A True Winner

He was called “Half-Man Half-Fish” and “The Deep Sea Frog” by his fans in the recent 2008 Beijing Olympics. He awed spectators when he broke world records and won all 8 swimming events in Beijing. All eyes were on him and the contest was between all other swimmers and Michael Phelps.

Michael Fred Phelps was born on June 30 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland. His father, Fred Phelps, works for the Maryland State Police and his mother Debbie Davisson Phelps, is presently a middle school principal. His parents got divorced in 1994. Michael has two other siblings Whitney and Hillary who were also swimmers, unfortunately Whitney got into an accident which derailed her career. Michael graduated from Towson High School in 2003 and attended college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he studies sports marketing and management. In May 2008, the 6”4, 194 lbs swimmer decided to return to Baltimore saying “I am not going to swim for anybody else” and was decided to help the North Baltimore Aquatic club go further.

Phelps as a young teenager started his training at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club under Coach Bob Bowman. His first International competition was at the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. He was only 15 at that time making him the youngest American male swimmer at an Olympic Game. He didn’t win any medal; however he finished fifth in the 200m butterfly. After 5 months thereafter, he was able to break the world record in the 200m butterfly making him the youngest man ever to break a swimming record. Then, he was able to make a name for himself. Because of his fame and outstanding success, some people labeled him as “too good to be true”. But like any other man, Phelps has his own life with his own cross to bear. The only difference is he has too much determination.

In his youth, Phelps was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD which is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder which is typically present during childhood. This is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control and distractibility. This is a chronic condition with no medical cure. However medication and therapy can treat symptoms. For his part he got engaged in swimming to put an outlet for his “extra energy”. He started swimming at the age of seven. He found a passion for swimming and at age 10 he excelled by holding a national record for his age group. In 2004, he was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salisbury, Maryland. He pleaded guilty, was fined $250 and was made to speak to high school students about drinking and driving, and to attend A Mothers against Drunk Driving Meeting. Following the incident he realized that he had let himself and his family down.

Michael Phelps, I believe, is one guy everybody should look up to. He is doing an incredible job. Like any other man he believes has his own battle to win. He doesn’t depend on luck to win his battles. He has discipline, determination and teamwork in his system. Despite of all the fame and glory, he remains humble and does what any other 23 year old do; play hip hop music and texts his buddies. He seems too good to be true. “There are moments that I will never forget” he said in an interview. For sure, neither will the whole world.

Rita Mae Badrina
http://www.articlesbase.com/water-sports-articles/a-true-winner-746167.html

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