# Talk:Michael Phelps

In the final paragraph of the summary: "He continues to work with his foundation after the 2012 Olympics, which he has said would be his last. In April 2014, Phelps announced he would come out of retirement, and would enter an event later that month". This is a little misleading. He'll be competing in the 2016 Olympics, but this makes it seems as if he is retired still, minus that one event. It should be mentioned that he'll be competing either way, especially given that he's been claiming that he feels better than ever and could add to his record medal total.  
Thanks! Mjceravolo (talk) 19:42, 22 May 2016 (UTC)

 Done, although he first has to qualify for the Olympics. Gap9551 (talk) 20:27, 23 May 2016 (UTC)

Hi,
in the first line of the paragraph about the 2004 Summer Olympics Trials, the first use of the word medley in this line needs to be changed to meter:
Phelps competed in six events; the 200- and 400-medley individual medley,
Thanks,
Steve Schwartz
Sschwartz2013 (talk) 00:36, 25 June 2016 (UTC)

 Done — Andy W. (talk · ctb) 04:34, 25 June 2016 (UTC)

A section called coaching career needs to be added since micheal phelps is now an assistant coach at Arizona State University for their swimming team Kharper7 (talk) 04:29, 6 July 2016 (UTC)

He is not a coach yet. He intends to become one after the 2016 Olympics. [1]. Gap9551 (talk) 00:07, 12 July 2016 (UTC)

It sounds as if the writer of this article is saying that by the age of 10 Michael Phelps held a national record for his age group in ADHD.  Is that what was meant?  Because that is what this article says.  LOL  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.16.189.73 (talk) 03:25, 6 August 2016 (UTC) 

I changed it a bit. Gap9551 (talk) 14:21, 6 August 2016 (UTC)

"...with a total of 22 medals in three Olympiads." He has competed in a total of four Olympiads (2000,2004,2008,2012 soon to be five with the 2016 games. Is this something that just never got changed? Just because he did not medal at the 2000 games doesn't mean they should not be included. Bbigjohnson (talk) 12:33, 6 August 2016 (UTC)

It was intended like this, but I can see the confusion and edited the intro in two places.Gap9551 (talk) 14:29, 6 August 2016 (UTC)

This article used to have an extensive section that analyzed the shape of his body and how it contributed to his swimming success.  Why was that removed?   Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 05:24, 8 August 2016 (UTC)

Added back in.  The section is labeled "physique".    Joseph A. Spadaro (talk) 05:31, 8 August 2016 (UTC)

Michael Phelps best for 100M Freestyle needs to be updated to 47.1 seconds. He did this during the 2016 4*100M Freestyle on the second leg  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 51.37.13.222 (talk) 15:21, 8 August 2016 (UTC) 

That is for one leg of a relay (where the swimmer with the next leg of the relay is already moving forward while he remains in contact with the starting block), not a 100 from a stationary position. This slow-motion video shows that the swimmer remains in contact with the block until his body is horizontal and well out over the water. So in a relay, the second swimmer is in motion even before the first swimmer touches.  Kablammo (talk) 18:57, 8 August 2016 (UTC) (video link updated.  Kablammo (talk) 12:14, 28 July 2019 (UTC))

Medley is already listed as well. He never competed purely in backstroke at the highest level of competition.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 166.216.158.156 (talk) 19:15, 8 August 2016 (UTC) 

Well, there is this.  But I will re-order the events.  Kablammo (talk) 19:37, 8 August 2016 (UTC)
It was alphabetical, I edited it further. Gap9551 (talk) 04:47, 9 August 2016 (UTC)

Im probably impatient with this, super Michael Phelps fan and you guys will get it some point. Says 63 gold medals instead of 64.

 Done Thanks, Gap9551 (talk) 04:35, 10 August 2016 (UTC)

NBC commentator, Bob Costas made the claim.  Looking for a WP:RS and found [2]. Bob had said oldest and left out swimming but Oscar Swahn was 60 when he won individual gold in 1908.  97.85.173.38 (talk) 04:37, 10 August 2016 (UTC)

I added it just before you posted. In the 2016 section. Gap9551 (talk) 04:33, 10 August 2016 (UTC)

He'll pass Leonidas of Rhodes for good if he wins either of his two other individual events, the 100-meter butterfly and the 200-meter individual medley. [3] 97.85.173.38 (talk) 04:28, 10 August 2016 (UTC)

