Michael Phelps was named the second-best athlete from Maryland by Sports Illustrated. He was ranked behind only legendary slugger Babe Ruth.
What happened?
Sports Illustrated unveiled a special project to identify the top five athletes from each of the 50 states. The list included several swimmers, with Phelps and Katie Ledecky representing Maryland.
Why it matters for Michael Phelps
Phelps, a 28-time Olympic medalist, was recognized for his achievements in the sport. His ranking is a testament to his dominance in the pool.
What comes next?
The list is part of Sports Illustrated's celebration of the United States' 250th birthday. Other swimmers, including Lydia Jacoby and Amy Van Dyken, were also recognized for their achievements.
Michael Phelps finished with 23 gold medals in his Olympic career. He was joined on the list by other notable swimmers, including Katie Ledecky, who is a four-time Olympic champion.
The list was compiled by Sports Illustrated to recognize the top athletes from each state. It included a total of 250 athletes, matching the number of years the United States has been a country.
Lydia Jacoby was ranked fifth in Alaska, thanks to her gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2020 Olympic Games. Amy Van Dyken was ranked third in Colorado, after winning four gold medals at the 1996 Olympics.
Duke Kahanamoku and Buster Crabbe were recognized as two of the top athletes from Hawaii. Kahanamoku was the Olympic champion in the 100 freestyle in 1912 and 1920, while Crabbe was a two-time Olympic medalist.
Mary T. Meagher was ranked second in Kentucky, after breaking multiple records in the butterfly events. She won three gold medals at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Jenny Thompson was ranked second in New Hampshire, after winning 12 Olympic medals. She was recognized for her prowess as a sprint freestyler and butterflyer.
Don Schollander was ranked first in Oregon, after winning six Olympic medals between the 1964 and 1968 Games. He was the gold medalist in the 100 freestyle and 400 freestyle at the 1964 Olympics.
Elizabeth Beisel was ranked fifth in Rhode Island, after competing in multiple Olympic Games. She was recognized for her achievements in the sport, including her performance at the 2012 Olympics.
The list is a recognition of the top athletes from each state, and includes a range of sports and achievements. Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky were among the swimmers recognized for their dominance in the pool.