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• Michael Phelps is an Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer who made Olympic history at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China, by winning eight gold medals.USOC.org: Michael Phelps In early 2009 completed a three-month suspension after photos of him smoking marijuana came to light.

  On June 13, 2009, Phelps won the 400-meter freestyle at the Santa Clara International Grand Prix. Phelps completed the race in 3 minutes and 48.05, beating runner-up Ryan Cochrane by half a second.Associated Press: Phelps beats rivals to win 400 free in Santa Clara

• Fast Facts

  1. Full name: Michael Fred Phelps III
  2. Born: June 30, 1985
  3. Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
  4. Nickname: The Baltimore Bullet
  5. Height: 6'4"USOC.org: Michael Phelps
  6. Weight: 185 lbsUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  7. High school: Townson High SchoolUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  8. College: University of MichiganUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  9. Coach: Bob BowmanUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  10. Romantically linked to Las Vegas cocktail waitress Caroline PalHollywood Gossip: Michael Phelps' Girlfriend! (November 27, 2008)
  11. Was romantically linked to Nicole Johnson, Carrie Underwood and Stephanie RiceHollywood Gossip: Michael Phelps' Girlfriend! (November 27, 2008)

• Mr. Olympics and Miss California

  The grandmother of Miss USA runner-up Carrie Prejean, confirmed to Radar Online in April of 2009 that the pageant queen occasionally goes out with Michael Phelps, when Phelps visits her town. Although the relationship is not serious, the grandmother stated, "she enjoys going out with him [but] isn't serious about being in a relationship."Radar Online: EXCLUSIVE CONFIRMATION: Miss California Dating Michael Phelps (April 21, 2009)

• Phelps Apologizes to Chinese Fans

  Michael Phelps recently released a video apology to his fans in China. Responding to the picture of him taking a hit from a bong, Phelps told Chinese fans, "As many of you know, I recently engaged in behavior which was regrettable and not what people have come to expect from me. To the young people of China, please learn a lesson from this. Be positive in life, and do the right things. I've had so many great experiences in China over the past few years, and have enjoyed learning about your culture and your history." Phelp's apology helped him to retain his seven-figure endorsement deal with Chinese car manufacturer Mazda Motor Corporation.Us Magazine: Michael Phelps Apologizes... (February 13, 2009)

• Suspension and Sponsorships

  On February 5, 2009, Kellogg's announced that, in the wake of the marijuana photo incident, the company would not renew their sponsorship with Phelps.ESPN.com: Phelps' Actions Cause Kellogg's Decision Later the same day, USA Swimming announced that Phelps would be suspended for three months, in order to "send a strong message to Michael because he disappointed so many people, particularly the hundreds of thousands of USA Swimming member kids who look up to him...."USA Swimming: ...Statement From USA Swimming Regarding Michael Phelps (February 5, 2009)

  Phelps returned from suspension for a May 15, 2009 event in Charlotte, North Carolina, his first event since the Summer Olympics. Although he finished second in the 200-meter freestyle, he won his heat in the 100-meter butterfly event.ESPN.com: Phelps Takes 100 Fly Heat in Return

• Kutcher Defends Phelps

  In February 2009, actor Ashton Kutcher Twittered his support for Phelps after a British newspaper published a photo of the swimmer taking a bong hit at a party. Kutcher said, "I'm not saying it was a smart move. But he doesn't need to be publicly outed for it."US Magazine: Ashton Kutcher Defends... (February 2, 2009) The photos were taken in November of 2008 at a house party at the University of South Carolina, Columbia.News of the World: 14-times Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps caught with cannabis pipe

• Swimming Career

  Michael Phelps is the son of former swimmers Fred Phelps and Debbie Davisson. Phelps began swimming at an early age and by the age of 15 was competing in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Upon graduating high school in 2004, Phelps was granted an athletic scholarship to Princeton but filed for a transfer to the University of Michigan before the end of his first semester. From 2001 to 2007, he won 17 gold medals and three silver medals during competitions at the semi-annual World Swimming Championships. He also earned eight gold medals from the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships. In 2008, Phelps broke his own record for the 400 yard individual medley with a time of 4:05:25ESPN: Phelps, Hoff set world records in 400 IM at Olympic trials (June 29, 2008).

• Timeline

  • 2000: Participated in the Sydney Olympics at age 15USOC.org: Michael Phelps
  • 2003: Four gold medals and two silver medals during 2003 World Swimming ChampionshipsUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  • 2004: Six gold medals and two bronze medals at 2004 Summer OlympicsUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  • 2004: Phelps was arrested and pleaded guilty to DWI chargesCBS News: Olympic Champ Sentenced For DUI (2004)
  • 2005: Five gold medals and one silver medal during 2005 World Swimming ChampionshipsUSOC.org: Michael Phelps
  • 2007: Won seven gold medals during the 2007 World Swimming ChampionshipsESPN: Red, White and Gold for Americans at World Swimming Championships (April 1, 2007)
  • 2008: Won eight gold medals during the 2008 Summer OlympicsUSOC.org: Michael Phelps

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