He holds the record for most Olympic gold medals (23), Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16). In this interview from 2008, a physician shares how Michael Phelps uses his long wingspan better than any other swimmer out there. He has won 28 medals across four editions of the Olympics. Michael Phelps, the swimming legend, has a massive wingspan. Four years later he became the fastest under-15 swimmer at the European Youth Olympic Festival, clocking 49.82 in the 100 freestyle. Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. He was a natural in the water, which helped to build his confidence.Īt the age of 10, he broke his first national record in the 50m backstroke. The US hero can reach a whole three inches longer than his height which helped him beat Serbia’s Milorad Cavic by a fingertip to claim 100m. Secondly, the sport was suggested by a doctor who thought that it would help correct Popovici’s early stage scoliosis - a condition in children where the spine twists and curves to the side. Phelps said in the same Facebook live video in May that he gave his newborn son, Boomer, the middle name Robert in honor of longtime swim coach, Bob Bowman. But Phelps’ wingspan is disproportionately large. Popovici started swimming in Bucharest at the age of four for two main reasons.įirstly, his parents thought it would tire out an easily-bored child and help him sleep better. This made him the subject of a medical marvel, and many thought it gave Phelps an advantage over his rivals. The eastern European nation believes it now has a potential gold medallist at Paris 2024.Ĭonfident, mature, and humble, Popovici is set to be a star for years to come.īut what else do you know about the Bucharest-born prodigy, who was the youngest member of the 100 and 200 freestyle finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics? 1 - Using swimming to correct a back issue Standing in at 6’4ft, Michael Phelps had a tremendous wingspan of 6’7ft. Razvan Florea is the only Romanian male athlete that’s ever won an Olympic medal - 200 backstroke bronze at Athens 2004. The 17-year-old Romanian’s name rarely featured in any pre-event conversations regarding the favourites to win gold medals in Budapest, Hungary.īut he became an overnight sensation after storming to the men’s 200m freestyle title with a new junior world record of 1.43.21.Ī day later, he clocked 47.13 to break the men’s 100m freestyle world junior record as well. Phelps’ wingspan however is fully three inches longer than his height. His Wingspan Beyond his intense dedication and training regimen, there are several physiological reasons why Michael Phelps is an incredible swimmer. Revelation, prodigy, and a swimming phenomenon are just some of the terms being used to describe David Popovici after his performance at the 2022 FINA World Championships.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |