![Michael Phelps swims with great white shark [Image: commons.wikimedia.org]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/7/23/660x290/b_502x220x82/michael-phelps-swims-with-great-white-shark-image-commonswikimediaorg_1461093.jpg "Michael Phelps swims with great white shark [Image: commons.wikimedia.org]")
Michael Phelps retired from competitive swimming after his final races in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio. In his swimming career, he has won 28 medals. That makes him the most decorated Olympian ever. Of those medals, 23 of them are gold. Phelp's most recent and most difficult race will air on Sunday, July 23 on the Discovery Channel when viewers will see him race a Great White Shark. That event will fulfill one of Phelps' dreams, and he can cross that off his bucket list.
The race
Of all the races Phelps has had over his swimming career, he claims this one was a tough race.
He added that it was probably the hardest race he has ever participated in. Even though people have seen him beat so many opponents, they didn't think he could outswim a shark mainly because sharks swim in their own territory while Phelps is accustomed to swimming in a pool.
When Phelps was interviewed on "Good Morning America" last week, he indicated that swimming in a pool and swimming in an ocean are quite different. For one thing, the water is much colder. Phelps said ocean water is about 50 degrees, but pool water is about 80 degrees. Not only was Phelps at a disadvantage while swimming in the shark's own water and the water being cold, sharks innately swim much faster than men. Phelps clocks in at only 6.5 mph on his best days where great white sharks can swim up to 25 mph.
Clearly, the odds were in the favor of the shark during the race. First of all, Phelps was in a cage, and he could see only a few meters in front of him.
With the odds against him, the 32-year-old Baltimore, Maryland native was equipped with some technology to help him. ESPN admitted Phelps was provided with a wetsuit and a monofin to help him have a better race.
During his interview on "GMA," he was asked how do you start a race with a shark. Do you say, "Get set, get ready, go"? That's when the championship swimmer said something that shocked viewers and fans waiting to see the race. Phelps revealed that he and the shark were not in the water at the same time.They were not swimming side by side.
Shark Week
To kick off Shark Week, watch the 100-meter race with Michael Phelps that took place off Cape Town, South Africa. Every year since July 17, 1988, much attention has been given to a week in late July or early August when programs about sharks are featured on the Discovery Channel. During that particular week, viewers are treated to everything they have ever wanted to know about sharks.
Shark Week is promoted on television and on social media. There is something new and exciting this year. Watch "Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White" when it airs at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 23 on the Discovery Channel.
