Michael Phelps is an American sports hero, perhaps the greatest Olympic athlete the world has ever known. His unprecedented eight gold medals in the 2008 Summer Olympics have made him a superstar. But his journey to Olympic immortality is every bit as compelling as his achievements in the pool. From learning to cope with ADHD to the story of how Phelps became the greatest swimmer ever, Phelps' tale is told in full detail here for the first time.

The author, Bob Schaller, has known Phelps and his coach for more than eight years, and has extensively interviewed him, along with his...

The limited shelf life of Olympic athletes collapsed in 1980 for Rowdy Gaines and about 280 other elite U.S. athletes when President Jimmy Carter announced America would boycott the Games in Moscow.

Instead of distinguishing his country on an international stage, the world's fastest swimmer found himself instead languishing in the lifeguard chair at his hometown pool.

Author Dainon Moody details a story of Gaines' resurrection during an earlier era when sponsorships eluded star swimmers. Rather than cashing checks for wearing...