September 2008
American History SpotlightThe Greatest Olympian
On Sunday, August 17, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps made history when he won his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games. The previous record had been held since 1972, when U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz won seven gold medals in Munich, Germany. Including his medals from the 2004 games in Athens, Phelps has won 14 medals in all, 5 more than any other athlete in Olympic history.
In the lead-up to the Olympics, the 23-year old Phelps trained for up to 5 hours a day, at least 6 days a week, swimming about 50 miles a week. To keep up his energy, he eats 12,000 calories a day, compared to about 2,000–3,000 for the average adult male.
Phelps plans to swim again in the 2012 London Olympics, and says he will add some new events next time. Of the eight gold medals Phelps won this year, he set new world records in seven of them.
Related Links
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Beijing Olympics Venue Map
Interactive map showing the locations of the different Olympic events in Beijing. Find the "Water Cube" for the site of Phelps's triumph. (Source: CNN, August 6, 2008) -
"Pool rat" Phelps Found Focus on Path to Gold
After being diagnosed with ADHD and being told by a teacher that he would never amount to anything, Phelps was able to channel his energy in the pool. (Source: Reuters, August 21, 2008) -
Phelps Left Speechless by Acclaim
Phelps reacts to the praise and acclaim he's received since breaking the record for number of gold medals won in a single Olympics. Includes links to video of Phelps. (Source: BBC, August 18, 2008) -
FACTBOX: Michael Phelps v Mark Spitz
A comparison of Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz. Phelps beat Spitz's 1972 record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics. (Source: Reuters, August 17, 2008)
