Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest swimmer in American sports history, has announced that the 2012 London Olympics will be his final competitive venue. The story, as reported by CNN, notes that Phelps has re-committed himself to the arduous training typically required of medal-level Olympic athletes. For American aspirations for Olympic gold, Phelps' entry is a promising omen. He has won 16 Olympic medals over the years, fourteen of which were gold medals.
Young readers can learn more about Phelps' interesting life story in Enslow Publishers' biography of the swimmer. Author David Torsiello's Guided Reading Level "S" work explores highlights of Phelps' career as well as his background growing up in suburban Baltimore, Maryland. This 48-page book, part of Enslow's "Hot Celebrity Biographies" series, is available in paperback for $7.95 (a free dowloadable teacher's guide is also available for this book.) The book may also be purchased in a library-bound edition for $17.95. That price, available to schools and public libraries, represents a 25% discount from Enslow's list price for the library-bound edition.