Famous swimmer Michael Phelps became well-known all around the world for his outstanding accomplishments in the sport. Phelps, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 30, 1985, took up swimming at a young age and made his Olympic debut at the age of 15 at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
He won his first international championship at the 2001 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, after which he rapidly became well-known. Phelps' breakthrough occurred in Athens, Greece, during the 2004 Olympic Games, where he took home six gold medals and two bronze medals. Phelps made history in 2012 by becoming the first swimmer to win the same individual event at three different Games in London. He retired after the 2012 Olympics, but he returned in 2014 and further cemented his legacy in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Phelps won five gold medals and one silver, for a total of 28 Olympic medals—23 of which were gold.
He has unquestionably become one of the greatest Olympians of all time due to his unmatched achievement and enduring influence, which have inspired numerous aspiring swimmers and left a lasting legacy in the sports world.
Who was Michael Phelps’ coach?
American swimming coach Robert Bowman served as Michael Phelps’ coach during his playing days. Bowman hails from Columbia, South Carolina and currently works as a director of Swimming and Diving & Head Men's Coach at University of Texas
The reason for Bowman's fame is that he coached American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won 23 gold medals at the Olympics. Prior to coaching Phelps, he served as the head coach of University of Michigan's men's swimming and diving team, Bowman led the squad between 2005 and 2008. From 2008 to 2015, he served as the CEO and head coach at North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where he had previously served as a coach from 1996 to 2005. This was one of his longest tenures as a coach.
Notably, he also coached the United States at the Olympics in 2004, 2008, and 2012. However, in 2015, USA Swimming named him head coach of the men's 2016 Olympic team.
Robert Bowman's Coaching Career
After serving as the swimming team captain during his time in college, Bowman began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Florida State University. In 1992, Bowman took on the role of head coach and director of the Birmingham Swim League, following brief stops at the Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins and the Napa Valley Swim Team. A young Michael Phelps drew his attention while he was teaching at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club in Baltimore from 1996 to 2004. Having coached swimmers in several states, Bowman recognized Phelps' greatness. Bowman kept an eye on Phelps' development in the pool before the pair eventually joined hands in 1996.
Michael Phelps' path from becoming the youngest male swimmer (at the age of fifteen) to be selected for the Olympic swim squad in 68 years in 2000 to retiring in Rio 2016 with 23 gold medals was made possible in large part by Bowman.
Images of Bob Bowman and Michael Phelps
FAQ's On Michael Phelps Coach
A. Bob Bowman works as a director of Swimming and Diving & Head Men's Coach at University of Texas.
A. Bob Bowman was born on April 6, 1965 and is presently 59 years old.
A. Bob Bowman hails from Columbia, South Carolina.
A. Bob Bowman along with Charles Butler wrote The Golden Rules: 10 steps to World-Class Excellence in Your Life and Work.
A. Bob Bowman attended Florida State University.
