The legacy of Michael Phelps is this: As the most accomplished and decorated Olympian ever, he has changed his sport in a way that few athletes have. Now in a stunning special edition from Sports Illustrated, the remarkable story of Phelps’ long journey and unprecedented triumphs are told through words and the iconic photography that readers have come to expect from SI. This beautiful keepsake volume travels back to his boyhood and spans his five Olympic Games—from his debut as a 15-year-old in Sydney in 2000, through his breathtaking ascension to eight gold medals in Beijing in 2008, and the spirited crowning of his 28-medal Olympic career in 2016 in Rio.

SI’s brilliant reporting goes deep inside Phelps' personal struggles and inspiring re-birth as well as a look inside his remarkable training programs and what the future might hold for Phelps after he retires from competitive swimming. This collectible edition also includes ground-breaking underwater photos, plus a deep dive into analytics: How Phelps compares to other Olympians, other swimmers and, yes, other species.

The impact of Michael Phelps is already seen in the young swimmers who follow behind him, and his influence will change the trajectory of the sport for years to come.