When Michael Phelps was barely 15 years old, he was selected for the U.S. Team for his first Games in 2000. Unfortunately, he only received a fifth-place medal in the 200-meter butterfly, failing to place on the podium. At that time, nobody knew that 16 years later, Phelps would be called the most decorated swimmer and Olympian of all time.
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Phelps participated in five Olympic games throughout his 25-year competitive swimming career. In that time, he amassed 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold medals. In addition, multiple companies wanted their names scribbled beside Phelps’ name. However, as he returned from his 2012 retirement, he took an unexpected step.
Michael Phelps’ launching his brand
When he returned in 2014, he started working on his own brand Aqua Sphere. While making the U.S. team proud with his record-shattering performances, he was seen wearing a suit paired with goggles and a cap with his initials scribbled on it. This was revealed by Michael Phelps’ agent back in time. His agent, Peter Carlisle, was also a managing director at a talent agency called Octagon.
Carlisle said, “When he announced he was coming back, there wasn’t a swimwear company that didn’t aggressively court him,” he continued, “The offer that stood out as being the most compelling was launching his own brand with Aqua Sphere.”
Furthermore, all the products of Phelps’ company were certified by FINA and used during the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Phelps created history throughout his career
The most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals ended his career as a competitive swimmer in 2016. First, he retired after the 2012 London Olympics, but he started competing again in 2014. The reason was after his retirement in 2012, he felt a heavy weight on his shoulder due to some unaccomplished business in the sport.
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After his remarkable performance in 2016, he received numerous honors and prizes, including getting featured in the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame. After his post-retirement period, Michael Phelps has undoubtedly been enjoying looking back at his achievements with pride. Being a father of three sons and a husband to Nicole Johnson, he now spends his time with them.
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WATCH THIS STORY: When Olympic Legends Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, and Others Won Their First Gold Medals
However, his interest in sports can be seen even after swimming. Now Michael Phelps often gets spotted playing golf with professional golfers.