Reminiscing London Olympics, Sharron Davies Shares Vivid Michael Phelps Memory That Will Bring an Instant Smile

Olympian and author Sharron Davies, MBE, recently appeared on an Outkick podcast. In an episode of Gaines for Girls Podcast, Davies sat down with Riley Gaines to talk about a host of things. The Olympic winner in 1980, has competed in three different Olympics over three decades. Around 2005, while working for the BBC, Davies strongly rallied support for the 2012 Olympics to be held in London.

In the podcast, she reminisced about her unforgettable encounter with Michael Phelps during the London Olympics in 2012. Revealing that she was the first person to interview Phelps at the 2012 London Olympics, where the legendary swimmer made history.

Sharron Davies’ interview with Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps once again dominated the sport of swimming in the 2012 Olympics. For a third straight Olympics, Phelps became the most successful swimmer of the meet. Securing an impressive haul of 4 gold and 2 silver medals in the process. Recognizing his monumental achievements, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) acknowledged Phelps as the most decorated Olympian ever. Davies has been associated with the BBC’s poolside coverage for an impressive 29 years. She revealed that she was the first person to interview Michael Phelps when he became the most decorated Olympian in history.

She described this experience as “a pretty cool moment”. Davies also expressed her gratitude for the incredible opportunities that the world of sports has granted her. Davies, seizing the opportunity to delve deeper into Phelps’ mindset, inquired whether this level of success was something he had envisioned when he embarked on his career years ago.

Phelps responded with utmost clarity, ” I dreamt of being the greatest.” With unwavering determination and the guidance of his coach, Bob Bowman, Phelps worked relentlessly to turn that dream into a reality. Following the 2012 Olympics, Phelps made a surprising announcement, declaring his retirement from swimming.

Phelps’s retirement and his ultimate comeback

After picking up 6 Olympic medals at the 2012 London Olympics and becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time, Phelps decided to hang up his swimsuit for good. At that time, he expressed a desire to distance himself from swimming entirely. However, the allure of the pool proved too strong to resist, prompting Phelps to make a triumphant return in 2014. His subsequent performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics yielded six additional Olympic medals, cementing his status as the ultimate GOAT of the sport.

Read more: Is Michael Phelps the Greatest Olympic Athlete of All Time?

Sharron Davies’ recollection of her encounter with Michael Phelps offers a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of an iconic athlete. Her anecdote also evokes nostalgia for the unforgettable performances of Michael Phelps at the London Olympics where he created history. Phelps’s greatness continues to inspire generations of aspiring athletes for the pursuit of excellence.

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