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13 unusual facts about Michael Phelps


Anchor leg

At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Michael Phelps swam the anchor leg of the 4 x 200 m relay becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time with his 19th career medal (15th gold medal).

Annabel Jarman

She received a minimal level of internet notoriety in 2008 after Michael Phelps mentioned her name on his Facebook page wall.

Ben Hesen

At the BIG TEN Championships at the University of Michigan, Ben took the 100 backstroke title in a time of 45.92, breaking the Canham Natatorium record of 46.48 set by Michael Phelps in 2005.

Carl Osburn

Prior to Michael Phelps, his tally of eleven medals made him the all-time leading male medal winner for the United States at the Olympic Games.

Georgie Bingham

During her time at ESPN, she participated in broadcasts from Wimbledon, The Open, the US open golf and tennis, The ESPYs, and interviewed Pele, David Beckham, Tracy McGrady, Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant among others.

H2O Audio

H2O Audio's motto is "Your Sport, Your Music", and their sponsored athletes include Michael Phelps, Natalie Coughlin, Laird Hamilton, and triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett.

In 2009, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps also became an official ambassador of the brand, along with triathletes Greg and Laura Bennett.

Kris Humphries

His first success in sports came in competitive swimming, where he was the top 10-year-old in the nation in six events, second only to a young Michael Phelps in the remaining events.

National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Also in early 2009, when the Kellogg Company dropped its contract with Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps after pictures of him using a bong surfaced in the media, head members of NORML began boycotting Kellogg products and urging all members and supporters of NORML to boycott Kellogg, until the company reversed the decision.

Olympia Schwimmhalle

This record was not surpassed until fellow swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

Ray Ewry

His 8 Olympic gold medals in individual events (i.e. non-relay) are second only to Michael Phelps's 11.

Richland County Sheriff's Department

Also known for the Michael Phelps incident where the Olympic champion had his picture taken while smoking from a marijuana pipe.

Rodgers Forge, Maryland

In 2004, Rodgers Forge gained international attention as the home of Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps.


Ahmet Mazhar Bozdoğan

One of his major projects was actualized in 2013: He brought Bob Bowman, the Coach of Michael Phelps, to the Turkish Swimming as a fully entitled Advisor.

Krisztina Egerszegi

She is a three-time Olympian (1988, 1992 and 1996) and five time Olympic champion; and one of three individuals (Dawn Fraser and Michael Phelps being other two) to have ever won the same swimming event at three Summer Olympics.

Larisa Latynina

Latynina's nine gold medals makes her second on the list of most Olympic gold medalists together with Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis and Paavo Nurmi, only behind Michael Phelps, who has 18.

Swim Across America

SAA, whose events often include Olympians such as Michael Phelps, Jenny Thompson and Dara Torres, has raised over $40 million since its inception.

Vitaly Scherbo

Only Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz have ever won more golds in a single Games, and only Phelps and Eric Heiden have won as many individual gold medals (five) at a single Games.