Michael Phelps is a legendary American swimmer widely recognized as the most decorated Olympian in history, boasting a record-breaking 23 gold medals and 28 total medals. His career spans five Olympic Games, during which he established numerous world records across various disciplines, including the butterfly and individual medley. The text details his early development in Baltimore, his long-term partnership with coach Bob Bowman, and his unprecedented achievement of winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Beyond his athletic dominance, the sources touch upon his personal struggles with mental health and ADHD, his legal challenges, and his transition into philanthropy through his namesake foundation. Even after a brief retirement, his successful comeback in the 2016 Rio Games solidified his status as a global sporting icon. This comprehensive overview captures the life of a man frequently cited as the greatest swimmer to ever compete.