When Michael Phelps was first featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine, he was already aimming for 8 Golds in Athens Olympics 2004.
Aug. 2, 2004


When he was on the cover again, he was already breaking World Records in Athens.
Aug. 23, 2004

While he only managed a 6 gold haul in Athens, short of his 8 golds dream, he had already grabbed alot of attention, and the media is on him. Featured on the cover again after Athens Olympics.
Feb. 3, 2005

Pre-Beijing Olympics 2008, 3 years after his last feature, he is again on track for 8 golds again. Reminiscence of his previous cover in 2004.
July 28, 2008

Mid-Beijing Olympics 2008, he was on track for his 8 golds, breaking world records in a blitz. Just like 4 years ago, he was featured for blitzing world records. The King Of Pool.
Aug. 18, 2008

Beijing Olympics 2008 was the place he fulfilled his 4 years old dream which was unfulfilled last Olympics. An epic cover for many years to come.
Aug. 25, 2008

And i am wondering who is the next one that will be featured next 2 these 2 guys, with a larger gold haul and in the same pose.
Mark Spitz and Michael Phelps

[from Sports Illustrated]