Unveiling the Astonishing Metamorphosis of Olympic Icon Michael Phelps: Incredible Photos of His Phenomenal Transformation

Michael Phelps, despite retiring from competitive swimming, has maintained his exceptional fitness level. In an interview with Muscle & Fitness in 2020, the Olympian discussed how his training regimen for the Games was more of a duty than a pleasure. He revealed that his weight would often fluctuate between five and ten pounds, unrelated to water weight, due to his intense routine involving swimming ten miles per day, spending over an hour in the weight room, and engaging in circuit cardio exercises. Phelps described his dedication to eating around the clock, seizing every opportunity to consume as much food as possible.

The Maryland native's approach to fitness and wellness has evolved since his retirement in 2016. Reflecting on his journey, he recognizes that his perspective on food and nutrition has significantly changed over time. In the past, he struggled to maintain his weight and often had to force himself to eat. However, he now focuses on giving his body what it truly needs and avoids overindulging in various foods. He has transitioned to a more plant-based diet, which has resulted in him being leaner than ever before during this post-swimming phase of his life.

Phelps, who tied the knot with Nicole Johnson in 2016, made an announcement in August of the same year declaring his retirement from competitive swimming after the Rio Olympics.

"I'm completely done this time, and I truly mean it. I wanted to make a comeback and conclude my career on my own terms, and this was the perfect ending," he expressed in an interview with the Today show. "I'm finished. I'm retired. I'm done. No more... Compared to my previous Olympics in London, I felt much more emotional during these Games, and I think it was evident on camera. That's the distinction. Because I was aware that this was my last opportunity. I knew this was my final race, my final Olympics. And everything just hit me hard."

In addition to prioritizing his physical well-being, the University of Michigan alumnus - who has children Boomer, Beckett, and Maverick with Johnson - is actively involved in promoting mental health awareness. Phelps explained in his Angst documentary, exclusively to We in October 2017, that he embraced vulnerability to bring about personal transformation. He courageously addressed his struggles with anxiety and depression, reaching a point where he no longer recognized or appreciated the person he saw in the mirror. However, Phelps confronted these challenges directly, determined to overcome them.

He commented, "We have numerous ongoing initiatives, and now we're witnessing a growing number of athletes and celebrities speaking openly about their struggles with depression and anxiety. I believe they are realizing that it is acceptable to acknowledge their mental health challenges." Continue scrolling to revisit Phelps' most notable moments over the years:

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Olympian Michael Phelps’ Hot Body Evolution Through the Years: See Photos of His Transformation

While Michael Phelps has since retired from his competitive tenure in the swimming pool, he’s remained in tip-top shape.

"It felt more like a duty - it was a necessary part of my job," the Olympian disclosed to Muscle & Fitness in 2020 when discussing his training routine leading up to his Games' participation. "There were days when my weight would fluctuate by five to ten pounds, and it wasn't just water weight. With swimming 10 miles each day and dedicating over an hour to weightlifting or circuit cardio, it became an incessant occupation. I would eat nonstop, grabbing whatever food I could, whenever and as much as possible."

Since his retirement in 2016, the Maryland native's approach to fitness and well-being has undergone a transformation.

Looking back then and now, fast-forwarding 10 to 20 years, things have changed completely. Eating has never been something I consistently enjoyed because it was a necessary part of my life. There were times when I had to force myself to eat in order to maintain my weight," he shared with the magazine. "But now, I am transitioning to giving my body what I believe it needs. I don't indulge in various foods anymore. I am very selective about what I include in my diet, and I have shifted towards a plant-based diet. Currently, I am leaner than ever before, as I am in a phase after swimming."

Phelps, who tied the knot with Nicole Johnson in 2016, announced in August of the same year that he would be stepping away from competitive swimming after the Rio Olympics.

"I'm finally done, and this time I truly mean it. It was important for me to return and conclude my career on my own terms, and this experience was the perfect ending. I have retired and there is no turning back. From now until London, I experienced a whirlwind of emotions during these Games, which I believe was visible on camera. That's the key difference. I was fully aware that this was my last time competing, my final race, and my last Olympics. It all deeply resonated with me."

Apart from focusing on his physical well-being, the University of Michigan graduate, who has three children named Boomer, Beckett, and Maverick with Johnson, is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.

