Michael Phelps, the legendary swimmer, looked remarkably different from his days in competition as he touched down in Sydney on Tuesday. He was there to take part in a significant conference.

The 40-year-old, who holds the title of the most decorated Olympian with an astonishing 28 medals, 23 of which are gold, was one of the star speakers at the World Business Forum. This event gathered thought leaders from across the globe to share insights and ideas.

Cameras captured Phelps strolling through the city on his way to the forum, showcasing a more laid-back appearance with his hair grown long and tied back into a bun. Known not only for his swimming prowess but also for his passion for golf, Phelps seemed at ease in his new role.

Joining him at the event were other prominent figures such as Amy Edmondson, a renowned US scholar, and Guy Kawasaki, a notable American marketing expert.

While the specifics of Phelps’ discussions at the forum remain under wraps, his presence was widely celebrated, with many taking to social media to express admiration for the American icon’s continued influence beyond the pool.

 Michael Phelps arrives in Sydney on Tuesday ahead of this week’s World Business Forum

Phelps had pulled his long brown locks into a bun and donned a smart pair of trousers, white shirt and navy jacket

The American star, who is the most decorated Olympian of all time, was headlining the event at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

‘Session four at the World Business Forum in Sydney, listening to Michael Phelps! Dead set legend,’ one wrote on X.

Known as the Flying Fish, the Baltimore-born swimmer retired following the 2016 Olympic Games, having made a sensational comeback after initially hanging up his goggles following the London 2012 Games.

After his swimming career, he went on to establish the Michael Phelps Foundation, which aims to support and empower young people to feel confident and safe in the water.

Phelps was once the youngest swimmer ever to be selected to represent the United States at the Olympics, competing in the 2000 Games at the mere age of 15. 

He has since gone on to accumulate a net worth which is believed to be over A$150million dollars having worked with global brands like Under Armour, Omega and Beats by Dre. 

However, he leads a largely normal life in Arizona, US, with his wife Nicole and his three sons, Boomer, Becket and Maverick. 

The Olympian is also a mental health advocate and has previously urged others to seek help and speak up if they are experiencing mental health problems. 

‘As an athlete, I can say I’ve seen other athletes as well who struggle with depression or anxiety like I do,’ he told Fortune back in 2024.

Phelps was once the youngest swimmer to ever be selected to represent the United States at the Olympics in the US Olympic team, joining up with the side for the 2000 Games age of 15

Since retiring after the 2016 Rio Olympics, the American swimmer has gone on to set up his own foundation and become a mental health advocate

‘We just spiral because that’s just what we’ve done throughout our career, right?’

‘As a male athlete, I thought opening up would be a sign of weakness and I would be giving my competitors an extra edge.

‘I probably could’ve won more gold medals being someone who is super good at compartmentalising…  but in reality, at any given moment the volcano could erupt.’

He admitted speaking about his mental health problems was challenging at first but he would later overcome that fear. 

‘I was scared as can be to [open up] for two decades and now it’s almost like you can’t get me to stop. If I’m going through a tough time, it’s word vomit,’ he explained, recounting his own experiences. 

He urged others to speak to their friends and open up about their issues, while also urging others to try therapy. 

‘If you are wary or nervous about trying therapy for the first time, I was the same way. Try it. Try it once, please,’ he said. 

Earlier this year, Phelps also hit out at USA Swimming in an impassioned social media post, claiming the organisation needed to change, citing that there had been a decline in the team’s performance while also scrutinising the team’s leadership. 

Earlier this year, Phelps also hit out at USA Swimming in an impassioned social media post, claiming the organisation needed to change, citing that there had been a decline in the team’s performance while also scrutinising the team’s leadership

It came after America slumped to winning 44 per cent of the medals they competed for in the 2024 Paris Games – their lowest tally since 1988. 

He even went on to tell the organisation that he was ready and willing to help. 

‘My door is open and there is work to be done,’ Phelps wrote. 

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