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Champion Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps has triumphed over the odds for most of his young professional life.

Whatever else his stellar career may bring in the years ahead, Michael Phelps will perhaps remain most famous for surpassing the gold medal record in a single Olympic meet — by winning a total of 8 gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

The record set by Phelps will likely take years to surpass and catapults the tall, lanky Olympic swimmer into the pantheon of the world's greatest sports champions in the modern era.

Most recently, he is back in the pool in 2011 at major world championships, proving he still has what it takes for a triumphant return to the 2012 London Summer Olympics as the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.

Born Michael Fred Phelps II on born June 30, 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland the all-American swimmer is a world record holder in various events (butterfly, freestyle, freestyle relay, and individual medley) and held the title of World Swimmer of the Year in almost consecutive years in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007.

The U.S. Olympic swimming superstar had already won six gold medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics and in Beijing surpassed the record of seven set by former U.S. Olympian swimmer Mark Spitz back in 1972.

How Do You Get to the Summer Olympics? Training.

Blessed with 6' 4" frame and a wingspan of nearly 80 inches, Phelps uses his physique to natural advantage in the water with his signature butterfly stroke powered by "oars" for arms and a phenomenal kick.

Known as the hardest working man in the sport, Phelps' legendary diet of pizza and pasta, and grueling workout and training regimen has included at least 2 hours in the pool (and often up to 5) every day of the year. Since the 2004 Athens games he has also added weightlifting to his daily workout.

Yet his greatest asset may be his mental game. With an intense focus on being the best at what he does, Phelps seemingly never tires. When asked about his ability to block out the pressure of remaining No. 1 in the world, he often simply says, "I hate to lose."

Swimming into History

His focus is all the more extraordinary for an early obstacle diagnosed in childhood — Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. At age 7 he and his siblings hit the local swimming pool which, for young Michael, proved to be a natural outlet for his boundless energy.

Later breaking national records for his age group throughout adolescence, his evidently boundless talent as a swimmer eventually landed him a spot at the 2000 Summer Olympics at age 15. He didn't break any records in Sydney that year, but was later a very familiar face on the winner's podium in Athens in 2004 taking home six gold medals almost rivaling Mark Spitz' record at seven.

Along with a myriad of ad endorsements that his Olympic feat may bring, Phelps now stands to collect a $1 million bonus from his sponsor, Speedo, for surpassing Spitz' record. Along with countless appearances in televised interviews and talk shows since his record breaking Olympic performance, Phelps was also guest host on the 2008 season premiere of Saturday Night Live. More accolades came in late 2008 when Phelps was named Sports Illustrated Magazine as Sportsmen of the Year, A year later, he took the lion's share of accolades at the 2009 Espy Awards.

Personal Life

Although the Net regularly buzzes with questions over whether Michael Phelps has a girlfriend, the international "babe magnet" was reportedly not dating during the games but was said to be strictly focused on winning gold.

After taking his 8 golds, however, Michael was said to be partying it up in Beijing and in the company of Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice and in November 2008 was spotted with a steady girlfriend - cocktail waitress Caroline Pal - who accompanied Michael to meet his mom at her Baltimore home.

In early 2009, Phelps was back in the headlines when he was photographed at a party smoking a marijuana bong that made worldwide press.

Away from his usual spartan training regime, Phelps also shares a close relationships with his mom and two sisters, and pals around with one cat and an English bulldog, Herman.

More about Michael Phelps around the Web:

Michael Phelps - Wikipedia - Full biography with personal details and professional history including career stats, quotes, photos, related references and resources.

USA Swimming - Michael Phelps - Photo, vital stats, career highlights and records, details on his personal life and related news headlines from Team USA.

MrPhelps - Major fan site with news & updates, bio, photos, video highlights, wallpapers, fan stories and busy community forum, related resources.

also see in Sports & Recreation -> Swimming

also see -> Olympic Diving