Olympic legend Michael Phelps awarded honorary doctorate by the University of Michigan

Michael Phelps, a 23-time Olympic swimming gold medallist, added another accolade to his unparalleled resume on Saturday, 2 May, when he received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from the University of Michigan.

It came on a day of milestones in Ann Arbor.

More than 8,000 graduates packed Michigan Stadium for the university’s 2026 Spring Commencement Ceremony, where Phelps and former Wolverines “Fab Five” basketball star Jalen Rose were part of a select group recognised as the university awarded its one millionth degree since its founding in 1845.

While Phelps never completed a degree at Michigan himself, he took classes in sports marketing and management at the University while training under longtime coach Bob Bowman at Club Wolverine.

Phelps also spent time as a volunteer assistant coach with Michigan’s swim programme.

Even in retirement, the 40-year-old remains closely tied to Michigan athletics. He appeared as a guest picker on College GameDay in September 2024 when the football team hosted Texas, and previously served as an honorary captain during a 2022 clash against Penn State.

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