Tag: Swimming training

Rumors claimed Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps consumed 12,000 calories daily, a myth he later debunked, stating his intake was closer to 8,000 to 10,000 calories during intense training. So, why did Phelps eat so much? His body required immense fuel to compensate for his punishing training schedule and high metabolic rate.

Elite competitive swimmers may need to consume between 3,000 and 6,000 calories per day, depending on factors like training volume and body composition. Determining what is a good calorie intake for a swim athlete requires a personalized approach based on intensity, duration, and individual goals.

During his peak training for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Michael Phelps' caloric intake was rumored to be as high as 12,000 calories per day, though he later clarified his actual intake was closer to 8,000–10,000 calories. This astonishing diet was a necessity, not an indulgence, fueling his grueling daily regimen and immense energy expenditure.