Atlanta United fullback Brooks Lennon got a surprising treat during the team’s two-week break in its schedule when he unexpectedly met U.S. swimming legend Michael Phelps at a pool in Arizona.
Lennon said he was doing some cross-training near his home in Arizona to try to stay in shape. Phelps, winner of 23 gold medals and 28 medals overall in Olympic swimming events, was at the pool.
Lennon said they talked about soccer, specifically, the 3-2 win by the U.S. against Mexico the night before, and Phelps gave him some tips on his stroke and his flip turn at the wall.
No, they didn’t race, nor did Phelps time Lennon in the 50 meters. Lennon said he did try to swim the 50 underwater without taking a breath, which is something Phelps can do. Lennon said he made it past 25, but couldn’t reach 50.
“He’s a guy I look up to in a different way,” Lennon said. “The amount of competitiveness and determination and focus and things he did during his career that made him the best, I obviously look up to him.”
Lennon said that Phelps is trying to get his two boys into soccer.
“He’s a big soccer supporter, big golf fan,” Lennon said. “He’s a great guy and good mentor for me.”
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