"It was about embracing vulnerability, a word that often frightens many. In October 2017, Phelps candidly shared with We his decision to change and confront his battles with anxiety and depression through his documentary, Angst. Displeased with the reflection he saw in the mirror, he yearned for transformation. Phelps also acknowledged the growing trend of athletes and celebrities opening up about their struggles with depression and anxiety, emphasizing the importance of accepting that it is perfectly acceptable to not feel okay."

Scroll below to relieve Phelps’ hottest moments through the years:

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November 23, 2002

Two years ahead of his Olympic debut at the FINA World Cup in New York, Michael Phelps' competitors shouldn't have underestimated the power behind his skinny bod.

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August 14, 2004

At the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens, Greece, the individual hailing from Baltimore, Maryland emerged as the remarkably triumphant representative of the United States, securing a total of six gold medals along with two bronze medals. Captured here is the awe-inspiring moment when he obtains his inaugural Olympic gold medal.

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August 19, 2004

Phelps tells Us that he has always relied on his swimming abilities to speak for themselves. He has never felt the need to engage in trash talk or attempt to intimidate his competitors. Phelps states that it goes against his nature to behave in such a manner. Instead, he believes that the preparation and readiness of the swimmers will ultimately determine the outcome of the race.

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July 23, 2005

"It's the whole package: the Speedo, the goggles, the cap. It makes me feel like a superhero." Phelps tells Us.

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March 31, 2007

Phelps appeared to transform into an amphibian-like creature with perfect swimming form as he exploded off the block at the FINA World Championships in Melbourne, Australia.

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August 10, 2008

Chiseled champion! Phelps became the first athlete to win eight Olympic gold medals at the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.

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August 11, 2008

"I have certain objectives which I aim to achieve. I am aware that attaining eight medals again is not feasible," the 27-year-old expresses to Us in anticipation of the London games. "My intention is to pursue the ideas and desires that I possess within my mind and heart. If I am able to accomplish them while having a good time, then that is what truly matters to me."

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August 12, 2008

Phelps took his first dip in the pool at just nine-months old. And with his 6-foot-4 frame, size 14 feet and double-jointed arms and legs, he was clearly built to swim.

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August 15, 2008

The athlete expresses his excitement about the prospect of rewriting history or joining the ranks of Olympic legends with his record-breaking accomplishments.

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January 6, 2009

"I had to go through my own mistakes and learn from them," he shares with Us, reflecting on his party mishaps. This included a three-month suspension for getting caught smoking marijuana, which he considers to be "the absolute lowest point in my career."

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October 10, 2010

"After 2008, I recognized my inner desire to excel in swimming, but I hesitated to invest the necessary effort. I occasionally skipped practice sessions, lacking enthusiasm," he confesses to Us.

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November 30, 2011

He certainly has the height for it! Phelps put on his best catwalker persona as he strutted his stuff on the runway for Speedo's FASTSKIN 3 swimwear technology in NYC.

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June 25, 2012

"We'll definitely have our hands full with each other, Ryan Lochte and I, throughout the entire summer," he states when speaking about his fellow USA teammate and primary competitor. "Considering we participate in numerous similar events, we're bound to compete directly against one another. Ideally, I'll be in a more favorable position compared to the past couple of years and hopefully in better physical condition as well!"

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June 30, 2012

Phelps, who plans to retire from competitive swimming after the London Olympics, expresses his desire to reflect on his career with a sense of fulfillment. Whether it be achieving fifty gold medals or accumulating a total of sixteen medals, he believes that giving his all is of utmost importance. Ultimately, he believes that being able to say he has accomplished everything he set out to do is what truly matters.

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August 14, 2016

Phelps earned a gold medal — his 23rd first place trophy — during the men's 4×100–meter medley relay at the Rio Olympics, which was his last competitive event.

Credit: Courtesy of Michael Phelps/Instagram

July 19, 2019

The retired swimmer showed off his post-retirement abs in a selfie with Johnson.

Credit: Courtesy of Michael Phelps/Instagram

June 8, 2021

The married couple frequently hit the gym together.

Credit: Courtesy of Michael Phelps/Instagram

March 27, 2022

Still got it! Phelps gave fans a glimpse of his toned physique during a family vacation.

Credit: Courtesy of Nicole Michele Phelps/Instagram

May 15, 2023

Despite retiring from competitions, Phelps remains dedicated to maintaining his peak physical condition. On Mother's Day, Johnson shared an Instagram photo showcasing her husband's impressive abs.