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No Limits: The Will to Succeed
Fresh from his triumphant and extraordinary achievement at the Olympic Games in Beijing, Michael Phelps shows the secrets to his remarkable success - from training to execution.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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2405 people want to read
About the author
Michael Phelps
7 books64 followersMichael Fred Phelps II is an American former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a total of 28 medals. Phelps also holds the all-time records for Olympic gold medals (23),Olympic gold medals in individual events (13), and Olympic medals in individual events (16). In winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, Phelps broke fellow American swimmer Mark Spitz's 1972 record of seven first-place finishes at any single Olympic Games. At the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps won four gold and two silver medals, and at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, he won five gold medals and one silver. This made him the most successful athlete of the Games for the fourth Olympics in a row.
Phelps is the long course world record holder in the 100 meter butterfly, 200 meter butterfly, and 400 meter individual medley as well as the former long course world record holder in the 200 meter freestyle and 200 meter individual medley. He has won 83 medals in major international long course competition, of which 66 were gold, 14 silver, and 3 bronze, spanning the Olympics, the World, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps's international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and American Swimmer of the Year Award eleven times, a 2016 SwimSwam Swammy Award for Male Swimmer of the Year as well as the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award in 2012 and 2016. His unprecedented Olympic success in 2008 earned Phelps Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year award.
After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Phelps started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles. Phelps retired following the 2012 Olympics, but in April 2014 he made a comeback. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, his fifth Olympics, he won five golds and one silver. Phelps was chosen to be a captain of the 2016 US Olympic team, and was also voted by his team to be the flag bearer of the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics Parade of Nations.
Phelps is the long course world record holder in the 100 meter butterfly, 200 meter butterfly, and 400 meter individual medley as well as the former long course world record holder in the 200 meter freestyle and 200 meter individual medley. He has won 83 medals in major international long course competition, of which 66 were gold, 14 silver, and 3 bronze, spanning the Olympics, the World, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps's international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and American Swimmer of the Year Award eleven times, a 2016 SwimSwam Swammy Award for Male Swimmer of the Year as well as the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award in 2012 and 2016. His unprecedented Olympic success in 2008 earned Phelps Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year award.
After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Phelps started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles. Phelps retired following the 2012 Olympics, but in April 2014 he made a comeback. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, his fifth Olympics, he won five golds and one silver. Phelps was chosen to be a captain of the 2016 US Olympic team, and was also voted by his team to be the flag bearer of the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics Parade of Nations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
September 16, 2011
I enjoyed reading this book. I think part of the reason was that the hype of 2008 Beijing Olympics has died down and people are now looking forward to 2012 London Olympics. The timing freed me from too much “noise” from on-line opinions of fans and critics of Michael Phelps (born 1985). Strong on-line opinions can sometimes influence my enjoyment in reading biographies and memoirs of famous people.
It’s been half a year since I read an athlete biography or memoir. At the start of this year, I read Manny Pacquio’s Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience and Never-Say-Never Determination and I thought I’d like to read another one before the end of the year and on another sport. I considered my friend-officemate’s recommendation of reading Open: An Autobiography by Andrei Agassi but I thought it would be boring as I am not a tennis fan. I also tried looking for my long-sidetracked copy of It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong but it was at the bottommost and the backmost stack of my 1,200 to-be-read books on top of the dresser and I felt lazy going up there and bring down all the other books. Sorry, Lance Armstrong.
Being a young boy living on an island, most of my growing up weekends was spent swimming in the Pacific Ocean. Also, my late father used to bring me and my two older brothers to the sea to catch fish for our family’s consumption or if we caught more than what we could eat, my father asked me to sell the excess catch around the town. Our method of catching fish was not your conventional fishing, i.e., with thread, hook and bait. Ours was either with use of the fishing net (lambat), fish pen (baklad) or my favorite: by implanting fish baskets (bubu) with broken white porcelain plates in the bottom of the sea. So, I developed this lifelong affinity with water as the third method required me to hold my breath to as long as 3 minutes under water. My father could hold his breath for 5 minutes! However, swimming in the ocean is different from swimming in an athletic pool. In the ocean, we swam like dogs langoy-aso with the head sticking out from the water all the time and if you swim like this when you are in an Olympic-size pool with all the trained athletes or hotel guests who know the correct form looking, you just look like a damn fool.
But that’s beside the point, who cares really. But what I am saying is that, as a young boy, I dreamed of becoming a swimmer.
There was no college or university in the island, so when I graduated from high school, my father told me to go to the university in a city located on top of a mountain. As the city was on the mountaintop, the temperature was low and having a swimming pool for physical education class was just not appropriate. At the same time, in college, I had to start wearing eyeglasses and so my dream of becoming a swimmer just died and I just have to content myself into watching swimming competitions on the television and now, reading a book about a great young swimmer. But still, whenever I visit our hometown in a island, I reminisce those days that I spent on the water swimming and fishing with my dad and older brothers.
No Limits: The Will to Succeed by Michael Phelps is about his own dream of becoming a swimmer, not the dream I had but similar, because his was to become a great swimmer. And he did: winning an unprecedented eight gold medals in 2008 Beijing Olympics and in the same game, setting six world records. If you add all his Olympic medals – gold, silver and bronze, from Beijing to those he won earlier in Athens, he is the athlete who so far has brought home the most number of Olympic medals from the Olympics ever.
He says: "When I'm focused, there is not one single thing, person, anything that can stand in the way of my doing something. There is not. If I want something bad enough, I feel I'm gonna get there." I say, that yes, he is indeed a focused player and his determination and attitude to win are remarkably commendable. He is a serious player who loves his sport. He is a loving son to his mother Debby and a sweet brother to his younger sisters. But he is also lucky to be an American citizen. The USA has money to support the dreams of develop its young citizens and help them fulfill their dreams of becoming famous players in their chosen sports. I am just jealous.
The other reason why I enjoyed reading this book was Phelps’s stated selfless objective: I’d like our country (the USA) to see swimming as important as baseball, basketball and other more popular sports” and I felt that this selfless interest was admirable. He did not write the book for him to be admired or to immortalize himself just like other memoirs of great athletes. I felt that he just wanted people to be inspired without going through the route of I-am-a-dirt-poor-boy-who-worked-hard-to-be-a-great-person-I-am-now-so-look-at-me-and-die-with-your-envy.
Who knows, maybe someday, I’ll have a grandchild who’ll be a great swimmer too? Or maybe a famous scuba diver since ability to hold breath runs in the family?
