Who is faster Michael Phelps or Ian Thorpe?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 11, 2026
At those 2003 World Championships, Phelps and Thorpe locked up in the 200 individual medley, hardly a strong event for the Aussie. Ultimately, Phelps prevailed by more than three seconds over Thorpe, the silver medalist.
Who is a better swimmer Michael Phelps or Ian Thorpe?
Both will go down in history and, while statistics might lead you towards one or the other, choosing the best is a matter of opinion. Phelps has six Olympic gold medals, Thorpe five. Thorpe has 11 world titles, Phelps 10. Phelps has broken 16 individual world records, Thorpe 13.
Who is the fastest male swimmer of all time?
Men's 50 m Freestyle
Brazilian sprint specialist Cesar Cielo Filho holds the world record in both the 50 and 100 m freestyle events. In terms of pure speed, Cielo Filho holds the crown as the fastest swimmer in history.
Who is the fastest swimmer right now?
Meet Caeleb Dressel, the Fastest Swimmer in the World.
Who is faster Phelps or Dressel?
The 50-meter short course saw Dressel setting a time of 20.16 while Phelps set only a time of 23.04. Going onto the long course 100-meters freestyle competition, Dressel clocked 46.96 while Phelps managed to set a time of 47.51.
42 related questions foundIs Dressel faster than Phelps?
Clay County's swimming star is now the fastest butterfly swimmer on the planet. Caeleb Dressel demolished one of the most durable records in world swimming Friday, breaking Michael Phelps' mark in the 100-meter butterfly to continue his FINA world swimming championships in Gwangju, South Korea.
How is Katie Ledecky so fast?
Watch Ledecky's line from head to toe as she swims: Her hips are close to the surface of the water, and her head is looking straight down to the bottom of the pool. This, coupled with an efficient kick, minimizes drag and allows Katie Ledecky to swim so fast.
How fast is Michael Phelps?
Olympic gold-medalist Michael Phelps can swim the 200-meter freestyle in approximately 1.42 minutes, which equates to a speed of about 4.7 mph (miles per hour) or 7.6 km/h (kilometers per hour). A sailfish could cover 200 meters in about 10 seconds!
How Fast Is Michael Phelps 100 free?
Michael Phelps swam his fastest 100 meter freestyle at an average pace of 4.76 mph.
Does Michael Phelps still hold any records?
Michael Phelps is also the long course world record holder in the men's 400m Individual Medley, the current longest-standing swimming world record on the books. Moreover, he is the former long course world record holder in the 200m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, 200m Butterfly, and 200m Individual Medley.
Who is the best Olympic swimmer of all time?
Michael Phelps is arguably the greatest Olympian of all time by sheer number of Olympic medals won. His 28 medals spanning five Games is unrivaled, and no other Olympic athlete comes close to his 23 gold medals. The 36-year-old Baltimore native is built for swimming.
What was Michael Phelps best race?
- 2002 Summer Nationals – 400 Individual Medley (4:11.09)
- 2007 World Championships – 200 Butterfly (1:52.09) ...
- 2012 Olympic Games – 200 Individual Medley (1:54.27) ...
- 2008 Olympic Games – 200 Butterfly (1:52.03) ...
- 2008 Olympic Games – 100 Freestyle (47.51) ...
- 2015 Summer Nationals – 200 Breaststroke (2:11.30) ...
Was Michael Phelps double-jointed?
Phelps is also said to be double-jointed, according to a Detroit News blog. His size-14 feet reportedly bend 15 degrees farther at the ankle than most other swimmers, turning his feet into virtual flippers. This flexibility also extends to his knees and elbows, possibly allowing him to get more out of each stroke.
Is Phelps in the Olympics?
Michael Phelps' 28 medals spanning five Games is unrivaled, and no other Olympic athlete comes close to his 23 gold medals. The swimmer made his mark on the Games starting over 20 years ago at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, when, at 15 years old, he became the youngest man on U.S. Olympic swim team in 68 years.
Does Katie Ledecky use steroids?
Her record-breaking times have drawn accusations of steroid use, even though there's no proof of her doping. In 2016, ESPN reported that Ledecky had gone through dozens of doping controls, not only in the U.S. but also at international competitions, never failing a single one.
Is Ledecky better than Phelps?
Katie Ledecky ties Phelps' record
With that, she tied the record of Michael Phelps, winning the award a record 7 times. Notably, Katie won her signature events at Tokyo Olympics; the 800-meters and the 1500-meters. Although she could not win the 400-meters, she still finished with a silver medal at that event.
Who is the fastest 10 year old swimmer?
Carson Foster is one the world's fastest young swimmers. At the age of 10, he broke one of his idols records: Michael Phelps.
Is Caleb Dressel better than Michael Phelps?
Caeleb Dressel doesn't think he should be compared to Michael Phelps. Dressel called Phelps a better swimmer and said he has other goals beyond chasing Phelps. Dressel said he doesn't even keep his medals, saying he revels in the thrill of racing instead.
Who holds the world record for 100m butterfly?
24-year-old American powerhouse Caeleb Dressel (USA) currently holds the world record for the 100m Butterfly after phenomenally smashing his own time in Tokyo last year.
Who is new Michael Phelps?
Caeleb Dressel has been compared to Michael Phelps long before he reached Tokyo. But with each Olympic medal, the association strengthens. Dressel was nearly speechless after touching the wall, looking up to see No. 1 appear across his name on the big screen, the first time he did so for an individual Olympic race.