Michael Phelps Swims His Last

Born with an extraordinary gift for swimming, Michael Phelps had gained the favor of the crowd following his astounding eight gold medals straight in a competition during the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China.

At an early age, Michael started his swimming career following the footsteps of his parents, former swimmers Fred Phelps and Debbie Davisson. His one-of-a-kind swimming prowess was yet to be discovered until he reached 15, his first and major break in the world of swimming.

The following shows a timeline of events encompassing Michael Phelps' excellent swimming record.

• 2000 – Participated in the Sydney Olympics at the age of 15
• 2003 – Won four gold medals and two silver medals during the 2003 World Swimming Championships
• 2004 – Earned six gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics
• 2005 – Bagged five gold medals and one silver medal during the 2005 World Swimming Championships
• 2007 – Brought home seven gold medals during the 2007 World Swimming Championships
• 2008 – Won eight gold medals during the 2008 Summer Olympics

The mob waits expectantly as Phelps shows his best once again in the 2012 London Olympics. But the 27-year-old Phelp’s statement brought chill and sadness in the hearts of his fans. According to GlobalPost, Michael Phelps expressed his desire to retire during a 60-minute interview by Anderson Cooper; he said he is ready to go for the gold in the 2012 Olympics, but once he hits the final wall, it is all over.

“Once I retire, I’m retiring. I’m done,” Phelps said.

According to USA Today, there is a chance of Phelps retiring as the athlete with the most Olympic career medals, having won a total of 16 medals throughout his Olympic career, provided that he brings home three medals from the fast-approaching London Olympics.

Phelps suffered a major drawback after being spotted by a paparazzi smoking marijuana. In his comeback, people are expecting to see the Phelps they used to cheer. Phelps himself expressed how hard it is since he still doesn’t know if the passion or fire is still inside him. Phelps sees himself as a regular guy after the 2012 London Olympics.

World’s Fastest Man Heads to Olympics 2012

World’s fastest man is now ready to take the lead as London Olympics 2012 comes in top speed. Dominating the world of track and field with a record breaking 9.58 and 9.76 in a 100m run, Usain Bolt had shown wonder in the eyes of the amazed spectators.

The 25-year-old Jamaican sprinter declared his intention to “amaze” the world in the 2012 Olympics. He also mentioned his desire of being a living legend in the world of sports. Holding the world record of 9.58, Usain Bolt is believed to be capable of running below 9.50. And if the weather condition permits, he may have exceeded his own record to an outstanding 9.40 seconds performance.

According to Glenn Mills, head coach of the Racers Track Club: Usain has trained well and is definitely in good condition. He also added that he expect Usain to “do well and run a good race” seeing that he is in good shape.

Bolt plans to run in the 100- and 200- meter races and the 4x100 relay in the 2012 Olympics. He has to battle his Jamaican countryman Yohan Blake, 22, the 2011 world champion and Asafa Powell, 29, a former record-holder in the 100. Some of his would-be challengers are U.S. sprinters Tyson Gay, 29, a former world champion, Walter Dix, 26, who won two bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, and Justin Gatlin, 30, an Olympic champion in 2004. 

“It shows that the intensity of the competition is good and it’s going to be a great season, but I’m never worried. I’m in great shape and really focused on what I need to do. It will be the most awesome show, and I’m going there to do great things.” (For Fastest Man, A Slower step Toward London. Brian Pinelli, May 26, 2012)