“Had a Good Run”: Legendary Coach and Swimming Icon Michael Phelps Share Tales of a Tiring But Fruitful Journey

The Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps needs no introduction. His records speak for themselves as the most decorated Olympic swimmer. Phelps has never been arrogant about his records or talent, he has always thanked his coach for them.

Phelps has been trained by Bob Bowman since he was a child. All those years of hard training made Phelps the man he is now. Bowman has always been a father-like figure to Phelps, and recently in his Instagram story, Phelps expressed gratitude for their bonding.

Michael Phelps is just grateful

Michael Phelps, when he started his swimming career, was afraid of water. Bowman has played a huge role in turning Phelps from a kid who fears water into the world’s most decorated Olympic swimmer yet. The way Bowman trained him didn’t even leave Phelps’ rivals a single chance of beating his record or even coming close to it.

Phelps posted a story on his Instagram that says, “Pretty wild stat @coach_bowman. We had a good run @ it. Thank you.” Bowman also did reply to this story by posting on his Instagram that reads, “A lot of amazing work went into those @m_phelps00.”

ALSO READ – “He Is My Dad”- Michael Phelps Opens Up on the Heartwarming Role of Coach Bowman in His Life

Phelps’ Olympic record has been there for 20 years and 156 days. The record was set back in 2002 when Phelps went against Erik Vendt. The swimmer was a prodigy at that time and was yet to turn the whole swimming world upside down. The swimming world noticed an epic showdown between these two swimmers at the U.S. Summer Nationals. The category was men’s 400 IM, and Phelps flabbergasted the whole world. Phelps cleared the course in 4:11.09, whereas Vendt did it in 4:11.27, making Phelps the fastest in the world. To date, no one has broken Phelps’ record, and behind this was the magic of Bowman’s coaching.

Bob Bowman is more than just a coach for Phelps

Phelps was nine years old when his father, Fred Phelps, and his mother, Deborah Phelps, got a divorce. Phelps was too young to understand the meaning of the separation, which also led him to think about it all the time. He then got serious about swimming after joining the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Later on his journey, he met Bob Bowman.

Bowman didn’t only train Phelps the whole day; he also took care of him emotionally when no one was with him. Because of Bowman, Phelps has never felt as if he lacks a father figure to guide him. Bowman may not be his father but as a father figure, he has seen Phelps grow from a kid who fears water to a swimming legend. He has been with him till his retirement.

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What do you think of their relationship? Let us know in the comment section.