Michael Phelps

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Michael Phelps

Water ripples gleam as the swimmers snap their goggles into place. The swimmers take their positions; a loud crack breaks the silence as the starting gun is fired. The three swimmers leap off the platforms and break the waters surface. The roar of the buzzer comes too quickly, could it be? Did Michael Phelps really set a new record in the 200 meter butterfly? The crowd screamed in delight as his time popped up, a record setting minute and 56 seconds. Michael Phelps had just become one of the most renowned swimmers in the Olympics of 2004; he was one of the youngest competitors there. "Phelps was born June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland to his mother Debbie and his father Frank. He was born with severe ADHD and his parents divorced at an early age; but Phelps didn't let it over come him. He took up the sport of swimming at the age of 8 to try and help his ADHD (Newsmakers. Vol. 2.)." As the years passed he became an amazing swimmer, and a more amazing person. He influenced the lives of many children and young adults. A hero must be able to help others and overcome obstacles, Phelps can do both. He exhibits these aspects through the work he does and the charisma he has. 

(http://hospitalityandtravelnews.blogspot.com/2011/05/michael-phelps-may-retire-after-2012.html )

The acts Michael Phelps has made to help kids all over the world through swimming is truly amazing. After Michael's amazing 8 gold medals in Beijing, Speedo gave him a bonus of one million dollars. He used the money to create a foundation to help support young kids in need, called the Michael Phelps foundation.  "Phelps is the founder of the Michael Phelps Foundation, which he funded with the million dollar bonus he received from Speedo upon winning his eighth gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. The foundation promotes health and activity, primarily for children, through the sport of swimming. "I just want people to get involved," (Newsmakers. Vol. 2). Michael Phelps has given a ton of time and effort back to the sport of swimming. From helping kids in need, to putting in hours of community service and money; millions of kids all over the world are fans of Phelps. The Michael Phelps Foundation's motto is "Growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthy, active lives" (Michael Phelps Foundation.). Through his foundation he teaches kids to swim, helps fund swimming sports costs, and keeps them healthy and active. He plays a big roll in the lives of unfortunate kids.

(http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20257375,00.html ())

Growing up, Michael Phelps had many troubles, from Family issues to ADHD, and getting caught drinking and driving didn't help. After being caught by the police in his car, he was intoxicated over the legal limit and was charged with a DUI. "I want to reach out as much as I can to help as many kids as I can to get the message not to drink and drive. It's unacceptable and just flat-out wrong" ( Michael Phelps Biography Today). Phelps confessed to his wrong doing and set out to start a campaign against drinking and driving. He sent a clear message to kids looking up to him on the consequences of drinking and driving. He was charged with 8 months probation, an easy sentence because of all his community service hours. Another obstacle Phelps had to overcome was a painful back injury.  After 4 years of backbreaking swim workouts, Phelps had acquired the same injury that prematurely ended his sister's career and he was not willing to jeopardize his own.  "Phelps was forced to withdraw from the 2004 Short-Course World Championships due to a back injury" (Michael Phelps Biography Today). Phelps was able to return to swimming after rehabilitation and therapy for his back. It was never the same, but Phelps has been able to overcome the injury through his strength and perseverance. He came back with astonishing winnings of 6 gold medals and 2 bronze in the Athens Olympics. In an interview after, he talked about how all the hard work he had put in really paid off, and it's the essential key to unlocking your dreams. (Michael Phelps Biography Today). 

Heroes need to help others and overcome obstacles; Michael Phelps has overcome all odds to be the best he can be. He puts in time not only for himself, but for others less fortunate than him too. Phelps inspires me to work hard and overcome obstacles in front of me every day. I help others whenever possible and gain new friends every day.

"Hard work really pays off. Friends and family will always be there but sometimes you need a push you can't get anywhere else, that comes from you" (Newsmakers. Vol. 2).

Work Cited

Chittom, Lynn-nore. "Michael Phelps." Michael Fred Phelps (2008): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 10 May 2012.

"Hospitality and Travel News." : Michael Phelps to Retire After 2012 Olympics. Web. 17   May 2012. .

"Michael Phelps." Newsmakers. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 2009. Gale Biography In Context.   Web. 3 May 2012.

"Michael Phelps Foundation." Michael Phelps Foundation. Michael Phelps Foundation. Web. 03 May 2012. .

"Michael Phelps." Michael Phelps (Biography Today) (2010): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 9 May 2012.

"Michael PHELPS Medal Machine." Michael PHELPS. Web. 17 May 2012. .