“You Could Make the Olympic Team…”: Michael Phelps Reveals His Coach’s Advice to Reach the Pinnacle in Swimming

Michael Phelps is the greatest swimmer of all time. Saying that his records are proof of his overarching domination in the sport is only an understatement. In his 16 years of Olympic career, there was a lapse of just one year when the Flying Fish didn’t bring home the gold.

The struggle, hard work, and perseverance behind Michael Phelps‘s success are popularly known. However, there’s an incident that initiated the road map for Michael Phelps’ destiny. His mother took young Michael for swimming lessons and so did his sister for plain water safety concerns. However, Phelps recently revealed his coach’s advice that helped him begin his Olympic career at such a young age. What was the advice about?

Michael Phelps’ coach gave him a priceless advice

A good coach certainly inspires a skilled player’s journey with not just core sports techniques, but also his words or actions at some point in his life. Michael Phelps, fortunately, met his coach quite early in his life. The incident dates back to when Phelps was just 11 years old. However, Phelps had the talent Bob Bowman looked for, but needed modifications to become the best. 

Four years before his Olympic debut, his coach, Bob Bowman, gave him priceless advice. Moreover, he asked Phelps to follow the advice if he wants to make his debut in the 2000 Olympics. Phelps revealed he used to be a multi-sport player back then. He said, “At the time I was playing baseball, cross, soccer, and I was swimming.” 

READ MORE- “Wants to Fight Girls in the Bathroom”: Michael Phelps’ Sister Opens Up on Her Fight With Alcoholism

He added, “I got with my coach who I spent, you know, almost a little longer than two decades with. At the age of 11, he said to me; he is like, in four years, if you want, you could make the Olympic team […] And he said the only way that’s going to be able to happen is if you stop playing your other sports.”

Bowman’s constant advice made Phelps the GOAT

Bob Bowman coached Michael Phelps from a very early age. However, the coach is not often appreciated as the player, but Bowman played a massive role in Phelps’ success. From inspiring him to make his Olympics debut at the age of 15 to winning 23 gold medals in the Olympics, Bowman constantly stood beside Phelps in all ups and downs. 

Phelps once said, “He’s taken me from a little boy and gotten me to where I am today.” Michael Phelps went through several stages in his nearly two-decades-long career. But Bowman never let Phelps go far from swimming. He was the man who kept forcing Phelps to keep working hard towards his goal rather than getting away when feeling frustrated. 

Watch this story: Tiger Woods Massive Scream for Help Resonated With Michael Phelps Who Comforted the Golfer During a Dark Moment in 2017

Michael Phelps has come a long way since he started as a little boy. One thing is for certain… Phelps believed in his coach’s wise words and so did his coach. Have you seen a better team other than Phelps–Bowman? Let us know in the comments section.