FACTBOX: Gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps

Mon Aug 11, 2008 1:42am EDT
 
[-] Text [+]

(Reuters) - Factbox on swimmer Michael Phelps (U.S.) who won his second gold medal of the 2008 Summer Olympics in the 4x100m freestyle relay on Monday.

Age: 23 (date of birth: June 30, 1985)

Place of birth: Baltimore, United States

2008 Olympic results:

Two gold medals (400m individual medley, 4x100m freestyle)

Career achievements:

Seven gold medals at 2007 World Championships (200m freestyle, 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, 4x100 freestyle relay and 4x200 freestyle relay)

Five gold medals at 2005 World Championships (200m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 4x100 freestyle relay, 4x200 freestyle relay, 4x100 medley relay)

Four gold medals at 2003 World Championships (200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, 4x100 medley relay)

One gold medal at 2001 World Championships (200m butterfly)

Previous Olympic results:

Six gold medals at 2004 Olympics (100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, 4x200 freestyle relay, 4x100 medley relay)

Two bronze medals at 2004 Olympics (200m freestyle, 4x100 freestyle relay)

Phelps is chasing fellow American Mark Spitz's 1972 record of seven wins at a single Games after coming close to matching his mark at Athens four years ago when he collected six golds. He has entered eight events.

He has an unusual physique with a long torso and comparatively short legs, providing minimal resistance in the water.

His sister Whitney was a member of the U.S. World Championship team in 2005.  Continued...

 

Interview:

President Barack Obama answers questions during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, November 9, 2009.  REUTERS/Jim Young
Obama warns of China strains

"If we don't solve some of these problems, then I think both economically and politically it will put enormous strains on the relationship," the president tells Reuters.  Full Article | Full Coverage 

Featured Broker sponsored link

Editor's Choice

A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours.  Slideshow 

Most Popular on Reuters

  • Articles
  • Video
Bernd Debusmann
A good war gone bad

In the protracted Washington debate over the war in Afghanistan, the most concise analysis comes from America's top soldier: "If we don't get a level of legitimacy and governance (there), then all the troops in the world aren't going to make any difference."  Commentary