Michael Phelps of the United States speaks during a press conference at the Main Press Centre on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo : Getty Images/Jamie Squire)
Having an insurmountable number of gold medals and being decorated as the greatest Olympian to ever live, the only thing that stops Michael Phelps from winning even more gold medals than his already unstoppable record is no one but himself.
Fortunately, Phelps is not exactly an exemplar when it comes to sticking to his own word religiously. He is quite well known for being indecisive when it comes to retirement.
But a notable difference between his latest decision to retire, compared to his previous two ones, was that he had a meaningful role in life now. His main responsibility, which did not have before, is to raise his first son, Boomer Phelps, who was born last May.
Bob Bowman, who was Phelps' long-time coach, said that he does not see Phelps from returning again, because he was in such a good place now, according to Yahoo! Sports. Phelps retirement will only be a matter of personal choice and not because of age. This time around, he might really retire for good.
Phelps, who turned 31 last June, has even broken an already ancient record back in the BCs when he won his 13th individual Olympic gold, surpassing ancient runner, Leonidas of Rhodes, who had 12 individual crowns. This individual record was unbeaten for 2 millennia, which should be considered a legacy at the grandest scale.
Even if Phelps' retirement has been established now, it will probably take centuries, or even millennia, for someone to come and beat his record again. His fellow Olympians have laughable records compared to his, and he should serve as the biggest inspiration for future swimmers and other sport players alike.
Seeing as Phelps was truly convinced that it would be his last Olympics in Rio, this would be the perfect ending, for he will be going home with six medals in total: one silver and five gold. "I was very, very emotional during these Games in Rio, and that is why I mean it when I say I will rest for good, because I knew all along that this is going to be the last time I compete in the pool," Phelps told TODAY.
