Baltimore native Michael Phelps once again will try to beat Mark Spitz’s 1972 record of seven gold medals.

At the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Phelps won six gold medals and two bronzes. He came up short in one individual event, the 200-meter freestyle, and in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

He goes to Beijing as the world-record holder in the 200-meter freestyle, the 200-meter butterfly, the 200-meter individual medley and the 400-meter individual medley.

Phelps combines superb technique with a body built for swimming. His 6-foot-7-inch wingspan exceeds his height by three inches, and his torso is longer than his legs, enabling him to stay on top of the water. In addition, Phelps has unusually flexible ankles and size 14 feet, giving him a powerful kick.

This story continues below
Advertisement

Phelps will face formidable competition from fellow Americans. Ryan Lochte pressed him hard in the two individual medleys at the Olympic Trials, and rival Ian Crocker is still the world record holder in the 100-meter butterfly. Among the top threats from other countries is Pieter van den Hoogenband of the Netherlands, who won silver in the 200-meter freestyle in Athens.

Phelps is a student at the University of Michigan but cannot compete in college because he has turned pro. He volunteers as an assistant coach for the school’s swim team under Bob Bowman, who has been Phelps’ coach since Phelps was 12 years old.

Bowman recently announced he will leave Michigan after the Olympics and return to Baltimore to serve as chief executive of the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, Katie Hoff’s home base. Phelps will return to the club as well, after four years in Ann Arbor.