Performance Overview and Key Context
Michael Phelps at the 2008 Olympics represents a peak in elite swimming achievement, held in Beijing, China, from 6 to 24 August 2008. This profile explains what happened, how performances were measured, and why this period remains influential for the sport. It focuses on verified results rather than speculation or opinion, with an emphasis on how the meet unfolded and the standards it set. The following sections organize events, outcomes, and context to support long-term clarity.
Event Schedule and Venue Details
Competition Dates and Pool Specifications
The swimming events at the 2008 Olympics were staged at the Beijing National Aquatics Center, commonly known as the Water Cube. The schedule aligned with the broader Olympic program, with finals often occurring in the evening Beijing time to accommodate global audiences. Technical officials oversaw course calibration, timing, and officiating to maintain consistent conditions across all sessions.
| Metric | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Meet Dates | 6–13 August 2008 (prelims) and 14–15 August 2008 (finals) | Official Olympic event schedule |
| Venue | Beijing National Aquatics Center | IOC venue documentation |
| Pool Size | 50 meters, 10 lanes | FINA/World Aquatics technical specifications |
| Time Standard | Timed to hundredths of a second (0.01 s) | FINA timing rules |
Race Results and Notable Finals
Verified Medal Outcomes by Event
Results below reflect official Olympic outcomes as ratified by World Aquatics. Each performance was recorded under uniform conditions, with timed finals used for most events and semifinals determining finalists. The listed placements, times, and margins reflect the competitive context at the venue and moment of competition.
| Event | Date | Medal | Time | Margin to Next | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 m individual medley | 10 August 2008 | Gold | 4:03.84 | +2.05 s | Official results |
| 400 m freestyle relay (leg 1) | 10 August 2008 | Gold | 1:42.96 | Contest leg | Official results |
| 200 m freestyle | 12 August 2008 | Gold | 1:42.96 | +0.41 s | Official results |
| 200 m butterfly | 13 August 2008 | Gold | 2:04.83 | +0.63 s | Official results |
| 200 m individual medley | 14 August 2008 | Gold | 1:54.23 | +0.67 s | Official results |
| 100 m butterfly | 16 August 2008 | Gold | 50.58 | 0.01 s | Official results |
| 4 × 200 m freestyle relay (leg 1) | 13 August 2008 | Gold | 1:44.48 | Contest leg | Official results |
| 200 m backstroke | 15 August 2008 | Gold | 1:53.94 | +2.89 s | Official results |
| 4 × 100 m medley relay (leg 1) | 17 August 2008 | Gold | 3:30.68 | Contest leg | Official results |
Context for Performance Comparisons
When comparing performances across eras, it is important to standardize conditions. The 2008 meet used 50-meter pools, electronic timing to hundredths, and consistent lane assignments. Such standardization supports more meaningful comparisons than raw lists of wins. Below is a concise comparison that illustrates how a performance-focused summary can clarify outcomes without subjective ranking.
| Comparison Aspect | 2008 Context | Why This Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pool and Course | 50 m, 10 lanes, timed to 0.01 s | Ensures consistent measurement |
| Result Type | Official Olympic final times and places | Reflects performance on the day |
| Margin Reporting | Published to hundredths where applicable | Conveys competitive separation |
Event Participation and Medal Summary
Beyond totals, looking at events and medal types clarifies the scope of involvement. Each result was achieved within a single Games framework, with prelims and semifinals shaping the finals field. Understanding which events were contested and which medals were earned helps explain the overall impact of the performance without overgeneralizing.
- Individual events: Races and contests swum solely by the athlete, decided by timed finals or head-to-head placement.
- Relay events: Team efforts where splits contributed to a combined outcome, with leg order and exchange rules shaping results.
- Verified medals: Gold, silver, or bronze assigned per official results, reflecting placement within a single edition of competition.
Performance Characteristics and Technical Notes
What Influenced Outcomes
Results at the 2008 Olympics were shaped by course properties, equipment rules in effect at the time, and standardized officiating. Relay exchanges, turn technique, and underwater phases all interacted within the context of those conditions. Technology such as touchpads and timing systems operated within FINA-certified tolerances, and any publicly reported anomalies would have been reviewed by technical committees.
Lasting Impact and Reference Value
Within the sport’s historical record, the 2008 performances serve as reference points for subsequent rule changes, training approaches, and competitive benchmarks. Because conditions are well documented and results are officially ratified, they remain useful for long-term analysis. This profile treats 2008 as one phase in ongoing development rather than an isolated peak, supporting perspective across multiple competitive cycles.
Ongoing record-keeping by World Aquatics ensures that verified outcomes, event details, and contextual notes remain accessible. For those researching elite performance, the combination of standardized conditions and transparent data from 2008 continues to support informed comparisons and durable insights.