Phelps, who will turn 31 on Thursday, qualified for Rio 2016 with ease on Wednesday at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha. The legendary American swimmer posted a 1:54.84 in the 200-meter butterfly to win the event and clinch a spot in the upcoming summer games.
Phelps still has two more events remaining at the trials: the 100-meter butterfly and the 200-meter individual medley. Including relays, though, he could swim in up to six events at the Olympics.
Phelps first qualified for the Olympics as a 15-year-old in 2000. He returned home without a medal, but finished fifth in the 200-meter butterfly in Sydney.
Phelps’ coming-out party was staged in Athens in 2004. At just 19 years of age, he won six gold medals — two as part of relay teams — and two bronze medals.
Phelps’ greatness culminated in 2008 in Beijing with a record-breaking eight gold medals, the most by an individual at a single Olympics. The previous record had been held by American swimmer Mark Spitz since 1972.
Phelps pushed his career Olympic gold-medal tally to 18 with four more in London in 2012.
Phelps had said the London Olympics would be his last, but in 2014, he came out of retirement. The following year, he won three gold medals at nationals.
Phelps is the first American male swimmer to qualify for five Olympics.
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