Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is an American former competitive swimmer who won 23 Olympic gold medals, more than any other athlete in Olympic history.
2004 Summer Olympics: The Athens Games, where Michael Phelps won six gold and two bronze medals. His first Olympic appearance established him as a leading swimmer.
Individual medley: A swimming race in which one swimmer uses butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle in sequence. Phelps's strength across all four strokes made this event a specialty.
Towson, Maryland: A city in Maryland that was Michael Phelps's birthplace and childhood home. Phelps grew up in the Baltimore-area community where his swimming career began.
Olympic Games: An international multisport event held every four years, alternating between Summer and Winter editions. Phelps's record medal total is measured within the modern Olympic Games.
2008 Summer Olympics: The Beijing Games, where Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in eight events. Eight victories made this the defining Games of his career.
Butterfly stroke: A competitive swimming stroke in which both arms recover over the water together while the legs perform a dolphin kick. It was Phelps's signature stroke and powered many of his individual and relay wins.
North Baltimore Aquatic Club: A competitive swimming club in Baltimore, Maryland, where Michael Phelps trained as a young swimmer. The club provided the setting for his early development under Bob Bowman.
List of multiple Olympic gold medalists: A record of athletes who have won multiple gold medals at the Olympic Games. Phelps leads this historical comparison with 23 Olympic golds.
2012 Summer Olympics: The London Games, where Michael Phelps won four gold and two silver medals. He became the first male swimmer to win the same individual event at three consecutive Olympics.
Freestyle swimming: A competitive swimming category allowing any stroke, typically performed using the front crawl. His freestyle speed made him valuable in Olympic relay events.