Beneath the Surface

My Story

By: Michael Phelps, Brian Cazeneuve

Narrated by: Marc Cashman

Just in time for the 2012 Olympics - prepare to peek into the mind of a champion with this newly updated edition of Michael Phelps’ autobiography, Beneath the Surface.

In this candid memoir, Phelps talks openly about his battle with attention deficit disorder, the trauma of his parents’ divorce, and the challenges that come with being thrust into the limelight. Readers worldwide will relive all the heart-stopping glory as Phelps completes his journey from the youngest man to ever set a world swimming record in 2001, to an Olympic powerhouse in 2008, and the most decorated Olympian in 2012. Athletes and fans alike will be fascinated by insights into Phelps’ training, mental preparation, and behind-the-scenes perspective on international athletic competitions. A chronicle of Phelps’ evolution from awkward teenager to media-savvy superstar, Beneath the Surface is a must-read for any sports fan.

©2004, 2008, 2012 Michael Phelps and Brian Cazeneuve (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Very uplifting and positive

Wish Michael would have read it but other than that, I loved it. So uplifting

Does not even include Beijing

I am very sad the print version said it has up through rio
And the cover of this one says it includes the London 2012 Olympics
However it doesn’t even cover Beijing.
It’s really good and love how he describes everything. But I am mad that it doesn’t include what it says it should.

motivating!

at first i thought the narrator was boring. but the more I listened to it, the more I liked it.
an incredible story of Michael phelps overcoming his challenges and reaching his goals.
I wish that this book had the Brazil Olympics. I know the book does, they need to update the audio. I was disappointed that this didn't include the 2016 Olympics.

Just OK

A lot of other reviewers have complained about the audiobook not being updated. Yes, that is annoying, but my gripe is with the book in its entirety. I read a fair number of biographies, and this was just so, so. It just wasn’t all that inspirational. It was mostly a lot about him fighting with his coach winning metals, eating food, and playing Madden football and poker.

My issue is that there really is an inspirational story here. Michael Phelps has crippling anxiety and has frequently suffered from suicidal thoughts. That part of his story is entirely missing from this book, so I feel it is a little dishonest. I want to hear the story of him working through anxiety and depression, not bickering with his coach.

I also run while I listen to books, so I love sports stories to pump me up. But the frequent swimming anecdotes just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t feel any tension, suspense of build-up. It was all very matter of fact and a little redundant.

Don’t get me wrong. The story still gets 3 stars. There were some decent moments, but it could have been SO much better.

Great swimmer

Very pleased to listen to this audio and to know the author’s extraordinary success. The narrator’ voice was pleasant to listen to. Thanks.