Michael Phelps: "God of the Aquas"

Michael Phelps the most decorated Olympian of all time has been dominate in the Aquatic events of today's modern age Olympic sport of swimming. In 2004 prior to the Olympic games in Athens Phelps competed in several events including the men's 400m IM, 200m freestyle, 200m butterfly, 200m IM, 100m butterfly and 200m breaststroke. In the 400m IM at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Phelps set a World Record time of 4:08.41 letting the world know the U.S. Team was up to something special but how special? Phelps the Olympic body clapping event swimmer with a arms that span over 6 foot 7 inches, 3 inches longer than his 6' 4" body frame. In the 2004 U.S. Olympic trials Phelps set a U.S. record by qualifying to compete in 6 Olympic events. The U.S. team later selected Phelps to compete in the 4x100m relay with Olympic teammates Ian Crocker, Neil Walker, and and the top seeded 100m swimmer Jason Lezak. Giving America the chance to compete for an Olympic medal against Australia in France in Athens. 


In Athens Phelps competed in his first Olympic event the 400m IM recording a World Record time of 4:08.26 to win his first Olympic gold medal. During the 2004 Olympics Phelps set several Olympic Records 100m butterfly (51.25), 200m butterfly (1:54.04), and 200m IM (1:54.14) winning gold in all three events. Winning the three golds and setting Olympic Records was just the tip of the iceberg as Phelps competed in 5 more events that would change his status for ever. In addition to three O.R. in previous events, Phelps proved his placement to  the Greek God's of Athens setting two World Records in the 400m IM (4:08.26) and 4x100m medley (3:30.68).  During the 2004 Summer Olympic Phelps delivered 8 medals, 6 Gold Medals and 2 Bronze. The eyes of Poseidon were opened brightly as Phelps competed in the land were Poseidon flooded the Attic plain of Athena. 

In Beijing Michael Phelps now searching to become the greatest swimmer in history competed in 8 major aquatic events. Setting Olympic Record in the 100m butterfly (50.58) and World Records in the 200m butterfly (1:52.03), 200m freestyle (1:42.96), 200m IM (1:54.23), 400m IM (4:03.84), 4X100m freestyle relay (3:08.24), 4x200m freestyle relay (6:58.56), and 4x100m medley (3:29.34). In the 400m IM Phelps set a WR during the preliminary than re-set the WR in the Final. Setting records upon records upon records is the Michael Phelps way. During the 2008 Olympics Phelps grew to become an icon drawing the applause of several world leaders and becoming an instant sensation around the globe.


 Swimming once a friendly competition started to become an enclosed world of jealousy around Phelps as competitors started to throw cheap shots at the now celebrated world icon. Prior to Phelps 100m butterfly Milrod Cavic a Serbian- American swimmer  "It'd be good for him if Phelps loses" "I'd like to be that guy". Phelps responded with a statement to reporters "When people say things like that, it fires me up more than anything." Phelps went on to defeat Cavic in the 100m butterfly setting an Olympic Record (50.58) and using his 6' 7" wing span and power to reach the wall forcibly defeating Cavic by 1/100th of a second.Later Phelps registered his 8th gold medal in the 4x100m medley relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics breaking an Olympic record set by Mark Spitz in 1972 for most gold medals at a single Olympic Games. Once again Poseidon the God of the Sea smiled upon the aquatic waters of Beijing watching the greatness of Phelps

When Phelps prepared for the 2012 Summer London Olympics he vowed to change his formula and swim in several different events. Already the world record holder and most of the events he participated in was Phelps perhaps a little bored or was he simply looking to become more dominate? At the US Olympic trials the new plan was scratched and Phelps returned to familiar territory qualifying in his eight most famous events. During the U.S. trials, Phelps finished first in the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter individual medley, and second in the 400-meter individual medley. 


Coming in to 2012 Summer Olympics many of Phelps own teammates no longer wanted to awe and admire his records they were now ready to challenge and take the torch. Ryan Lochte made several quotes referring to his time being now and taking the torch from Phelps. American teammate and swimmer Tyler Clary said bashed Phelps preparation saying "I saw a real lack of preparation (from) him. Basically, he was a swimmer that didn't want to be there. They can talk about all of these goals and plans and preparation they have. I saw it. I know. It's different". Phelps went on to defeat Clary in the 200m butterfly winning the silver medal and registering his record tying 18th medal. The 18th medal placed him next to Laris Latynina  for the tie for all time medal record holder.  Poseidon continue to smile upon the gracious waters in London as Phelps would anchor the team U.S.A. 4x200m freestyle relay snatching the gold medal for the American team. In a gracious form of the Olympic spirit former all time record holder Latynina presented the record breaking gold medal to Phelps.

With 19 medals, and several world records Phelps will go down as the greatest Olympian of all time in the year 3012 the history books will show Phelps as the "God of the Aquas". An Olympian who will forever be remembered with name carved in stone. Placed among the Olympic gods who starred in Athens watched over Poseidon and embraced by Zeus.  Added to the list of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Demeter, Athena,Dionysus, Apollo, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite, Hephaestus Hermes and now Phelps. 


NOTE: Phelps wins 20th Medal 200m IM just edging out fellow TEAM USA member Ryan Lochte in the great Lochte vs. Phelps battle of the 2012 Summer Olympic Games 


Note: Phelps wins 21st Medal (GOLD) 100m Butterfly 51.21sec outshining Le Clos and Cavic in his last individual swimming event of his career... 


Note: Michael Phelps wins in 4x100m medley relay collecting his last 18th Gold Medal and 22nd over all Medal proving he is truly the "God of the Aquas"

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