📍Rodgers Forge, Towson, Maryland, USA
1985 – 2004“Michael Phelps was born in Baltimore in June 1985 and grew up in Rodgers Forge, a neighbourhood of brick row houses and tree-lined streets in Towson, just north of the city. His father, Fred, was a Maryland state trooper, and his mother, Debbie, a middle school principal. He was the youngest of three, after his sisters, Whitney and Hilary, both keen swimmers. His parents divorced when he was nine, and he lived with his mother, to whom he has always been very close. He was an energetic, restless boy who was diagnosed with ADHD in sixth grade, and teachers told his mother he would never be able to focus on anything. Swimming gave him an outlet. He followed his sisters to the pool at seven, but was so nervous about putting his face in the water that his instructors let him float on his back, and backstroke was the first stroke he learned. He joined the North Baltimore Aquatic Club at the Meadowbrook pool, where, at eleven, he met the coach Bob Bowman, who recognised his talent and his competitiveness and began training him intensely. Seeing the 1996 Atlanta Olympics inspired him. He went to Rodgers Forge Elementary, Dumbarton Middle School and Towson High School, and at fifteen he swam at the Sydney Olympics, the youngest American male Olympic swimmer in 68 years. He went on to win 28 Olympic medals, 23 of them gold, more than anyone in history. He has spoken openly about his mental health, and he has given back to Baltimore through his foundation, while his mother still lives in the area.”
🗺️ Approximate location today
📍 Street view today