"I was going faster eight years ago than most of the world is going now" - Michael Phelps feels he can still win another Olympic title in 200m IM

By Muskan Sharma

Modified Jul 23, 2024 18:46 GMT

Former swimmer Michael Phelps recently expressed his belief that he can win another gold in the 200-meter individual medley. The 39-year-old legendary athlete, who bid farewell to the sport in 2016, pondered a possible comeback and declared that he was faster than some of today's swimmers.

Phelps boasts an impressive 23 Olympic gold medals across his two-decade career. The American made his mark at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first swimmer to bag eight gold medals in a single edition of the quadrennial event. Overall, he has 28 medals to his credit.

Since retiring from the sport at the age of 31, Phelps has been spending the majority of his time with his family, which includes his wife, Nicole, and four sons.

In a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, the former swimmer talked about his chances of winning a fifth Olympic gold medal in the 200 individual medley event. He said it would take him four years of training to accomplish the feat.

“I think it would take four years to do — I think I could win the 200 IM,” Phelps told McAfee. "I was going faster eight years ago than most of the world is going now."

Furthermore, the swimmer revealed that he has had a conversation in this regard with his son, Maverick. While watching the Olympic Trials, the four-year-old asked his father if he could compete with today’s swimmers. The legendary swimmer responded that preparing for the Olympics would lead to him being away from his family.

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Michael Phelps was ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s Top 100 Athletes of the 21st century list

Swimming legend Michael Phelps continues to be celebrated for his achievements, despite being retired for eight years now. The 39-year-old recently secured the top spot on ESPN's list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st century. He edged other prominent athletes like Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, Tom Brady, and Usain Bolt.

Phelps has also won hearts courtesy of his philanthropic work. As a global ambassador for the Special Olympics, Phelps strives to create life-changing experiences for every specially-abled athlete. His foundation, the Michael Phelps Foundation, partners with the Special Olympics organization.

He recently shared his vision for the future of his philanthropic work. Here's what Phelps said:

"I want to change a life and if I can save a life, for me, that is way better than winning a gold medal."

Through his joint venture, he provides athletes from 35 countries with a chance to improve their swimming skills.