At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Marylander Michael Phelps became the most decorated athlete in the history of the modern Olympic Games. At that time, he won his 18th Olympic gold medal, which also was his 22nd career Olympic medal.
Swimming in Maryland gained worldwide attention in August 2008, when Michael Phelps won eight gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
Swimming pool, Reisterstown, Maryland, September 2009. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
In the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, Phelps won his first six gold medals as well as two bronze, in butterfly, freestyle relay, and individual medley.
Olympic swiming athletes from Maryland also include Brad Schumacher (born in Bowie), Beth Botsford and Allison Schmitt of Baltimore, and Katie Ledecky of Timonium. Schumacher and Botsford each won two gold medals at the 1996 Atlanta games. Schmitt won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and three gold medals at the 2012 London competitions. Ledecky won her gold medal at the 2012 London competitions.
Throughout Maryland, swim clubs provide opportunities for competitive swimming to Marylanders of all ages. Competitive swimming is organized through Maryland Swimming.
Besides swimming pools, Maryland offers many opportunities for recreational swimming. Sixteen State Parks have swimming areas.
Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center, 130 Auto Drive, Prince Frederick (Calvert County), Maryland, July 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
Daniel C. Olson Pool, Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold, Maryland, October 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
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