“Training Schedule Is Beyond the Man”- Kobe Bryant Once Praised Michael Phelps for His Arduous Training Regimen

Athletes go through strenuous routines to reach their peak. Moreover, they continue the regimen to maintain their form. For Olympians, it is on a whole new level. So the journey to becoming the most decorated Olympian did not come easy for Michael Phelps.

Although most people realize the hard work it takes to reach that level, they may not relate to it the way other athletes of similar caliber do. Therefore, Kobe Bryant once opened up about his thoughts on the swimmer’s regimen.

Kobe Bryant on the rigorous training session of Michael Phelps

Phelps started exhibiting talent in the pool early on. He was 11 years old when his future coach, Bob Bowman, noticed his skills in the sport. The coach approached his parents to inform them about the kid’s abilities in the water. Although the athlete’s mother, Deborah ‘Debbie’ Phelps, hesitated initially, she knew it was not up to her to decide.

Debbie enlisted the kid for swimming classes. And within a short period, the swimmer dominated his events at the national meets. And in 2000, he debuted at the Olympic Games at 15. But the swimmer could not deliver the results at his first meet.

However, his grueling hard work paid off in subsequent Olympic meets. And he proceeded to become the winningest Olympian. Bryant once expressed the rigorous training of the Baltimore Bullet during his swimming career. Expressing his thoughts on the athlete’s routine, he said, “His training schedule is beyond the man.”

READ MORE- “Gone Through an Experience”- Michael Phelps’ Relationship With Boomer Helped Him Understand Finer Roles of Parenting Before Having Second Child

As an athlete, the late basketball legend could relate to Phelps. Indicating the various types of training sessions of the 28-time Olympic medalist, he said, “The training that he has to do in the pool and outside of the pool. So there’s a lot of commitment required.”

Bryant once wanted Phelps to return to swimming

Bryant once tried to persuade the Flying Fish to come out of retirement. It was during the 2017 Golden Goggles award ceremony. During the event, both athletes were together on stage to present an award.

The late shooting guard took the opportunity to coax the swimmer to consider returning to the sport. However, Phelps was firm in his resolve and made it clear at the event that he had no intention to return to competitive swimming.

WATCH THIS STORY- Ronda Rousey Worst Beefs From Michael Phelps To Lady Gaga

Following his retirement from swimming in 2016, the athlete has ventured into golf. In recent times, he has become quite an avid golfer. Moreover, he improved his 26-handicap in 2012 to 10.5 in 2020.