Swimming · United States · 1985–
Michael Phelps Life & Career Timeline
Twenty-eight Olympic medals and a career that redrew swimming’s limits.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
19851991199720032009201520212026
MPMichael PhelpsSwimming · United States
← Drag, scroll or swipe through the timeline →
About this timeline
About Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian in history: five Games, 23 gold medals and excellence across four strokes.
Page updated
Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Michael Phelps biography
Michael Phelps timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Baltimore
Michael Fred Phelps II grew up near Baltimore and began swimming as a child.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comBegins training with Bob Bowman
Bob Bowman recognised Phelps’s range and shaped the programme behind his elite career.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comYoungest US male Olympian in decades
At fifteen, Phelps reached the Olympic 200m butterfly final and finished fifth.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comFirst world championship title
He won the 200m butterfly after setting his first world record earlier that year.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comFour world titles
Phelps won butterfly, both individual medleys and the medley relay.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comEight medals in Athens
Six golds and two bronzes tied the record for medals at one Olympics.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comFive world titles
He won across freestyle, medley and relays.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comSeven golds in Melbourne
Seven victories set the stage for an eight-event Olympic campaign.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.com400m medley world record
Phelps opened with gold and a 4:03.84 world record.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comThe relay comeback
Jason Lezak’s final leg preserved victory and the pursuit of eight golds.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comWins by one hundredth
Phelps touched Milorad Čavić by 0.01 seconds in the 100m butterfly.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comA record eight Olympic golds
Medley-relay victory surpassed Mark Spitz’s single-Games record.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comFive world titles in Rome
Phelps won five golds and one silver.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comMost decorated Olympian
His nineteenth Olympic medal moved him past Larisa Latynina.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comFirst retirement
Phelps left his fourth Games with 22 Olympic medals.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comReturns to racing
After nearly two years away, Phelps rebuilt toward Rio.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comReclaims the 200m butterfly
Phelps regained the Olympic title and added relay gold the same night.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comFinal race and 28th medal
Medley-relay gold closed his career with 23 Olympic titles.
Connected: Swimming
Source: www.worldaquatics.comExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Michael Phelps or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
Schools, fan clubs & cultural organisations
Help maintain this public story.
Bring knowledge, archives and a community together around a carefully sourced timeline.
Quick answers
About the Michael Phelps timeline
Who is Michael Phelps?
The most decorated Olympian in history: five Games, 23 gold medals and excellence across four strokes.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1985–.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
Your life deserves its own story.
Bring your photographs, videos and most important Moments together in one beautiful timeline.
Start your own life story now — free