Former Swimmer & The Most Decorated Olympian with 28 Medals, Founded the Michael Phelps Foundation & Won the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion

Michael Phelps, widely known as The Flying Fish and The Baltimore Bullet, is the most decorated Olympian of all time. With a record 28 Olympic medals, 23 of them gold, he redefined excellence in swimming and inspired millions worldwide. Competing across butterfly, freestyle, backstroke, and medley, his dominance was unmatched, highlighted by his historic eight gold medal performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Revered for his extraordinary power and athleticism, Phelps is a global icon both in and out of the pool. Today, he shares his remarkable journey as a keynote speaker, motivating audiences with lessons in resilience, determination, and success.

Michael first made his mark on the Olympic stage as a 15-year-old in Sydney in 2000, placing fifth in the 200-meter butterfly. In Athens 2004, he earned six gold and two bronze medals; in Beijing 2008, he won a record eight golds; in London 2012, he brought four gold and two silvers; and at Rio 2016, he concluded his Olympic career with five gold and one silver. His total of 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold medals, remains unmatched.

Following retirement, Michael launched the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2008 to promote swimming, water safety, and healthy lifestyles for young people. In 2017, he was appointed to the Board of Directors of Medibio, an Australian medical technology company specialising in diagnostics for mental health conditions.

Phelps has also become a leading advocate for mental health awareness, drawing from his experiences with ADHD, anxiety, and depression to encourage open conversation and reduce stigma. In recognition of his advocacy and inclusion efforts, he received the Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion in 2019.

Michael has authored ‘Beneath the Surface’ and ‘No Limits: The Will to Succeed’, sharing his journey and competitive mindset. He appeared in the HBO documentary The Weight of Gold, which he also produced, highlighting mental health challenges in elite sports. Michael has been featured on 60 Minutes, The Today Show, and ESPN, as well as in major publications including Time and Sports Illustrated, where his story continues to reach global audiences.

Why Hire Michael Phelps?

Booking Michael brings the perspective of one of the most iconic athletes in modern history. His journey from a determined teenager to a global champion illustrates discipline, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. These qualities, shaped through years of training and competition, provide valuable lessons that apply far beyond the world of sport.

Since retiring, Michael has become a respected advocate for mental health, sharing his experiences with ADHD, anxiety, and depression. His openness and authenticity allow him to connect deeply with audiences, making his message both powerful and relatable. He also continues to promote healthier lifestyles through his foundation and collaborations with wellness organisations.

As a speaker, Michael delivers inspiring and practical insights on perseverance, teamwork, and achieving goals. His story motivates audiences to embrace challenges, develop resilience, and strive for success in their own personal and professional lives.

To book Michael to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry.