He first started thinking the Olympics were a real possibility a year ago, when he did well at the spring nationals. He was 14 at the time, a kid, really. Now he's all grown up and on his way to Sydney. The braces will come off before then, he insists. The upper braces came off earlier.
Life is good.
While chasing his dream, Phelps often stayed in while his friends went to late-night movies or parties. He is going into his sophomore year of high school and figures all the sacrifices have now been validated. I was happy I did it, but maybe not at the time. I knew I had to pass up some things to accomplish my goals. Phelps started swimming the 200 three years ago.