Worth mentioning, I added it to the 2016 section. Gap9551 (talk) 04:47, 10 August 2016 (UTC)
That's andoctal Greek mythology. It should be removed. I mean come on people--2601:3C5:8000:1553:89DC:27C:47A7:B4E2 (talk) 21:41, 10 August 2016 (UTC)
It was widely reported as having really happened, not as being a myth. Those ancient reports are indirect though, therefore the article phrases it carefully: "Phelps was also reported to have tied ..." Gap9551 (talk) 23:55, 10 August 2016 (UTC)
Is there any actual proof like the medals he earned? Are Leonidas of Rhodes Medals in a museum somewhere? No, because it's a tall tale. He more than likely never existed. I vote to Remove--2601:3C5:8000:1553:89DC:27C:47A7:B4E2 (talk) 02:47, 11 August 2016 (UTC)
I doubt they had medals back then. Anyway, you have a point that the validity is not sufficiently established and I'll remove it for now. If more information comes up we can reconsider. Gap9551 (talk) 04:02, 11 August 2016 (UTC)

Article is saying that USA finished first 0.7 second aheat of Australia but France finished second in that race (as specified in wikipedia article in the link)

"Phelps, along with teammates Brendan Hansen, Aaron Peirsol, and Jason Lezak, set a new world record in the event with a time of 3 minutes and 29.34 seconds, 0.7 seconds ahead of second-place Australia (-> should be FRANCE) and 1.34 seconds faster than the previous record set by the United States at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens."  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 217.150.102.210 (talk) 08:20, 10 August 2016 (UTC) 

This is about the medley relay, where Australia was second. France was second in the freestyle relay: Swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay. Gap9551 (talk) 13:58, 10 August 2016 (UTC)

Added a link to the Michael Phelps Number page.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Mkamensek (talk • contribs) 06:18, 11 August 2016 (UTC) 

I removed it for now. We can restore it once the article and the concept is properly sourced using reliable sources. Gap9551 (talk) 06:24, 11 August 2016 (UTC)

Does there need to be a sentence or two about Phelps Face in the Rio Games section? It has rivaled McKayla Maroney's expression for the London Games. http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexreimer/2016/08/09/michael-phelps-face-meme-explodes-despite-olympics-social-media-restrictions/ FunksBrother (talk) 15:07, 11 August 2016 (UTC)

Phelps holds the all-time record for Olympic gold medals in team events (9). RafaVinhal (talk) 02:51, 12 August 2016 (UTC)
Probably right. Saulovinhal (talk) 22:41, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

Phelps holds the all-time records for Olympic medals in team events (11). RafaVinhal (talk) 02:54, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

Probably true, Jenny Thompson has 10. Do you have a source? Gap9551 (talk) 03:22, 12 August 2016 (UTC)
Source: mathematics. You just have to use subtraction.

I meant a source that it is more than anyone else. Gap9551 (talk) 03:52, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

On August 3rd, 2016, in a room packed with more than 250 reporters from all over the globe, Phelps left open the possibility of competing after Rio. And he did so without anyone even asking the question. He instead paused midway through an answer about what it will be like to compete in Rio with Boomer in the stands and said, "I'll say this just in case of a comeback ... my potential last Olympics," Phelps said. "Just so you guys don't beat me to death if I comeback. No, I'm not. But I'll just say that." RafaVinhal (talk) 03:25, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

Hi, I just read on NPR that he was born in Towson, MD but his hometown is Baltimore, MD.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.74.186.109 (talk) 05:25, 12 August 2016 (UTC) 

His birthplace is sourced as Baltimore at the start of the 'Early life' section. Can you link to reliable sources saying Towson? Gap9551 (talk) 06:16, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

Lung Capacity claim
In the physique section of the article it is stated that phelps has twice the lung capacity of a normal human at 12 liters. This is presented as a straight forward fact like the rest of the physical attributes. However, on the given source , this is said to be an "estimate" by some and the source cited on that is defunct and unreachable. On further reading, this claim seems to be false according to a scientific american interview with Dr. H. Richard Weiner ( a swimmer and former team physician who practiced sports medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee), which essentially calls it a myth, while validating the other physique claims.
http://www.businessinsider.in/Michael-Phelps-has-the-perfect-body-for-swimming-but-thats-not-the-only-reason-hes-so-good/articleshow/53642739.cms 
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-makes-michael-phelps-so-good1/
The only claim close to the defunct source is the below article that cites " ESPN research", without going into details and without citing any verifiable source. 
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-playing-field/200808/did-michael-phelps-cheat
While it is true that athletes have higher than average lung capacity, it is wrong to say it is double than average. The claim appears seems to originate in a blog.
This claim is unsubstantiated and refuted by an expert , hence it seems fair to request that it be removed from the article. It can always be reinstated in case any credible evidence comes to light. 
103.225.189.75 (talk) 08:21, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

