When the phrase “Olympic swimmer” are said Americans automatically think Michael Phelps. He has won 23 gold medals and recorded 28 while competing in five Olympics. Phelps has recently come out of retirement in order to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio where he added five more golds and a silver.

At age thirty-one Phelps says this will be his last Olympic competition.  Looking at Phelps’ training schedule, it is clear to see what it takes to be an Olympian. According to muscleprodigy.com, Phelps is said to “spend four hours swimming and gaining muscle. He has a break and lifts weights and then finishes with a two hour run.”

Phelps has shown yet again what an incredible athlete he is. It will be a a great loss for the United States team when Michael Phelps returns to retirement.

Every four years the Olympics inspire athletes all over the world. High school swim coach Ashley Schutte gave some insight into how she hopes the Olympics will inspire her swimmers as it does every time the Olympic tradition comes around.

Schutte said, “In the swim program this year, we have lost a lot of graduated seniors but have strong returning swimmers along with a group of strong and competitive incoming freshmen. I am hoping since this was an Olympic year and with Michael Phelps’s success there will be more students participating in the team and showing an interest in swimming. We also have out H2O swim club which really helps building and encouraging stronger swimmers. I would love to have every swimmer to fill every event; swimming is both a team and individual sport. We have always struggled to compete with other schools because of their larger numbers. This year there will be a change in the program regarding the practice routine. Practices will now consist of weight room training at least three days a week; swimmers will now also be required to be on the H2O club team. As for time in the pool, workouts will be close to double in distance and intensity”.

Former swimmer at Madison Consolidated High school Anna Strouse said, “As I have been watching the Olympics and seeing the swimmers compete, I find myself missing the sport and being in the pool. Watching the relationship that the U.S.A. team has makes me reminisce on all the memories I shared with my team members. It is amazing how close you become to your team as the season goes on. I am looking forward to see all the new faces on the team hoping they will enjoy the sport as much as I did.”

While the Olympic competition in Rio continues Michael Phelps among other athletes inspire not only athletes but millions of people around the world to accomplish their goals and chase their dreams. Michael Phelps once said, “You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get”.