The fast and thrilling life of Baltimore Bullet - Michael Phelps
(Part 3)
In 2005, Michael Phelps had changed his mind about the categories and events that he would perform at. The swimming giant was now looking to conquer some other divisions or styles.
Eventually, he came to the decision that he would not perform in his favourite events such as the 400m medley, as he was looking to give himself a shot at the 400m freestyle and also test himself out in the 100m freestyle. He also said no to the 200m butterfly.
These decisions ended up benefiting him highly. Hence, at the 2005 World Aquatic Championship trials, he managed to shine in the 400, 200 and 100 m freestyle. At the same time, he rose to the occasion and also defeated his opponents in the 100m butterfly
and the 200m mix-styled race.
Phelps brilliance continued in 2005 at Montreal, Canada as the world saw him swimming his way to 5 gold medals and 1 silver medal at the World Aquatic Championship.
He made a new world record in the 200m freestyle category and also made a championship record in the 400m freestyle relay division. Phelps had to defeat some other swimming greats such as Grant Hacket to win his second gold of the championship.
2006 saw Phelps make three new world records at the Pan Pacific Championships in Victoria, U.S. Firstly, he created a new W.R in the 200m butterfly event with a time of 1:53, secondly, he made a W.R in the 200m individual medley in a time of 1:55 and thirdly,
the boy from Maryland made a third W.R with his team-mates in the 1600m free style relay with a time of 3:12.
Other than these three medals, the championship also saw the superb Phelps pick up two more Gold medals in the 400m individual medley as well as in the 800m freestyle relay.
He only had one silver medallion in the 200m backstroke event as backstroke swimming isn't really one of Michael’s strong points. All in all, the championship was a super hit for the extra-ordinary swimmer from America.
If 2005 and 2006 are put together, they brought in 10 gold medals, 3 world records broken, 1 new world record created and lastly, two rare silver medals for Phelps.
It was an absolutely breathtaking performance by possibly the greatest swimmer alive. That period of sheer brilliance shall not be forgotten for decades. The composure he exhibited during that time mesmerized the crowd that was cheering him on throughout
and even those who were not on his side. No one could over-look performances like he had delivered in the two consecutive years of 05’ and 06’.
But, it was only getting better and better for the American. By now, he had virtually become an underwater speed boat, travelling at massive speeds and breaking world records at a rapid rate. In fact, some of the records he broke had been standing stagnant
for many years.
By 2007, he was not only a totally furious and enthusiastic swimmer but he also had matured far more than he used to be. He had become a lot smarter in his game tactics and was virtually unbeatable now.
When the 2007 Pan Pacific Championships were about to take off, the world knew that this time around Phelps was stronger than ever and he was really going to give a performance of a lifetime. Even Michael himself looked confident in a lot of the pre-championship
interviews that he had given. He had been training relentlessly.
At the 2007 Aquatic Championships, the legend of swimming made it clearer that he was truly the best in the business and also that he would create benchmarks that would probably be almost impossible to reach.
The boy had shocked the world yet again by winning a total of 7 gold medals in that year’s championships. He surprised everyone and proved that he truly was going to reach much higher heights than he already had and that his goal was to create as many world
records as possible.
He was sending the message out that he was here to stay and was just getting started in his chase after complete stardom. The boy had now become a man and what a moment it was for the man within him. The excitement he felt could almost be touched.
To top his brilliant 7 gold medal victories, the world would come to know that he had also created 5 new world records. This was all in a day’s work, believe it or not.
Michael Fred Phelps had also included one more Championship Record to his name. It was unimaginable or simply impossible to comprehend how he must have conquered that Everest of the world records and gold medals.
He made many people truly understand that there was actually nothing that was impossible or unachievable. He reminded the world how heroes were made as heroes defy all the odds and rise as successors.
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