As we all know, after the 2012 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps retired from his swimming career. All his fans, including myself, were disappointed hearing this decision of his, but we keep in mind everything that he achieved. After completing  in the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Olympics, Phelps earned himself 22-medals, 18 gold, making him the most decorated Olympian of all times. He also broke and made many records such as the 400- meter individual medley, 200- meter butterfly, and 200- meter individual medley. As a result of all his hard work, he earned many awards such as the Swimming World Magazine World Swimmer of the Year Award in  2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2012; and FINA Swimmer of the Year in 2012. “If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren’t willing to do,” Phelps once said. Aside from swimming Michael continues with his charities, promoting swimming and healthy living.

I think it’s good that Phelps continues a modest life, and goes around the US talking about his experience as an Olympian.  By doing this he puts his popularity aside and he talks to the public as a normal person. Even though he’s so famous, he’s very humble. I also think it’s amazing how he entered the Olympics at the age of 15 and still accomplished so much. When someone like Phelps comes along, it gives the public an example of what someone can do when they put their mind to it. “ I think that everything is possible as long as you put your mind to it and you put the work and time into it. I think your mind really controls everything.”

~Saumya