I included a phrase reflecting the doubt, but I'm not sure it should be removed altogether. I agree an original source covering the supposed "ESPN research" in detail would be best, but several RS have mentioned it too, like BBC. I would think they have some reason to do that. Gap9551 (talk) 16:21, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

I know he went to University of Michigan but this is barely mentioned. Any more info on this?--The lorax (talk) 15:10, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

Outside of a sentence in the lead and the last sentence in the "Philantropy" section, there is nothing mentioned about his retirement after the 2012 Summer Olympics, yet there is a section called "2014 comeback from retirement". I would suggest adding a blurb about his short retirement, because right now, it reads a bit awkwardly. Jauerbackdude?/dude. 20:16, 12 August 2016 (UTC)

Ok, I was bold and fixed it myself. Not ideal, but it's a start that I'm sure someone can improve on it. Jauerbackdude?/dude. 15:43, 17 August 2016 (UTC)

Stemoc, the inappropriate expressions of unhappiness in the edit summary you left ("he looks so retarded in that picture..jesus..") [4], whilst reverting the photo I put into the infobox, seems to indicate you don't like that photo, correct?  How about discussing it here?  Below are the two photos in question, plus one more infobox possibility from the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.  -- WV ● ✉ ✓  20:51, 13 August 2016 (UTC)

Sure, yeah he does look retarded in the first picture, he is not a good looking man, we know that but to use a pic which makes him look much worse is quite embarrassing. I went through a few pics before i used the 2nd image on his page. He is a bit like Trump, he just does not take a good picture..Kinda irritated by people here who keep changing the pictures and worse, when they take the current picture, make another copy and use that instead cause they prefer "their version", that is what let to Donald Trump having the shittiest picture ever.but yeah, lets not do that to everyone on wikipedia.--Stemoc 21:27, 13 August 2016 (UTC)
Please can the nasty attitude and work toward collegiality and cooperation, okay?  Your polemic is not doing the editing atmosphere - nor the encyclopedia - any good.  -- WV ● ✉ ✓  21:38, 13 August 2016 (UTC)
I'd go with the third out of these three, even though the light is not great. It seems to best capture how he looks, without an unusual expression like the middle one. Gap9551 (talk) 04:40, 14 August 2016 (UTC)
I actually ignored three when i added 2 because it was just as bad as 1...poor lighting, angle and that weird smile..--Stemoc 06:10, 14 August 2016 (UTC)
Stemoc: He has a "weird smile" because of a jaw misalignment that makes for dental crowding.  Much like that of Carol Burnett before she had surgery to correct an underbite.  Take a look at photos of Harry Connick, Jr.  He also has a misaligned jaw and face that looks asymmetrical.  We don't put up photos of article subjects that show certain aspects of their face because you (or others) don't like how their face or smile looks when it's a natural part of who they are?  I don't think so. -- WV ● ✉ ✓  19:25, 14 August 2016 (UTC)

I hope somebody else sees this and can fix it -- it is the gray subtitle on the iPhone app, not sure what this is called in wiki parlance -- currently reads "un puto que le gusta la verga grande" -- which translates to something not so nice lol. I'm imagining this should say "U.S. Olympic Swimmer" or something along those lines.
68.198.242.76 (talk) 03:27, 14 August 2016 (UTC)
Has now been changed to "the greatest swimmer in human history" still in spanish....... someone is having too much fun with this.
68.198.242.76 (talk) 03:30, 14 August 2016 (UTC)

If there is still Spanish text, can you paste it here? Gap9551 (talk) 04:34, 14 August 2016 (UTC)

Change the following sentence:
With 39 world records (29 individual, 10 relay), Phelps has set more records than any other swimmer, surpassing Mark Spitz's previous record of 33 world records (26 individual, 7 relay).
Into the correct one:
With 39 world records (29 individual, 10 relay), Phelps is second after Johnny Weissmuller previous record of more than fifty world records.
192.114.3.241 (talk) 10:46, 15 August 2016 (UTC)

