How Michael Phelps Answered the Baltimore Ravens’ Name for Swim Classes: EXCLUSIVE

Michael Phelps taught a number of of the Baltimore Ravens find out how to swim after the staff requested the 28-time Olympic medalist to teach them final month.

Phelps arrived on the Ravens’ coaching middle a few weeks after 4 gamers requested him for swimming classes for the staff, as only one in three Ravens is aware of find out how to swim.

TODAY obtained an unique look inside the teachings from the 23-time gold medalist — and lifelong Ravens fan — beginning with a pre-swim pep speak, safely on the shore.

“It’s what you do behind closed doors that no one sees that gives you the opportunity to stand out on this field every single week during the season and be great,” Phelps advised the gamers.

The swim classes all began when cornerback Marlon Humphrey posted a video on Instagram on July 29 with three of his teammates.

“Hey Mr. Phelps, we have a problem,” offensive deal with Ronnie Stanley mentioned within the video, earlier than doing a sleek side-dive into the water, revealing extra gamers behind him.

“Did you know that one in three Ravens cannot swim?” security Kyle Hamilton requested.

More gamers requested for Phelps to return to their aquatics middle to show them find out how to swim, and the Olympian answered the decision.

“I got yall!!! Let’s do it!!” Phelps wrote in a touch upon the submit.

On Tuesday, Aug. 12, the staff headed towards the pool, the place Phelps advised TODAY’s Craig Melvin how he deliberate to show soccer gamers find out how to swim and be protected within the water.

“Start with baby steps. Look like, you know, I know it might sound crazy, but try just blowing bubbles in the water … become more vulnerable,” Phelps mentioned.

“I think that’s something that a lot of people are afraid of. And instead of being one foot on the boat, one foot on the dock, jump right in. Literally, jump in. Come jump in with me,” he added.

Phelps has been a water security advocate for years, launching the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2008 to assist children and adults study to swim.

Drowning is the main explanation for loss of life for kids ages one to 4, and about 40 million adults within the U.S. do not know find out how to swim, in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Phelps, a father of 4, mentioned he remembers the worry throughout his first swimming classes clearly.

“When I first got into the water to swim, Miss Cathy was my teacher, and I didn’t want to put my face under,” he mentioned. “Yes, me, Michael Phelps, afraid to put my face into the water. But naturally, you overcome those fears based off your confidence and your comfort level in the pool.”

Phelps introduced the famed Miss Cathy to assist train the Ravens.

“I’m hoping that everybody is brave enough to give it a try,” Miss Cathy advised the gamers.

Phelps added: “Let’s get in the water and learn how to swim!”

In addition to the Ravens, 10 youngsters from the Boys & Girls Club had been studying find out how to swim proper alongside them.

Stanley mentioned he took half within the video as a result of he thinks swimming is a life talent that everybody ought to have.

“We want our teammates to be able to have that skill,” Stanley mentioned. “And, you know, maybe it’ll save someone’s life one day.”

And after the teachings wrapped, the Ravens had a shock in retailer for Phelps.

“Your foundation does great things on mental health awareness and also water safety. We’re going to donate $100,000 to the Michael Phelps Foundation,” mentioned Sashi Brown, president of the Ravens.

The Ravens are set to play their first recreation of the season in opposition to the Buffalo Bills at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7.