Did Michael Phelps go to Michigan? Looking at the legendary swimmer's collegiate career
Michael Phelps is one of the most famous and decorated Olympians of all time, but this week he is getting attention for his connection to the University of Michigan. Phelps will appear on ESPN's "College GameDay" to make his pick for Saturday's game between the No. 3 Texas Longhorns and the No. 10 Michigan Wolverines. Although he does not have a degree, he does have a connection to Michigan.
Did Michael Phelps go to Michigan?
Phelps attended the University of Michigan but did not get a degree. After competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics (his second Olympic Games), where he won six gold medals, Phelps spent parts of four years in Ann Arbor training. He went there because his longtime coach, Bob Bowman, was hired as the Michigan swimming program coach.
While training in Ann Arbor, Phelps decided to take a few classes at the University of Michigan. However, he did not pursue a degree. He was also a volunteer assistant coach at the university. Phelps did not join Club Wolverine because of his Speedo endorsement, which violated NCAA rules.
Did Michael Phelps have a collegiate swimming career?
Most professional swimmers spend a full four-year college career swimming for their school before they go pro. However, Phelps did not follow the path of the average swimmer because he was such a phenomenon at a young age.
Phelps started training under Bob Bowman when he was 11. Bowman's regimented training program allowed Phelps to qualify for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney at 15. This made him the youngest male swimmer to qualify for the Olympics since Ralph Flanagan in 1932. While he did not win a medal, he was already on a path to greatness.
Since Phelps was already competing with the best swimmers, there was no reason for him to compete at the collegiate level. Instead, he turned pro at 15 and did not look back. Phelps went on to set several Olympic records.
He is the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 28 medals. Additionally, he holds the record for the most gold medals with 23, and the most gold medals in individual events with 13.
Michael Phelps continued to dominate as a swimmer until his retirement. His last professional competition was at the 2016 Olympics, where he won five gold medals and one silver. The only thing missing in his career was collegiate achievements because he went pro at a young age.