Michael Phelps: The unknown story

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Visa hosts a press conference with 22 time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps at the London Media Centre on August 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for Visa)o

Michael Phelps sure does define success the most apt way. Young swimmers, who want to make a name at the Olympics will seek inspiration from both this dynamic and wonderful sportsperson who has struck us with total profoundness ever since his entry onto the main stage. Though Phelps has a modernized background, living in a metropolitan city that has more than an onset for a healthy and comfortable living, success is something different that refuses to be based on provenance. Success is more about setting a goal and making it a dream and finally achieving it and for that fact he had terrific endurance. Even when things are falling apart you will have to use your repertoire to swing them back your way and that’s what makes Phelps a phenomenon.

Here we take an insight into a small chapter of his life. A chapter rarely spoken about.

Right before the 2008 Olympics, Phelps injured his wrist unexpectedly as he slipped and fell while getting into his car. And it meant he couldn’t train for the then ultimate showdown at Beijing. He surely would have felt that he could no longer play for the keeps, with the competition pretty much mounting up from all sides. But moments like these are those which ultimately define a person. Phelps never wanted to give up. There was this fighter in him.

So while the rest of his teammates would practise swimming in the pool Phelps would surprisingly, or it was just surprising for his friends, sit by the poolside and simply kick the water with his feet. His friends would mock and laugh at him and also express that what he was doing was of no use.

Now let us fast forward one year and look at the 100 meter butterfly final. Phelps had already won 6 gold medals till then at Beijing and now was the opportunity to make it seven. The race got under way and it was unpredictable till the end with Phelps and the Serbian Milorad Cavic, hungry for the gold. However, it was Phelps who got his seventh gold medal by finishing ahead of Cavic by 0.01 seconds. There was controversy after Cavic filed a complaint. Officials looked into the replays and made them public after deep observation that though Cavic touched the wall first Phelps did it more forcefully. And experts who had followed Phelps closely were quick to point out the fact that it was the American’s superior strength in his legs that made him edge over the Serbian.

And how exactly did he work on his leg strength?

It was sitting by the pool and kicking the water that had done it for him. Vigorous and consistent workout to his legs had given Phelps immense strength at a time when he couldn’t swim because of a damaged wrist.

Now that defines a fighter. And only if you fight do you win. It may seem to be a small story but just think once what would you have done if you were Phelps. Would you have stayed home hoping for your wrist to recover, or dream big and achieve big by putting aside your adversities?