I think many of those 50+ records were either in yards or in events otherwise not currently recognized by FINA. I find around 10 world records in long-course meters, for example. But there are sources stating he broke more official WRs, so I added that. Also, I haven't been able to find a reliable source that Phelps has broken the most records (currently recognized events), or that Spitz held the previous record. Gap9551 (talk) 19:21, 15 August 2016 (UTC)

Put in that Phelps in now retired.
RandomPerson81 (talk) 02:11, 18 August 2016 (UTC)

 Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. Topher385 (talk) 10:15, 18 August 2016 (UTC)

Because winning 4 gold medals in the same individual event is such an exclusive club, I suggest that in addition to the mention of Phelphs tying Lewis' and Oerter's record, that you add that Phelps' has been joined as a four-time gold medalist in an individual event by wrestler Kaori Icho of Japan who has won 4 gold medals in women's wrestling.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.235.224.183 (talk) 05:18, 18 August 2016 (UTC) 

Kaori Icho won her fourth gold in a different weight class than the first 3 golds though, are those considered the same event? Maybe if sources consider her to be part of the four-peat group. Gap9551 (talk) 21:22, 18 August 2016 (UTC)

Is the medal count needed? Seriesphile (talk · ctb) 09:31, 17 February 2017 (UTC)

Its inclusion seems WP:DUE based on WP:RS, doesn't it? — soupvector (talk) 23:35, 17 February 2017 (UTC)

I've uploaded three photos from a March 18, 2017 appearance by Michael Phelps. I added the first one to the infobox as I believed it to be of superior quality to the photo that was in place in the article previously, as well as more recent and a more accurate representation of how he now appears. Leaving the gallery above in case a different photo from the same event is preferred. Calibrador (talk) 06:03, 19 March 2017 (UTC)

I agree with the action restoring the former picture.  We know Michael Phelps as an athlete, and that is how he is shown.  It is a more pleasing photo, colorful, and its resolution is more than adequate. It is less than eight months old, and accuracy is not an issue.  And there is no distracting background on it.  Kablammo (talk) 14:45, 20 March 2017 (UTC)
I left a message on your talk page about a possible conflict of interest you may have. Would be glad if you have a look at it. As for the images, the present image is fine. The images you uploaded have shadows on the right side of the face. I also feel the images is visually pleasing. --Lemongirl942 (talk) 03:55, 21 March 2017 (UTC)

The first sentences claims Michael to be a "former competitive swimmer." A more accurate term to use here is a retired competitive swimmer. After all, other retired athletes like Shaq, Michael Jordan, etc. 
68.61.154.193 (talk) 17:21, 22 April 2017 (UTC)

On October 6, 2017 Phelps opened about his battle with anxiety and depression.
https://www.menshealth.com/health/michael-phelps-anxiety-and-depression
Dahlia Rofe' (talk) 13:14, 7 October 2017 (UTC)

Michael Phelps is holds second in the world record for most Olympic gold medals (he has 23). Katie Ledeckey is first with 24 gold medals. Chelseasteeves (talk) 22:03, 29 November 2017 (UTC)

 Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format. —KuyaBriBriTalk 22:28, 29 November 2017 (UTC)
Also, Katie Ledecky has 5 (not 24) Olympic gold medals at this time. — soupvector (talk) 04:59, 30 November 2017 (UTC)

Son Maverick born 9-9-19 2600:1003:B442:892F:ADCD:FD5F:9F26:EEEF (talk) 23:59, 14 September 2019 (UTC)

 Done, Gap9551 (talk) 08:07, 15 September 2019 (UTC)

While perhaps a size 14 foot is somewhat flipperoid, Phelp’s span to height ratio is boringly normal. See, for instance, this. An actually high ape index would be more like, say, Sonny Liston. If a source is so spectacularly wrong about one point, I dunno if it is worth keeping it at all. Qwirkle (talk) 16:32, 27 April 2020 (UTC)

His correct personal best time for 400 freestyle (long course) is 3.46.73 which broke the American record (of Klete Keller). This was done at Conoco Phillips National Swimming Championship in College Park, MD, on Aug 8, 2003. Reference: https://www.omegatiming.com/File/000103040031000000FFFFFFFFFFFF01.pdf  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.228.173.10 (talk) 21:46, 18 January 2021 (UTC) 

