How was Michael Phelps discovered?

Question

How did he get into the Olympics? Did he try out or did someone discover his swimming ability?

Answer 1

Bob Bowman, Michael's age group coach in Baltimore, recognized Michael's potential at age 11. He sat down with Michael's mother to discuss what would be necessary to realize his potential. Four years later, Michael placed 5th in his first Olympics at the age of 15.  

Answer 2

Michael Phelps worked hard, swam an Olympic Trials Qualifying time during the year, entered the US Olympic Trials, and won 5 races as well as swam the heats of the 100 free to get a spot on the 4x100 Free Relay. (that's how he got into the Olympics)

At age of eleven he was discovered by his coach Bob Bowman when he was coaching his older sister who was an Olympic Trials Qualifier too.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

In his youth, Phelps was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

He started swimming at age seven, partly because of the influence of his sisters and partly to provide him with an outlet for his energy. He excelled as a swimmer, and by the age of 10 held a national record for his age group. More age group records followed, and Phelps' rapid improvement culminated in his qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics at the age of 15.

Answer 4

He got his start the same way every swimmer gets their start. He began swimming at an age group level, competed some, as almost every swimmer at that age does. As some point he started doing well at a local level and qualified for larger events, he probably progressed just like most swimmers do. Starting by qualifying for a state meet, then zones, then sectionals, with a few invites here and there.

eventually he made a name for himself, beginning at a local level and going up from there until he is known on the national, then international level.

Swimming is not like other sports where swimmers are selected, everyone has the same chance as anyone else, its all about hard work, experience, and natural ability.

I didn't grow up swimming in the boston area, but I have known other swimmers who have made it very far, I made it a long ways myself, and I can't think of one person who did not start from the bottom and work their way up. no one starts out being great.