Michael F. Phelps is widely regarded as the greatest swimmer of all time and is often considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time. Michael is the long course world record holder in the men’s 400-meter individual medley as well as the former long course world record holder in the 200-meter freestyle, 100-meter butterfly, 200-meter butterfly, and 200-meter individual medley. He has won 82 medals in major international long course competitions, of which 65 were gold, 14 silver, and three bronze, spanning the Olympics, the World Championships, and the Pan Pacific Championships.

Michael’s international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and American Swimmer of the Year Award eleven times, as well as the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award in 2012 and 2016.

Michael earned Sports Illustrated magazine’s Sportsman of the Year award due to his unprecedented Olympic success in the 2008 Games.

After the 2008 Summer Olympics, he started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles, especially regarding Mental Well Being.

“I think goals should never be easy.”

Barry Shore became a quadriplegic overnight from a rare disease on September 17, 2004 at the age of 55. In the course of physical therapy over years he gained the ability to swim a backstroke. He swam his first mile on his back in 98 minutes. Within 2 more years he was able to swim the crawl with the aid of flotation devices on his legs, paddles on his hands and a snorkel for breathing. Barry persevered and now swims 2 miles per day, 6 days per week for more than 12 years. He records every mile and has logged over 8,900 miles as of January 2023.

At mile 8,000 in January 2020 he realized that his dream of Swimming Around the World (24,902 miles) would be realized when he would turn 105 (!). IF he could maintain the 2 miles per day pace.

The Question: How to swim around the world before age 105.

The Answer: LEVERAGE with a TEAM.

Barry is a sought after Speaker and Advocate for Mental Wellness due to his emergence from Full Body Paralysis and the challenges both physical and mental.

Barry wants a TEAM that understands Helping People with the Mental Struggles of LIFE is crucial.

He is dedicated to Removing the Stigma of Seeking Help.

Who better to advance the Cause of Mental Wellness through the Channel of SWIMMING than the most decorated, famous, admired Swimmer in history:

Michael Phelps.

And a Band of Heroes.

“Choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

Everyone deserves to be healthy, happy, and safe. And since we love the water, much of what we do happens near the pool. Swimming offers various benefits beyond competition – from everyday wellness to recreational activities. But we know the skills we gain transcend swimming and provide a platform to overcome fears, face adversity, and develop and achieve goals. And it’s worth noting, learning how to swim can save a life – your own or another.
Swimming is a great way to manage your health, mentally and physically. We know firsthand the benefits of exercise and how it affects mental health, but this could look different for you. We also take our mental health care outside the pool with tools like therapy and a self-care plan. We want the same for you and have programs and resources to help. You are not alone. One in five Americans experience mental illness, and we know what it’s like to suffer in silence. We continue to share the message that it’s okay not to be okay and encourage people to seek help and support.