“I’d Never Swim for That Man”- Michael Phelps Once Recalled Muddled First Impression of Coach Bob Bowman

Sometimes people judge others by their first impressions, only to realize later that these impressions don’t hold true over time. When Michael Phelps met coach Bob Bowman for the first time, he wasn’t really fond of the guy. The 23-time Olympic gold medalist initially had doubts about swimming for him. However, it was only later he realized they would change the course of swimming forever.

Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman share a special relationship. After his mom and dad got separated when he was a child, Bowman acted as a father figure for ‘The Baltimore Bullet’ and got to know him inside out. Perhaps even more than his close friends and family.

What Phelps and Bowman have achieved together is an extraordinary feat and the world will remember them forever as one of the best athlete-coach duos.

Michael Phelps didn’t like coach Bowman initially

Recalling his first encounter with Bowman, Michael Phelps said, “I absolutely hated him. I never wanted to swim for him. I remember the first time I was playing around the pool and the only thing I would hear was that whistle and him yelling and I was like I’d never swim for that man.” However, with time, their relationship got better and better.

Soon Phelps realized Bowman could guide his avalanche of energy into something positive, and since then he never doubted his coach again.

READ MORE- Michael Phelps, Who Turns 37 Today, Once Let Call of Duty Takeover Training Before His Final Olympic Appearance

Bowman wasn’t a fan of Phelps either

Well, talking about the first impressions, Bob Bowman was also not really a fan of Michael Phelps in the beginning. When asked whether he was excited to coach him as a young kid, Bowman replied, “Not particularly excited.”

However, to substantiate his stance, he further added, “I thought he was a discipline problem. I would see him around the pool when he was 10. Always getting into trouble and just being a ball of energy, usually not directed in a positive way.”

DIVE DEEPER- Conor McGregor Can Outbid Michael Phelps & Usain Bolt Combined and Still Have $10 Million Left to Splash

It’s intriguing how one’s perspective changes when they understand someone more profoundly. Luckily, that perspective change for Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman happened very early. How much contribution did Bowman have in making Phelps a swimming legend? Do you think ‘The Baltimore Bullet’ would have done it without him?