Michael Phelps is officially a sex icon, whether he likes it or not. His family thinks its awkward, his friends poke fun of him, but the truth is inevitable. Watching someone storm through the Olympics against the best swimming athletes in the world, smashing records on his way, is fun to watch. Watching someone as sexy as Michael Phelps do it, why that’s just an added bonus. Michael Phelps, at 23 years old, has it all going for him. When you see him swim, his body seems to just slice through the water like a fish. Ever hear the saying about swimmers with big hands and feet? Michal’s 6’4’’ frame, giant wingspan, and size 14 feet are all atvantages in the water. He is built to swim, and he is built, period.

Michael Phelps was born on June 30, 1985 to Fred and Debbie Phelps. The family lived just outside of Baltimore, MD. Michael had two sisters, Hilary and Whitney, both of whom swam. From them, Michael learned his work ethic, dedication, and craft. By age 11, after watching the swimming events at the 1996 Olympic Games, young Michael began to dream, and dream big.

By then, Michael’s home life had changed drastically. After years of fighting, his parents divorced. High school sweethearts, they had separated before Michael was born, gotten back together, and then split for good in 1992. The kids went to live with Debbie. Michael grew very close to his mother, while Fred faded from the picture. To this day, he has very little contact with his father, which is a shame.

His ascent through the competitive swimming world was rapid. Michael oozed potential, from his perfect swimming frame, to his tireless work ethic which included 5 hour days in the pool. Michael moved to Ann Arbor, MI to train for the 2008 games, because that’s where the best go to train. Every practice day was a competition, and if he let down one single day he would be beat. It’s easy to root for a guy like Michael, who has worked so hard. As he continues his assault on the Olympic record books this August, many will marvel at his wondrous talents, and God-given physical gifts. Michael will continue to be in the spotlight for a long time, as an athlete, and a sex icon, whether he likes it or not.