WHY HE’S No.3?
Michael Phelps changed North American TV habits when it came to swimming. Thirty million people watched the 2008 Summer Olympics swimming event in 2008, and there will be increased coverage of the sport until the 2012 Olympics.
Watching is one thing, but playing is another. Michael Phelps hopes that his fans will try the pool out for themselves. For guys, it’s a chance to get in shape and work toward a sporty physique — as long as they stay clean. Through Project Believe, Michael Phelps was voluntarily tested beyond the Olympic requirements to show his commitment to keeping swimming free of performance-enhancing drugs.
SHORT BIO
Michael Phelps turned to swimming to deal with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He proved himself a dynamo in the pool, gaining a berth in the 2000 Olympics at 15 years old. Although he came up short on medals, he returned in 2004 and walked away with eight medals, including six golds.
2008 marked the third Olympic odyssey for Michael Phelps and he owned the pool, setting a record with eight gold medal victories, with seven of them coming in world-record time. Known for his generosity, Michael Phelps spent some of his endorsement money to create a children’s swimming foundation.
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