Michael Phelps
L.A. Times photo by Richard Hartog
Michael Phelps nears the end of the breaststroke leg during his first-place, world-record effort in the 400 individual medley.
Michael Phelps nears the end of the breaststroke leg during his first-place, world-record effort in the 400 individual medley. (L.A. Times photo by Richard Hartog)
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Warm-up in Athens
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Michael Phelps, the 19-year-old swimmer from Rodgers Forge, gets ready for a training session at the Aquatic Center in Athens, two days before the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Phelps could capture as many as eight gold medals.
Michael Phelps, the 19-year-old swimmer from Rodgers Forge, gets ready for a training session at the Aquatic Center in Athens, two days before the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Phelps could capture as many as eight gold medals. (Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron)
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First medals
Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron

Phelps celebrates after winning the gold medal in the 400 IM Saturday in Athens. He won six golds and two bronzes that year.

Phelps celebrates after winning the gold medal in the 400 IM Saturday in Athens. He won six golds and two bronzes that year.

(Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron)
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Michael Phelps
Sun photo by Chiaki Kawajiri
Olympian Michael Phelps urges Riverview Elementary School children to cheer for other pupils who just swam with him in his first public appearance in Baltimore since winning eight medals in Athens.
Olympian Michael Phelps urges Riverview Elementary School children to cheer for other pupils who just swam with him in his first public appearance in Baltimore since winning eight medals in Athens. (Sun photo by Chiaki Kawajiri)
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Michael Phelps with silver medal
Getty Images
Michael Phelps holds his silver medal on the podium after the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the 2012 Olympics in London.
Michael Phelps holds his silver medal on the podium after the men's 200-meter butterfly final during the 2012 Olympics in London. (Getty Images)
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