Michael Phelps thanks coach Bob Bowman as he reflects on being the most decorated male swimmer at the World Championships

Michael Phelps is undoubtedly one of the greatest swimmers of all-time. Recently, the American looked back on his success at the World Championships over the course of his career, while thanking his coach Bob Bowman and reflecting on being barred from the 2015 World Championships.

In 2014, Phelps came out of retirement to target one last Olympic Games. However, in September that year, the swimmer was handed a DUI which resulted in him being banned from all USA Swimming competitions for six months and dropped from the 2015 World Championships team.

Despite being forced to miss the 2015 Championships, Michael Phelps remains the most decorated male swimmer at the event, having won a whopping 33 medals between 2001 and 2011. Taking to his Instagram story, Phelps recently reflected on his success, while writing,

“Thx for making an example of me @usaswimming… woulda been fun to compete in 15, huh @coach_bowman?!”

In 2015, Phelps clocked the fastest times in the world that year for multiple events. A handful of months later, the American competed at one final Olympic Games before retiring for a second time.

Bob Bowman pens heartfelt wish for Michael Phelps’ 40th birthday

Throughout his career, Michael Phelps was guided to greatness by coach Bob Bowman, with whom he trained since he was nine years old. Since retiring, Phelps and Bowman have maintained a close bond, with the latter considering Phelps’ four kids his own grandchildren.

Recently, Phelps turned 40 years old, and Bowman celebrated the occasion with a loving note. Taking to Instagram, he reflected on their journey together both in sport and in life, writing,

“On May 7, 1997, we started a journey together that has defined my life professionally and personally. It’s so rare that one person can impact the world, their sport and countless individual lives. There’s not a thing in my life that you haven’t made better by sharing yours with me. I’m so grateful for our swimming time together, which transformed Olympic sport and what it means to be excellent. The time after has been a blessing that I could have never imagined and has changed my life in so many positive ways. Happy Birthday MP! Love you!”

Over the course of two decades, Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman dominated the world of swimming. Outside of their 33 World Championships, the duo also won 28 Olympic medals, making Phelps the most decorated Olympian of all-time.