He's the youngest US swimmer to go pro. Phelps was 15 when he went pro, but at that point he was already an Olympian.
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Former Member
In general I don't think top athletes should delay going pro, but he isn't a top athlete yet. Hopefully in a few years. I wish him the best but there are a few things from the interview and article that kind of stood out:
1. His coach is his dad so he doesn't train with a team.
2. He and his sister are named Michael and Michaela.
3. He has a parrot named Rio, the 2016 summer Olympic host.
4. He said he is going pro to help spread the word of our lord.
It will be hard to qualify in the 50 free at 17, but if he can keep improving he has a good chance at the 100 free relay at least, if not more events.
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Former Member
In general I don't think top athletes should delay going pro, but he isn't a top athlete yet. Hopefully in a few years. I wish him the best but there are a few things from the interview and article that kind of stood out:
1. His coach is his dad so he doesn't train with a team.
2. He and his sister are named Michael and Michaela.
3. He has a parrot named Rio, the 2016 summer Olympic host.
4. He said he is going pro to help spread the word of our lord.
It will be hard to qualify in the 50 free at 17, but if he can keep improving he has a good chance at the 100 free relay at least, if not more events.