 Done, thanks. Gap9551 (talk) 08:48, 1 March 2021 (UTC)

In the section about the 2016 Olympics, there is this sentence with an erroneous calculation:
"With that 13th individual gold medal, Phelps broke a 2,168-year-old ancient Olympic record, set by Leonidas of Rhodes, who had held the most Olympic individual titles of all time, with twelve."
The sources state that Leonidas's record was achieved in -152 and a simple math calculation of 2016-(-152) would indeed amount to a 2,168 years difference, however there is no "year 0" in our calendar, Year 1 being immediately preceded by Year -1, so -152 was 2167 years before 2016. (See Year Zero)
The text should thus be changed to "...Phelps broke a 2,167-year-old ancient Olympic record..." — Preceding unsigned comment added by Famyca (talk • contribs) 18:43, 8 August 2021 (UTC)

 Partly done: @Famyca: I've removed the "2,168-year-old", but not added the new number, since it might run into problems with Wikipedia's policies on original research (in particular, WP:SYNTH), though I'm probably being overly cautions here. If you find a source that explicitly mentions 2,167 years, please add it to your request. I'm going to leave the edit request open for now, in case anyone else thinks it's fine to add it to the article. — Lauritz Thomsen (talk) 10:32, 9 August 2021 (UTC)
Note: If you reply here, please use the {{Reply to|LauritzT}} template to notify me (and remember to sign your reply with ~~~~).
 Note: I'm closing the request since its been partially done. I agree with not having a number of years since the last record as well. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 10:53, 9 August 2021 (UTC)

Hi. As i am reading the article, Mark Spitz is mentioned for his seven golds record in Olympics, but can i ask why there is no any mention of Alexander Dityatin who set the record for achieving the most medals of any type at a single Olympic Games in 1980 and Phelps shares this record with him?--Baris365 (talk) 07:39, 17 August 2021 (UTC)

 Done Gap9551 (talk) 11:57, 13 February 2023 (UTC)

Michael Phelp's World Record was broken and the Wiki page has not been updated. I would like to update it! Maxico2010 (talk) 20:33, 23 July 2023 (UTC)

 Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. Sam Sailor 21:17, 23 July 2023 (UTC)

I had the privilege of meeting Michael when I was 12, and I can only speak highly of him. We had the opportunity to swim together, and he displayed remarkable humility and support throughout our time together. Michael generously shared valuable tips to help me improve my swimming stroke and even offered to provide some quick lessons. Ac2042 (talk) 16:05, 24 September 2023 (UTC)

What suggestions do you have for improving the article? --jpgordon𝄢𝄆𝄐𝄇 16:38, 24 September 2023 (UTC)

At the World Championship Trials for the 2001 World Aquatics Championships, on March 30, Phelps broke the world record in the 200-meter butterfly to become, at 15 years and 9 months, the youngest male ever to set a world record in swimming.
This is incorrect, he became the third youngest male swimmer to set a world record. The youngest is Stephen Holland of Australia who set the 800m & 1500m freestyle WR’s (in the same race) on 5th August 1973 at the age of 15 years and 66 days. He broke both WR’s again on 8th September 1973 at 15 years and 100 days. The second youngest is John Konrads also of Australia who broke the 800m freestyle WR at 15 year and 235 days. Phelps was 15 years and 273 days old setting his first WR. Sooradar (talk) 21:40, 14 November 2024 (UTC)

There is noting about Katie Ledeckey even though she is his biggest rival. That needs to be changed 198.150.162.20 (talk) 17:20, 15 April 2025 (UTC)

I know right. I totally agree 198.150.162.20 (talk) 17:22, 15 April 2025 (UTC)

I would like to update all Instances of FINA to World Aquatics Could have been Alex (talk) 20:29, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

 Not done: it's not clear what changes you want to be made. Please mention the specific changes in a "change X to Y" format and provide a reliable source if appropriate. M.Bitton (talk) 22:02, 29 April 2025 (UTC)
Huh? Look at FINA and you'll discover it's now a redirect to World Aquatics since 2023. "Update all X to Y" is a pretty darned clear request. Our own encyclopedia, though not a WP:RS in general, is certainly an RS in this regard. --jpgordon𝄢𝄆𝄐𝄇 23:08, 29 April 2025 (UTC)