It’s been half a year since I read an athlete biography or memoir. At the start of this year, I read Manny Pacquio’s Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience and Never-Say-Never Determination and I thought I’d like to read another one before the end of the year and on another sport. I considered my friend-officemate’s recommendation of reading Open: An Autobiography by Andrei Agassi but I thought it would be boring as I am not a tennis fan. I also tried looking for my long-sidetracked copy of It’s Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life by Lance Armstrong but it was at the bottommost and the backmost stack of my 1,200 to-be-read books on top of the dresser and I felt lazy going up there and bring down all the other books. Sorry, Lance Armstrong.
Being a young boy living on an island, most of my growing up weekends was spent swimming in the Pacific Ocean. Also, my late father used to bring me and my two older brothers to the sea to catch fish for our family’s consumption or if we caught more than what we could eat, my father asked me to sell the excess catch around the town. Our method of catching fish was not your conventional fishing, i.e., with thread, hook and bait. Ours was either with use of the fishing net (lambat), fish pen (baklad) or my favorite: by implanting fish baskets (bubu) with broken white porcelain plates in the bottom of the sea. So, I developed this lifelong affinity with water as the third method required me to hold my breath to as long as 3 minutes under water. My father could hold his breath for 5 minutes! However, swimming in the ocean is different from swimming in an athletic pool. In the ocean, we swam like dogs langoy-aso with the head sticking out from the water all the time and if you swim like this when you are in an Olympic-size pool with all the trained athletes or hotel guests who know the correct form looking, you just look like a damn fool.
But that’s beside the point, who cares really. But what I am saying is that, as a young boy, I dreamed of becoming a swimmer.
There was no college or university in the island, so when I graduated from high school, my father told me to go to the university in a city located on top of a mountain. As the city was on the mountaintop, the temperature was low and having a swimming pool for physical education class was just not appropriate. At the same time, in college, I had to start wearing eyeglasses and so my dream of becoming a swimmer just died and I just have to content myself into watching swimming competitions on the television and now, reading a book about a great young swimmer. But still, whenever I visit our hometown in a island, I reminisce those days that I spent on the water swimming and fishing with my dad and older brothers.
No Limits: The Will to Succeed by Michael Phelps is about his own dream of becoming a swimmer, not the dream I had but similar, because his was to become a great swimmer. And he did: winning an unprecedented eight gold medals in 2008 Beijing Olympics and in the same game, setting six world records. If you add all his Olympic medals – gold, silver and bronze, from Beijing to those he won earlier in Athens, he is the athlete who so far has brought home the most number of Olympic medals from the Olympics ever.
He says: "When I'm focused, there is not one single thing, person, anything that can stand in the way of my doing something. There is not. If I want something bad enough, I feel I'm gonna get there." I say, that yes, he is indeed a focused player and his determination and attitude to win are remarkably commendable. He is a serious player who loves his sport. He is a loving son to his mother Debby and a sweet brother to his younger sisters. But he is also lucky to be an American citizen. The USA has money to support the dreams of develop its young citizens and help them fulfill their dreams of becoming famous players in their chosen sports. I am just jealous.
The other reason why I enjoyed reading this book was Phelps’s stated selfless objective: I’d like our country (the USA) to see swimming as important as baseball, basketball and other more popular sports” and I felt that this selfless interest was admirable. He did not write the book for him to be admired or to immortalize himself just like other memoirs of great athletes. I felt that he just wanted people to be inspired without going through the route of I-am-a-dirt-poor-boy-who-worked-hard-to-be-a-great-person-I-am-now-so-look-at-me-and-die-with-your-envy.
Who knows, maybe someday, I’ll have a grandchild who’ll be a great swimmer too? Or maybe a famous scuba diver since ability to hold breath runs in the family?
January 14, 2009
When it comes to things Michael Phelps is good at, swimming is number 1. Getting you fired up by reading could be number 2. The book reads like a conversation. Well, conversation is a mild way of putting it. The book is inspiring without being egotistical. There is no "Look what I can do cause I'm better than you" but rather a "Look what you can do if you get out there and try." I recommend it to young athletes, to former athletes, to anyone who has ever competed for anything. Just be warned that it will light a fire and make you want to get back into training. Not that its a bad thing. =P
December 18, 2016
So many people along the way ,whatever it is you aspire to do ,will tell you it can't be done .But all it takes is imagination. You dream .you plan ,you reach.There will be obstacles .There will be doubters.There will be mistakes .But with hard work ,with belief ,with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you there are NO LIMITS
I have always been inspired by sports persons .Their discipline ,determination and stories of their hard work and sacrifices for their goal .so when I came across a hardbound book about Phelps ,undoubtedly the most decorated Olympian of modern times ,I know I am going to read it ,repeatedly :)
With 23-3-2 medal tally at Olympics and breaking world records just for fun ,this man is legend among legends .
But what do you write in a book about him ?
I personally would not like to read a data book of swims he has own or records he has established or some so called secrets about his personal life, if any .
you can read them in Wikipedia for free .
no ,when I picked this book I want to read about his approach to competition ,his determination to win and his passion for his sports .
And that's what exactly this book delivered .
It talks about his journey in a very inspiring way .It definitely talks about his 8 gold medal wins at Beijing,an unbelievable feet ,but more than the competition itself ,it talks about the build up for this achievement .It talks about the hardship he has encountered on his way to these competitions.The physical setbacks and emotional trails.
And how he overcome them all to stand on the pedestal ,a winner at Olympics,23 time for Gold ,3 times for silver and twice for bronze
Last but not the least ,I loved it when he talked about his loving family,his mother and two sisters and his coach who was like a friend and fatherly figure for him ,ever believing and ever demanding
If I was highly disappointed with the book 'Driven' ,which was more short of a data sheet on Virat kohli's achievements,another sportsman of remarkable commitment ,this book turned out to be one of the finest biography I have ever read .
I am looking forward to read the second book which covers his journey after Beijing ,as this book was written just after his Beijing achievements .
But before doing that I might read this book again for few more times or at least some selected portions .This is definitely a book I am not going to part with and I am glad on buying a Hard copy for that matter :)
I have always been inspired by sports persons .Their discipline ,determination and stories of their hard work and sacrifices for their goal .so when I came across a hardbound book about Phelps ,undoubtedly the most decorated Olympian of modern times ,I know I am going to read it ,repeatedly :)
With 23-3-2 medal tally at Olympics and breaking world records just for fun ,this man is legend among legends .
But what do you write in a book about him ?
I personally would not like to read a data book of swims he has own or records he has established or some so called secrets about his personal life, if any .
you can read them in Wikipedia for free .
no ,when I picked this book I want to read about his approach to competition ,his determination to win and his passion for his sports .
And that's what exactly this book delivered .
It talks about his journey in a very inspiring way .It definitely talks about his 8 gold medal wins at Beijing,an unbelievable feet ,but more than the competition itself ,it talks about the build up for this achievement .It talks about the hardship he has encountered on his way to these competitions.The physical setbacks and emotional trails.
And how he overcome them all to stand on the pedestal ,a winner at Olympics,23 time for Gold ,3 times for silver and twice for bronze
Last but not the least ,I loved it when he talked about his loving family,his mother and two sisters and his coach who was like a friend and fatherly figure for him ,ever believing and ever demanding
If I was highly disappointed with the book 'Driven' ,which was more short of a data sheet on Virat kohli's achievements,another sportsman of remarkable commitment ,this book turned out to be one of the finest biography I have ever read .
I am looking forward to read the second book which covers his journey after Beijing ,as this book was written just after his Beijing achievements .
But before doing that I might read this book again for few more times or at least some selected portions .This is definitely a book I am not going to part with and I am glad on buying a Hard copy for that matter :)
August 23, 2024
Michael Phelps was definitely an extraordinary swimmer. He proved so many people wrong that thought 8 medals in one Olympics was impossible. In fact, he really doesn't like the word impossible. But it also wasn't an easy journey- through many injuries, upsets, and discouragements he never let go of the idea that he could be the most decorated athlete in a single Olympics. Bob Bowman was also an incredible coach, pushing Michael on the days he didn't want to be pushed, and being so much more than just a coach for him. And Michael's mom and sisters inspired him, kept him going on the hard days, and never stopped believing he had a chance at his goal.
That being said, Michael Phelps was a swimmer, not an author. Some parts of the book were confusing because of the way it was written. And the chapters are organized by event, not in chronological order, which means that until the end you never get a full story of what happened in a particular year.
A great example of what intense passion, competitiveness, and drive can get you in life.
That being said, Michael Phelps was a swimmer, not an author. Some parts of the book were confusing because of the way it was written. And the chapters are organized by event, not in chronological order, which means that until the end you never get a full story of what happened in a particular year.
A great example of what intense passion, competitiveness, and drive can get you in life.
April 3, 2025
Michael Phelps biography is a good book about the life of an incredible, hard worker and talented athlete. The GREATEST OLYMPIAN.
I was waiting for something magical that’s why the rating is so low but the book was good honestly. It painted the life of Michael since his young age and his first participation to the olympics to the last race in Beijing 2008 where he won his 8th Gold Medal in the same Olympics becoming the only one ever to do it.
Greatness takes all of you. It shows that even for somebody like Michael Phelps the ingredients are the same and there is no magic pill. You have to be willing to sacrifice , sacrifice a lot to put a single focus on one path and master every ounce of the way.
It’s a day to day commitment to greatness !
That book is an inspiring book for whoever who wants to become special in his field. You have to want to be the best of yourself , everyday. Although your best self could differ every day. But the reward of your insane commitment will show itself at the right time and you’ll be surprised about it.
I was waiting for something magical that’s why the rating is so low but the book was good honestly. It painted the life of Michael since his young age and his first participation to the olympics to the last race in Beijing 2008 where he won his 8th Gold Medal in the same Olympics becoming the only one ever to do it.
Greatness takes all of you. It shows that even for somebody like Michael Phelps the ingredients are the same and there is no magic pill. You have to be willing to sacrifice , sacrifice a lot to put a single focus on one path and master every ounce of the way.
It’s a day to day commitment to greatness !
That book is an inspiring book for whoever who wants to become special in his field. You have to want to be the best of yourself , everyday. Although your best self could differ every day. But the reward of your insane commitment will show itself at the right time and you’ll be surprised about it.
July 1, 2024
Summary of the Phelpsian recipe for world-beating success: start with a supportive Mum who will dig you out of bed, stuff some breakfast into you and drive you to training before daylight, have ADHD and wean yourself off ritalin, and find a talented and supportive coach who can take you from a tantrum-throwing youngster to an Olympian and give you heaps of support and sage advice about life along the way. Also learn from all your mistakes, be prepared to train your butt off even when you really don't feel like it, set lofty goals, and use all the negative publicity and tall-poppy-chopping comments as motivation to leave the opposition in your wake. He's very much into the mindset of competing with himself (given that you can't change what the other swimmers will do), and letting his swimming do the talking.
If you aren't a swimmer you might get lost in all the split times, and race result times. There are a lot of them. Swimmers will just sigh with envy. Phelps comes across as almost too good in this book; his one drink driving episode is his only real blemish. When you eat, train and sleep (not necessarily in that order) for most of your life (this book ends in 2008) you don't have time to do much else. He could probably have found a co-author who could have made it more interesting, but there it is. Like the man himself, you take it how you find it. When you have 8 gold Olympic medals and Mark Spitz thinks you're epic, who cares?
If you aren't a swimmer you might get lost in all the split times, and race result times. There are a lot of them. Swimmers will just sigh with envy. Phelps comes across as almost too good in this book; his one drink driving episode is his only real blemish. When you eat, train and sleep (not necessarily in that order) for most of your life (this book ends in 2008) you don't have time to do much else. He could probably have found a co-author who could have made it more interesting, but there it is. Like the man himself, you take it how you find it. When you have 8 gold Olympic medals and Mark Spitz thinks you're epic, who cares?
March 11, 2009
Not my favorite book in the world. It seemed like he was trying to be modest the whole time, but it came out as major cocky. Also, maybe it wasn't my favorite because he kept saying how much harder swimming is than running. Still a great athlete, but I think it is definately debatable whether he is the "Greatest Olympian of all time." Swimming is the only sport where your could even come close to winning that many medals, sure, but does the number of medals you win correlate with the kind of athlete you are? Not necessarily.
April 15, 2009
I actually loved this book, which surprised me. I couldn't put it down, read it in 2 days. I am not sure whether I would have felt the same way if I hadn't been a swimmer in my previous life. Chris and I agree, it is a book we will have our children read when the time is right.
Read
January 7, 20161/ Do something in this lifetime that no one has ever done before.
That is how he made his goal to be the best Olympian ever. Dream big. Learn from new obstacles and challenges. Transform yourself.
2/ When I was in school, a teacher said that I would never be successful. Things like these stick, and then motivate you.
Yes, they do. Negativity around you can push you into a corner OR can pull you out of your comfort zone to break the shackles and write your own destiny. It all depends on how you tackle the power of this negative energy.
3/ Nothing is impossible, and because nothing is impossible, you need to dream big dreams.
What you achieve is decided by the size of your dreams. Keep no inhibitions in your mind. Dream big, because nothing is impossible. Nothing is unattainable. You need to break the imaginary wall of excuses that you have created around yourself. Ask "Why Not" more often to yourself. Challenge your abilities.
4/ The will to succeed is everything.
5/ In a weird way, my broken leg gave me a sense of urgency which later on proved to be a big positive for me.
A setback usually comes with a negative mask but is usually there in your life to transform you, provided you are willing to learn and accept the fact that it is mandatory for you to face setbacks, if you have to elevate yourself.
Every setback is a little nudge from GOD for you to Dream On higher in life.
It is only after you have transformed, and you look back at your life in retrospect, that you realise the importance of those setbacks in your life.
6/ You can't Dream up confidence or self belief. Confidence is born of demonstrated ability.
To gain confidence, action - rigorous action - is mandatory. You have to be on the ground and try it out. Once you have achieved or are close to achieving or are improving, you start getting confident about yourself and your abilities. There is no other way. There is absolutely no other short cut. Your ability has to be demonstrated on the ground. You just cannot acquire confidence via mere visualisation or dreaming big or reading about successful people.
7/ I never ever train against other people. I train myself to win against the clock. I never aimed to be the best athlete ever. I always aimed to be the best athlete I could be
Competing with others is a sure shot recipe to create stress for yourself, and also to put a limit to your potential. You can enjoy a blissful life with achievements far exceeding anyone else only if you win against the clock.
What do great champions like Tiger Woods say after any event - I was good in the last round, I could manage the last lap pretty well today... Not like... I was worried whether I would be able to beat him.
Great champions have no competition. They are always competing with themselves.. And that's where they are always focused.
8/ Attitude, Action, Achievement (AAA) - That is the order in which you can expect to achieve things. You are going to be an Olympic gold medalist in Attitude long before you have a medal around your neck.
Your Attitude in life determines your Altitude. That's exactly how important Attitude is. Give it any lesser priority, at your own peril. Your mastery and achievement in your craft is mandatorily preceded by your mastery in Attitude and then a mastery in your action. It is only after that you can think of achieving something extraordinary.
9/ People always step up and do things out of the ordinary at the Olympics
The environment in which you perform creates a big impact on your own performance. In marathons that I have been personally running every year, we call it as a "Race Day Magic". Keep yourself in great company so that you can brush your thoughts with the greatest around.
10/ Set your goals high. Then work rigorously every day to achieve them
Setting your goals is very important. But the challenge only starts there. It is the day to day work that you have to perform to achieve your goal that is going to test you. Focus on the daily routine, the daily process and do it consistently to achieve your goals. Hard work, skill, patience - all are important, but daily consistency is the key.
11/ Greatness comes from longevity
It is good to achieve your goals. But the journey from Good to Great comes only if you achieve them over and over and over.......again and again. You have to go out and prove that your achievements are not fluke.
12/ I tried to do something bold at Athens, and failed. But it is trying that matters.
Achievement is important, but trying is what is vital. Achievement is not feasible without trying while vice versa is not true. You do not learn when you achieve, but you learn and improve only when you go out and try.
13/ It takes time, energy, heart and soul to get things done. If I was sometimes not in the right mood to practice, I had to get myself in the right mood.
How you feel is how you think, and how you think is 100% in your control. No situation, no person, nothing outside you can impact your thoughts, unless you allow it to. If you are not feeling like chasing your goal today, then change how you feel by changing what you are thinking.
14/ To focus, understand "WIN". "What's important now". When challenged and stretched, understand what is important now
You may be deep in shit, but being there, forget where you were earlier in favourable times. In that tough situation, you must focus fully so that you can come out of it. Do not keep comparing it to your earlier situation. Focus, Focus hard on your current situation and think about what best can be done now. Do not waste time. What is important now is what will matter later. A champion can deal with any kind of pressure under any circumstances.
15/ No one is more important than anyone else to be treated any differently
We were all born equal. We had our fair share of opportunities. Though we achieve different levels of success, we play an equally important part in the drama of life, and in the success of others. No one can achieve anything of one's own. Everyone needs immense support for success, and therefore everyone has an important role to play.
16/ However difficult your goals may seem, there is nothing that is not possible, as long as you keep dreaming on the possibilities (after winning the 7th gold at Beijing by 1/100 th of a second)
Never let anyone tell you that anything is impossible. Because nothing actually is.
Manoj Arora
That is how he made his goal to be the best Olympian ever. Dream big. Learn from new obstacles and challenges. Transform yourself.
2/ When I was in school, a teacher said that I would never be successful. Things like these stick, and then motivate you.
Yes, they do. Negativity around you can push you into a corner OR can pull you out of your comfort zone to break the shackles and write your own destiny. It all depends on how you tackle the power of this negative energy.
3/ Nothing is impossible, and because nothing is impossible, you need to dream big dreams.
What you achieve is decided by the size of your dreams. Keep no inhibitions in your mind. Dream big, because nothing is impossible. Nothing is unattainable. You need to break the imaginary wall of excuses that you have created around yourself. Ask "Why Not" more often to yourself. Challenge your abilities.
4/ The will to succeed is everything.
5/ In a weird way, my broken leg gave me a sense of urgency which later on proved to be a big positive for me.
A setback usually comes with a negative mask but is usually there in your life to transform you, provided you are willing to learn and accept the fact that it is mandatory for you to face setbacks, if you have to elevate yourself.
Every setback is a little nudge from GOD for you to Dream On higher in life.
It is only after you have transformed, and you look back at your life in retrospect, that you realise the importance of those setbacks in your life.
6/ You can't Dream up confidence or self belief. Confidence is born of demonstrated ability.
To gain confidence, action - rigorous action - is mandatory. You have to be on the ground and try it out. Once you have achieved or are close to achieving or are improving, you start getting confident about yourself and your abilities. There is no other way. There is absolutely no other short cut. Your ability has to be demonstrated on the ground. You just cannot acquire confidence via mere visualisation or dreaming big or reading about successful people.
7/ I never ever train against other people. I train myself to win against the clock. I never aimed to be the best athlete ever. I always aimed to be the best athlete I could be
Competing with others is a sure shot recipe to create stress for yourself, and also to put a limit to your potential. You can enjoy a blissful life with achievements far exceeding anyone else only if you win against the clock.
What do great champions like Tiger Woods say after any event - I was good in the last round, I could manage the last lap pretty well today... Not like... I was worried whether I would be able to beat him.
Great champions have no competition. They are always competing with themselves.. And that's where they are always focused.
8/ Attitude, Action, Achievement (AAA) - That is the order in which you can expect to achieve things. You are going to be an Olympic gold medalist in Attitude long before you have a medal around your neck.
Your Attitude in life determines your Altitude. That's exactly how important Attitude is. Give it any lesser priority, at your own peril. Your mastery and achievement in your craft is mandatorily preceded by your mastery in Attitude and then a mastery in your action. It is only after that you can think of achieving something extraordinary.
9/ People always step up and do things out of the ordinary at the Olympics
The environment in which you perform creates a big impact on your own performance. In marathons that I have been personally running every year, we call it as a "Race Day Magic". Keep yourself in great company so that you can brush your thoughts with the greatest around.
10/ Set your goals high. Then work rigorously every day to achieve them
Setting your goals is very important. But the challenge only starts there. It is the day to day work that you have to perform to achieve your goal that is going to test you. Focus on the daily routine, the daily process and do it consistently to achieve your goals. Hard work, skill, patience - all are important, but daily consistency is the key.
11/ Greatness comes from longevity
It is good to achieve your goals. But the journey from Good to Great comes only if you achieve them over and over and over.......again and again. You have to go out and prove that your achievements are not fluke.
12/ I tried to do something bold at Athens, and failed. But it is trying that matters.
Achievement is important, but trying is what is vital. Achievement is not feasible without trying while vice versa is not true. You do not learn when you achieve, but you learn and improve only when you go out and try.
13/ It takes time, energy, heart and soul to get things done. If I was sometimes not in the right mood to practice, I had to get myself in the right mood.
How you feel is how you think, and how you think is 100% in your control. No situation, no person, nothing outside you can impact your thoughts, unless you allow it to. If you are not feeling like chasing your goal today, then change how you feel by changing what you are thinking.
14/ To focus, understand "WIN". "What's important now". When challenged and stretched, understand what is important now
You may be deep in shit, but being there, forget where you were earlier in favourable times. In that tough situation, you must focus fully so that you can come out of it. Do not keep comparing it to your earlier situation. Focus, Focus hard on your current situation and think about what best can be done now. Do not waste time. What is important now is what will matter later. A champion can deal with any kind of pressure under any circumstances.
15/ No one is more important than anyone else to be treated any differently
We were all born equal. We had our fair share of opportunities. Though we achieve different levels of success, we play an equally important part in the drama of life, and in the success of others. No one can achieve anything of one's own. Everyone needs immense support for success, and therefore everyone has an important role to play.
16/ However difficult your goals may seem, there is nothing that is not possible, as long as you keep dreaming on the possibilities (after winning the 7th gold at Beijing by 1/100 th of a second)
Never let anyone tell you that anything is impossible. Because nothing actually is.
Manoj Arora
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August 24, 2025mental tego człowieka mnie zachwyca
September 22, 2012
Autobiography
228 pages
No Limits: The Will to Succeed, is the story of the road Michael Phelps took to acheive his goal and contract of eight gold medals in one Olympic game. He explains the eight charcteristics he had to win each and every race: perseverance, belief, redemption, determination, confidence, courage, will, and commitment. In the 400 individual medley he needed to have perserverance. The individual medley was rather difficult because Phelps had to be strong in all strokes. Other individuals entered trash talking about Mike, saying there was no possible way he would win. With practice after practice, strengthening each stroke, Michael's outcome was a gold. The 400 free relay needed to have hopeful beliefs because between the French and Americans, it wa a tough race. The relay team had to believe in one another to bring home another gold. Although freestyle was never the swimmers ultimate best stroke, he had to redeem himself in the 200 freestyle race. In years past Mike was beaten. He wanted to prove to all rivals he could do whatever he put his heart into, so without fail the workouts designed by Bob, his coach lead to another golden medal. Now, the 200 fly was his race to show his strength. He had to practice harder sets, get through his injuries, and realize some bad choices he made, to acheive his fourth gold. The 800 free relay was a big win with the Aussies. Every teammate had to strategize, and show they weren't scared, yet another medal of course gold was added to Michael's collection. Of course again, Phelps needed to have courage to enter in the 200 individual medley, closing in on his eight god medals, he couldn't choke. The 100 butterfly was difficult, because Mike had to have to right body positions through the race, without the proper alignment his streak would be over. It wasn't. Closing into the final race, the line-up of swimmers couldn't back down, it was all up to this race. With team work the U.S won the Medley relay, and Phelps's eighth gold.
I liked and disliked this book for several reasons. First of all, I enjoyed how Michael Phelps told his road up until his Olympic journey. His was encouraging that he was just like any other boy or girl at age eleven or twelve, that he had struggles, bad days, successful meets, and a strong relationship between his coach and him. A few things I disliked about the novel, was that I wanted to hear more about his relationship with his family. For example, how his sisters and mother supported him and helped him throughout his career. Another thing I disliked was how he went back between a practice and then went to a childhood memory. I found it confusing at times. Michael had a strong theme that he stood by throuhgout the book: There are no limits to your dreams, meaning for example that Phelps wanted to win eight gold medals and break the record for the most medals won in one Olympic game. He put his mind to it, trained, and achieved his goal. Winning the eight medals meant he would get one million dollars from Speedo. He donated the million and helped spread the love of swimming, by creating swimming camps for kids, advertised himself and swimming, and wanted to increase the popularity of swimming. This was a very inspiring book, and I would recommend it to everyone!
228 pages
No Limits: The Will to Succeed, is the story of the road Michael Phelps took to acheive his goal and contract of eight gold medals in one Olympic game. He explains the eight charcteristics he had to win each and every race: perseverance, belief, redemption, determination, confidence, courage, will, and commitment. In the 400 individual medley he needed to have perserverance. The individual medley was rather difficult because Phelps had to be strong in all strokes. Other individuals entered trash talking about Mike, saying there was no possible way he would win. With practice after practice, strengthening each stroke, Michael's outcome was a gold. The 400 free relay needed to have hopeful beliefs because between the French and Americans, it wa a tough race. The relay team had to believe in one another to bring home another gold. Although freestyle was never the swimmers ultimate best stroke, he had to redeem himself in the 200 freestyle race. In years past Mike was beaten. He wanted to prove to all rivals he could do whatever he put his heart into, so without fail the workouts designed by Bob, his coach lead to another golden medal. Now, the 200 fly was his race to show his strength. He had to practice harder sets, get through his injuries, and realize some bad choices he made, to acheive his fourth gold. The 800 free relay was a big win with the Aussies. Every teammate had to strategize, and show they weren't scared, yet another medal of course gold was added to Michael's collection. Of course again, Phelps needed to have courage to enter in the 200 individual medley, closing in on his eight god medals, he couldn't choke. The 100 butterfly was difficult, because Mike had to have to right body positions through the race, without the proper alignment his streak would be over. It wasn't. Closing into the final race, the line-up of swimmers couldn't back down, it was all up to this race. With team work the U.S won the Medley relay, and Phelps's eighth gold.
I liked and disliked this book for several reasons. First of all, I enjoyed how Michael Phelps told his road up until his Olympic journey. His was encouraging that he was just like any other boy or girl at age eleven or twelve, that he had struggles, bad days, successful meets, and a strong relationship between his coach and him. A few things I disliked about the novel, was that I wanted to hear more about his relationship with his family. For example, how his sisters and mother supported him and helped him throughout his career. Another thing I disliked was how he went back between a practice and then went to a childhood memory. I found it confusing at times. Michael had a strong theme that he stood by throuhgout the book: There are no limits to your dreams, meaning for example that Phelps wanted to win eight gold medals and break the record for the most medals won in one Olympic game. He put his mind to it, trained, and achieved his goal. Winning the eight medals meant he would get one million dollars from Speedo. He donated the million and helped spread the love of swimming, by creating swimming camps for kids, advertised himself and swimming, and wanted to increase the popularity of swimming. This was a very inspiring book, and I would recommend it to everyone!
April 27, 2020
The book is a biography about Michael Phelps becoming one of the best swimmers of all time.
One of the key people who had a major impact on Michael Phelps’s swimming career and his overall future was Bob Bowman, his swimming coach. Bob was not only a coach to Micheal Phelps he was also a friend and someone he could trust. Bob had a major influence on Michael Phelps by motivating him to do his best. In the book, Michael Phelps said he couldn’t imagine not having Bob in his life. I don’t think Michael Phelps would be where he is today if it wasn’t for Bob because he taught him how to not only be physically tough, but also mentally tough. Also, Bob made Michael Phelps practice every day, even on his birthday and Christmas. This might seem pretty vigorous for some, but for Micheal Phelps this was a daily thing to make sure he was at the peak of his game.
Another thing that Michael said in the book is that a true champion is someone that can deal with an obstacle at any given time. One of the obstacles that he had to face was when his goggles started filling up with water at the start of a race. At that time he couldn’t see anything at all. You would think he would’ve lost the race for sure, but he didn’t. That’s what I call a true champion. Another obstacle that Michael Phelps had to face was when he made a bad choice and drove a car while being drunk. He ultimately got into a car accident and had to apologize to all of his friends and family. At the end of the day, he learned from this mistake and never did it again. I would say that this taught me that even the greatest of them are not perfect and they make mistakes. Most importantly, I learned that if someone makes a mistake to learn from it and not do it again.
The one thing that I have in common with Micahel Phelps is his dedication. When I grow up I want to become the best soccer player in the world. In order to make this dream come true I have to have dedication. I have this dedication and I use it to work out every day to be at the peak of my game. One day I hope that all of my dedication will pay off.
This book taught me that anything is possible if you believe in it and if you work towards it. Also, that you not only need to be physically tough but mentally tough to play sports. During this global pandemic, the book came in handy. It gave me that slight little push of motivation to keep working towards my dreams even though I’m stuck inside. Also, it gave me intel on how much hard work you have to put in to become the best at something.
Overall, I thought the book was amazing. I would recommend this book to people that like Michael Phelps or just like swimming in general. I would also recommend it to people that are wanting some motivation to do something.
One of the key people who had a major impact on Michael Phelps’s swimming career and his overall future was Bob Bowman, his swimming coach. Bob was not only a coach to Micheal Phelps he was also a friend and someone he could trust. Bob had a major influence on Michael Phelps by motivating him to do his best. In the book, Michael Phelps said he couldn’t imagine not having Bob in his life. I don’t think Michael Phelps would be where he is today if it wasn’t for Bob because he taught him how to not only be physically tough, but also mentally tough. Also, Bob made Michael Phelps practice every day, even on his birthday and Christmas. This might seem pretty vigorous for some, but for Micheal Phelps this was a daily thing to make sure he was at the peak of his game.
Another thing that Michael said in the book is that a true champion is someone that can deal with an obstacle at any given time. One of the obstacles that he had to face was when his goggles started filling up with water at the start of a race. At that time he couldn’t see anything at all. You would think he would’ve lost the race for sure, but he didn’t. That’s what I call a true champion. Another obstacle that Michael Phelps had to face was when he made a bad choice and drove a car while being drunk. He ultimately got into a car accident and had to apologize to all of his friends and family. At the end of the day, he learned from this mistake and never did it again. I would say that this taught me that even the greatest of them are not perfect and they make mistakes. Most importantly, I learned that if someone makes a mistake to learn from it and not do it again.
The one thing that I have in common with Micahel Phelps is his dedication. When I grow up I want to become the best soccer player in the world. In order to make this dream come true I have to have dedication. I have this dedication and I use it to work out every day to be at the peak of my game. One day I hope that all of my dedication will pay off.
This book taught me that anything is possible if you believe in it and if you work towards it. Also, that you not only need to be physically tough but mentally tough to play sports. During this global pandemic, the book came in handy. It gave me that slight little push of motivation to keep working towards my dreams even though I’m stuck inside. Also, it gave me intel on how much hard work you have to put in to become the best at something.
Overall, I thought the book was amazing. I would recommend this book to people that like Michael Phelps or just like swimming in general. I would also recommend it to people that are wanting some motivation to do something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
To sum up: In order to achieve goals you have to: set goals, take responsability and practice discipline. A mandatory book for all swimmers.
October 26, 2015
The book "No Limits" by Alan Abrahamson and Michael Phelps was a book I shall never forget! When I first cracked open the book I was hit with many attention grabbers that I did not expect to find in a non-fiction book. The flow of the book provided the reader with the best possible point of view of Michael's story to grasp the main concepts. This book was also very emotionally attaching, the ups and downs in the book felt as though they were taking place in my own life.
The best of many fascinating quotes in this book to me is the one that states-"If you say you "can't," you're restricting what you can do or ever will do" on page 65. The essential question "In what ways does perspective shape experience?" Can apply to my favorite quote in many ways. To me however the most pronounced way is how stating something like "I can't do more than 10 pull ups" or "I will never get that job" will change your experience in the way that you would then have zero percent chance in ever accomplishing those things because you gave up. Now from the other side of the spectrum, if you were to keep those negative thoughts out of your head, you're experience can be altered in the way that you experience hard work and the reward that comes with it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to become emotionally attached to another persons story. In a way I would also recommend "No Limits" to people who are lazy and need inspiration, because this book also works as a motivational tool to try and become the best person I can possibly be from all aspects
The best of many fascinating quotes in this book to me is the one that states-"If you say you "can't," you're restricting what you can do or ever will do" on page 65. The essential question "In what ways does perspective shape experience?" Can apply to my favorite quote in many ways. To me however the most pronounced way is how stating something like "I can't do more than 10 pull ups" or "I will never get that job" will change your experience in the way that you would then have zero percent chance in ever accomplishing those things because you gave up. Now from the other side of the spectrum, if you were to keep those negative thoughts out of your head, you're experience can be altered in the way that you experience hard work and the reward that comes with it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes to become emotionally attached to another persons story. In a way I would also recommend "No Limits" to people who are lazy and need inspiration, because this book also works as a motivational tool to try and become the best person I can possibly be from all aspects
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2009
The book has a slow start, but it picks up. I learned that Phelps would consume between 8,000 - 10,000 calories per day in preparation for the Olympics in Beijing.
I'd give the book 3.5 stars. He is a talented swimmer, but no real clear signs of tough struggle through his life, (ie: he didn't grow up poor, abusive father, etc.) He did have an attention disorder, but I think that most young kids just have a real short attention span whether they are diagnosed with a problem or not, I think is subjective.
He has a gift to swim well and has the work ethic, discipline and perseverence to see it through - i respect him very much for that. And I would have liked to learn more about his personal struggles trying to get to the 8 Olympic gold point.
The best part of the book was the final chapter. After he won the 8th gold, you really get a sense of how proud people were of him for that feat. It really puts you, for a split second, in the his shoes and you feel what its like to accomplish his feat. Its awesome.
I'd give the book 3.5 stars. He is a talented swimmer, but no real clear signs of tough struggle through his life, (ie: he didn't grow up poor, abusive father, etc.) He did have an attention disorder, but I think that most young kids just have a real short attention span whether they are diagnosed with a problem or not, I think is subjective.
He has a gift to swim well and has the work ethic, discipline and perseverence to see it through - i respect him very much for that. And I would have liked to learn more about his personal struggles trying to get to the 8 Olympic gold point.
The best part of the book was the final chapter. After he won the 8th gold, you really get a sense of how proud people were of him for that feat. It really puts you, for a split second, in the his shoes and you feel what its like to accomplish his feat. Its awesome.
September 13, 2014
I listened to this book after the one by Apolo Ohno because I was interested to read more about Olympians. Michael Phelps is certainly an inspirational athlete. He has done much to prepare himself for his sport, and it shows (winning 8 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics). However, I found the book to be disorganized - it wasn't in chronological order, so it was hard for me to follow which meet or Olympics he was talking about. That probably doesn't matter too much, but to me, it was a problem. He was also detailed with mentioning specific times at meets. I know that information makes a lot more sense to my husband, the swim coach, but to me, it didn't mean much and I got tired of hearing times after a while.
Overall, this is a good book and one that I would probably skim if I got the book from the library. Since I was listening to the cd, I didn't have that option, but oh well. Michael is an inspiring individual - that is for sure.
Overall, this is a good book and one that I would probably skim if I got the book from the library. Since I was listening to the cd, I didn't have that option, but oh well. Michael is an inspiring individual - that is for sure.
August 16, 2009
This was the belated completion of my 2008 reading goals (goal: read at least one non-equestrian sports book) and coincidentally was a book about making goals and working to meet them. You can't fault the guy's determination and focus but as a writer he should stick to swimming and his co-writer should offer a refund on his services. The endless "and then I..." and listing of swim times got old pretty quick. I like that he competes only against himself and never trash talks the competition. While coming across as a tad self-centered he also seems very honest and also very young to have to cope with the close scrutiny of the press and public. I'm not big on sports books and this one surely did nothing to change my mind.
March 12, 2009
this is THE worst book about sports i've ever read. the sentences were repetitive, too short, and extremely annoying. there was no cohesiveness. I was very disappointed with the co-author and i found myself groaning aloud every 10 pages or so. but you can't really blame phelps since he never really got a proper education outside of the pool. that abraham guy, though...god, he's an awful writer!
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November 15, 2021Amazing book to hear a more in-depth story of Micheal Phelps and his journey through all of his prime events and some events that weren't his strongest but persevered and fought through to win medals in.
November 3, 2018
it's extremely bad. even for me being a fan.
April 14, 2024
Not much of a swimmer myself but Phelps drive and determination is quite remarkable. GOAT gets thrown around a lot, but he is truly the Olympic GOAT
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November 23, 2025Nie wiem za bardzo jak oceniane są biografie, bo jest to jednak prawdziwa historia ludzi, a nie dany pomysł na książkę, więc po prostu napiszę to, co czułam czytając ją. (But ofc Phelps to legenda i kozakkkk)
Przeczytałam ją jeszcze raz po około 12 latach; za pierwszym razem byłam 13letnią dziewczynką, która nie widziała nic poza pływaniem, byłam przepełniona nadzieją, a raczej utwierdzałam się w przekonaniu, że też tak jak Phelps tyle osiągnę w tym sporcie, że zdobędę złoty medal olimpijski (największe marzenie 13 letniej Kasi 🥹), wtedy wszystkie poświęcenia na rzecz tego były dla mnie totalnie naturalne, nie wiedziałam że można żyć inaczej.
Po przeczytaniu jej teraz patrzę na tą całą historię z niesamowitą dumą, wdzięcznością, wrażliwością i podziwem dla małej mnie, jak i innych sportowców. Mimo, że już nie pływam, widzę jak bardzo ukształtowały mnie decyzje podejmowane na tamten moment; doceniam to bardzo i chcę więcej 💃
Przeczytałam ją jeszcze raz po około 12 latach; za pierwszym razem byłam 13letnią dziewczynką, która nie widziała nic poza pływaniem, byłam przepełniona nadzieją, a raczej utwierdzałam się w przekonaniu, że też tak jak Phelps tyle osiągnę w tym sporcie, że zdobędę złoty medal olimpijski (największe marzenie 13 letniej Kasi 🥹), wtedy wszystkie poświęcenia na rzecz tego były dla mnie totalnie naturalne, nie wiedziałam że można żyć inaczej.
