via Imago
Michael Phelps from the United States of America kisses his medal during the awarding ceremony of the swimming final of men’s 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2016. The United States won the gold medal with 3 minutes 9.92 seconds./ CHINA OUT
via Imago
Michael Phelps from the United States of America kisses his medal during the awarding ceremony of the swimming final of men’s 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 7, 2016. The United States won the gold medal with 3 minutes 9.92 seconds./ CHINA OUT
Michael Phelps is an Olympic legend. No one has done what the American did throughout his career. Even during his final Olympic games, Phelps set a record at 31. So it’s not surprising that the legend inspired Indian swimming prodigy Vedaant Madhavan. Madhavan has had a promising start. From junior national championships to winning the Danish Open 2022, the 17-year-old is on the rise.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
So how did Michael Phelps inspire the young champion? How did Vedaant feel when he met the swimming legend? The young prodigy answered all this in a recent interview.
Vedaant Madhavan thinks Phelps is like superman
Vedaant Madhavan is the son of the Indian actor Ranganathan Madhavan. The 17-year-old swimmer struck gold at the 2022 Danish Open. During a recent interview, the interviewer asked if Michael Phelps inspired him. The young swimmer replied: “Michael Phelps is one the biggest inspirations for all swimmers.”; Vedaant added: “It’s really motivating to see someone so inhuman so superman like.”
The Danish Open winner also said: “He (Michael Phelps) is the most decorated olympian, and everyone looks up to him.” And: “Ever since I was a kid, I would watch his videos and still do,”;?The Indian swimmer then mentioned that about five years ago, he met Michael in person. Phelps had come to Mumbai, and the young swimmer even got the chance to ask some questions.
Wohooo! Congratulations @VedaantMadhavan ! That’s an amazing feat! Keep trailblazing! Congratulations @ActorMadhavan and Sarita ❤️ https://t.co/nXkPLJ6FzZ
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) April 18, 2022
Madhavan said that he was happy that he could meet Phelps. The swimming prodigy also said: “I’m sure that’s helped in some ways.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
One can’t deny that, because not only is Vedaant winning, but he is also improving. Before winning gold at the Danish Open 2022, he took part in the 48th Junior National Aquatics Championship. Vedant Madhavan won four golds and three silvers. It seems whatever advice Michael gave him is working well.
Michael Phelps’ legendary Olympic career
There’s a good reason Phelps keeps inspiring athletes all over the world. Even though the Olympic legend no longer competes, his exploits remain unmatched. With 28, Michael has won the most Olympic medals. From 2000 to 2016, the American won 23 Olympic golds. The athletes who hold second place have only nine golds each. Phelps also won 82 medals in major international competitions, of which 65 are gold.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story – Swimming Legend Michael Phelps? Top 5 Iconic Career Races
The legendary Olympian held and still holds many records. It’s no wonder that Phelps continues to inspire young swimmers like Vedaant. The legend has set a benchmark, not just for swimmers but for every Olympic athlete. From his diet to accolades, Phelps fascinated fans of the Olympic games and continues to do so. There’s little doubt that just like the Indian swimming prodigy, Phelps will inspire many others in the future.
