Chase Kalisz detailed how he defied all odds against paralysis and won the Olympic Gold medal. He especially emphasized the contribution of Michael Phelps’ mentorship to his success. Kalisz recalled how he was probably about six years old when he was first exposed to Phelps, and he vividly remembers a 15-year-old Michael going off to his first Olympics. Chase said, “Swimming wasn’t really known in Maryland until Michael.” The two started training under Coach Bob Bowman at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club.

Though Kalisz initially begged to train alongside Phelps, he admits that this came with a huge amount of pressure. Michael required and demanded more than 100% of Kalisz’s efforts and dedication. However, this helped Chase reach new heights of success. Chase elaborated on this experience, “I was probably about 13 years old when I started training with Michael full time. I’m the luckiest kid in the world that got that experience.” He compared it to a young sprinter being able to train with Usain Bolt.

Chase Kalisz can rest assured that he will always have Phelps on his side. In fact, during the 400m medley event in Tokyo, a masked Michael Phelps was in attendance. He even came over to the deck to give Kalisz a hug. “Michael is very supportive,” Kalisz said later. “He’ll give me a kick in the (butt) if I need it, and sometimes I need it. Michael has been an older brother to me in my life. I remember interacting with Michael when I was 6 years old — and here we are 21 years later.”

Even Michael Phelps praised his friend and pseudo-younger brother, explaining how ‘his back half was great’ and ‘he took care of what he needed to do.’ Back in 2016, Chase made his debut in the same event that marked Michael Phelps’ last Olympic cycle. Initially, Phelps had decided that 2012 would be his final Olympics, but he managed to compete one more time. Five years later, Kalisz won gold. Though Kalisz has self-admittedly said he is not looking to defend his 400m IM title in the 2024 Games, nothing can be ruled out for certain yet.

Chase Kalisz’s triumphs through the years

Kalisz has set his sight on a third Olympic Games as he trains under coach Bob Bowman in Colorado Springs ahead of the US swimming trials at Lucas Oil Stadium. Recently, he secured the runner-up spot in the 400m IM with a time of 4:09.39, being outsped by young Carson Foster from the University of Texas. Kalisz began his training under Bowman at the age of five at NBAC. Though he did not qualify at the US Olympic swimming trials for the 2012 London Games, he set new records in the 200m and 400m IM categories at the Junior Pan Pacific Championships.

During his college days in Georgia, Kalisz won NCAA titles in the 400m IM event. While there, he broke Tyler Clary’s American record in the 400-yard IM, prompting Phelps to challenge him to break his own record in the Rio Olympics. Phelps reportedly turned to him and said, “The next step, go 4:03.” Kalisz replied, “I’ll try,” not backing down from the challenge. Additionally, he secured medals at the FINA World Championships and Pan Pacific Championships. As the Paris Olympics draw near, fans and audiences eagerly await the swimmer to make a tremendous splash in the trials and carry Phelps’ legacy forward.