Po przeczytaniu jej teraz patrzę na tą całą historię z niesamowitą dumą, wdzięcznością, wrażliwością i podziwem dla małej mnie, jak i innych sportowców. Mimo, że już nie pływam, widzę jak bardzo ukształtowały mnie decyzje podejmowane na tamten moment; doceniam to bardzo i chcę więcej 💃
April 5, 2024
If you care about consistently beating your own high scores, you'll identify with this and enjoy it.
Also found out some interesting things about the sport and the Olympics.
Also found out some interesting things about the sport and the Olympics.
May 4, 2017
This autobiography by Michael Phelps is the true story to his famed 8 gold medal run at the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. The book goes on about the struggles that Michael had but also the victories he had as well. The book is very informative and it teaches you a lot about swimming. If you don't like swimming, or get bored with a lot of facts in a book, don't read this. But if you are like me, who doesn't care whats in it as long as there's Michael Phelps, then this is definitely a book you'd want to set aside time for.
July 25, 2010
I was one of the ones caught up in the Olympic games in the summer of 2008. I had Phelps fever and was looking for 8 also. Letting my at the time 8 year old stay up to watch the swims live.
So fun being able to see her face and know that she also one day could do that! (well maybe not Olympics but competitive swim for sure.) Maybe even College! Okay she is only 10!!!
Michael's journey to Beijing is one of swimming, swimming, swimming and really very little else. Everything is about the pool. Although little is mentioned regarding his mother and sisters the great respect, appreciation and love for them is undeniable.
He is truly a remarkable athlete and I was in awe of all his achievements.
My daughter is a swimmer so I was happy to learn a few things about this sport.
While the NBA and NFL have 4 quarters, the NHL has 3 and Golf has 18 holes to swing at swimming all boils down to about 1 minute give or take a few one hundredth of a seconds.
One shot and only one shot to be #1.
If you have a love for swimming or have a family member who is a swimmer you are sure to like this book.
So fun being able to see her face and know that she also one day could do that! (well maybe not Olympics but competitive swim for sure.) Maybe even College! Okay she is only 10!!!
Michael's journey to Beijing is one of swimming, swimming, swimming and really very little else. Everything is about the pool. Although little is mentioned regarding his mother and sisters the great respect, appreciation and love for them is undeniable.
He is truly a remarkable athlete and I was in awe of all his achievements.
My daughter is a swimmer so I was happy to learn a few things about this sport.
While the NBA and NFL have 4 quarters, the NHL has 3 and Golf has 18 holes to swing at swimming all boils down to about 1 minute give or take a few one hundredth of a seconds.
One shot and only one shot to be #1.
If you have a love for swimming or have a family member who is a swimmer you are sure to like this book.
August 3, 2021
No Limits - The Will to Succeed - Michael Phelps with Alan Abrahamson
No Limits tells the story of an American former competitive swimmer. He is the most successful and most decorated olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals.
He says, You Deam, You Plan, You Reach
There will be obstacles, There will be doubters, There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you. There are no limits.
Perseverance, determination, commitment and courage - Those things are real. The desire for redemption drives you. And the will to succeed , it’s everything.
No Limits details the ups and downs of Michael Phelps career from the time he got in the water until the Beijing Olympics, where he won an unprecedented eight gold medals in a single Games. The book follows the timeline of his events in Beijing, with each race being prefaced by lessons in what helped him get there.
This book is all about discipline and grit. One should read this book to get inside the mind of a world record holder in swimming.
No Limits tells the story of an American former competitive swimmer. He is the most successful and most decorated olympian of all time with a total of 28 medals.
He says, You Deam, You Plan, You Reach
There will be obstacles, There will be doubters, There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you. There are no limits.
Perseverance, determination, commitment and courage - Those things are real. The desire for redemption drives you. And the will to succeed , it’s everything.
No Limits details the ups and downs of Michael Phelps career from the time he got in the water until the Beijing Olympics, where he won an unprecedented eight gold medals in a single Games. The book follows the timeline of his events in Beijing, with each race being prefaced by lessons in what helped him get there.
This book is all about discipline and grit. One should read this book to get inside the mind of a world record holder in swimming.
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January 11, 2009This was my secret santa gift this year because everyone who knows me knows that I find him very fascinating. However, I wasn't expecting much when I started reading this. But I was pleasantly surprised. It's not literary work of genius, but it's definitely an inspirational book, and reminded me just how much there is to get out of life if you only have some passion and dedication. It's a get-your-butt-off-the-couch book for sure. And, as is Phelps' intention, it makes the sport of swimming much more interesting than I ever thought it was. I really enjoyed it for what it was, and read it in a day and a half.
September 23, 2011
I was interested to hear about Phelps' ability to push himself and overcome limitations that others had imposed on him. His is a story of hard work and motivation. The part that stuck out to me was that he learned to concentrate on finding out what he *could do, rather than worry about what he couldn't do. or what others were doing.
The writing was a bit simple and the way the book was organized, did lend itself to repetition but I didn't find it confusing or annoying.
It's not a work of art, didn't make me laugh or cry. but it was nice to hear about how this one athlete thought leading up to his 8 gold medals.
Quick read.
The writing was a bit simple and the way the book was organized, did lend itself to repetition but I didn't find it confusing or annoying.
It's not a work of art, didn't make me laugh or cry. but it was nice to hear about how this one athlete thought leading up to his 8 gold medals.
Quick read.
December 15, 2008
I'm a sucker for these types of books, what can I say? :P
It was interesting to read just how much time and preparation Phelps puts into his career. This would be an eyeopener for anyone who thinks that swimming just isn't that hrd, or that Phelps doesn't deserve to even be considered as one of the world's greatest athletes.
Make no mistake- this book isn't high quality literature. ;) But if you're interested in reading about what went into preparing for his amazing accomplishment at the 2008 Beijing Olympics or a competitive swimmer yourself, you'll enjoy the book.
It was interesting to read just how much time and preparation Phelps puts into his career. This would be an eyeopener for anyone who thinks that swimming just isn't that hrd, or that Phelps doesn't deserve to even be considered as one of the world's greatest athletes.
Make no mistake- this book isn't high quality literature. ;) But if you're interested in reading about what went into preparing for his amazing accomplishment at the 2008 Beijing Olympics or a competitive swimmer yourself, you'll enjoy the book.
April 25, 2009
let's face it, there is something fascinating about this guy! Unfortunately, I didn't really care for the writing of this book. I suppose it was meant to sound like Michael Phelps is just sitting there telling you his life story, but it's a little distracting when sentences run on for entire paragraphs and grammar is all over the place. It also jumps around a lot, so I found myself having to flip back frequently to figure out what time I was reading about. I did enjoy the content however...it ALMOST motivated me to go dig out my speedo and swim some laps!
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