Michael Phelps' SI Collection

Michael Phelps was the star of the Beijing Olympics after winning eight gold medals and setting seven world records. Simon Bruty/SI

Michael Phelps was named SI 2008 Sportsman of the Year on Tuesday. Here are several stories and photo galleries chronicling Phelps' rise to glory over the years:

Gallery: Michael Phelps' Golden Journey

Gallery: Michael Phelps' SI Covers

Gallery: Phelps' Frame-By-Frame Win at the 100-meter Butterfly

Gallery: Michael Phelps' SI on Campus Photo Shoot

We Are All Witnesses
By Susan Casey, August 25, 2008
Michael Phelps now belongs to history. For the rest of us the memories -- and indelible images -- of the Greatest Olympic Performance Ever won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Eight Is Not Enough
By S.L. Price, August 25, 2008

Gold Mind
By Susan Casey, August 18, 2008
In a week of new records and high drama Michael Phelps went deep into his own head to push his body into uncharted waters.

The Quest
By Susan Casey, July 28, 2008
A story of what it takes to win eight gold medals, in eight parts.

Lock Meets Lochte
By Kelli Anderson, July 7, 2008
In launching his quest for eight gold medals, Michael Phelps barely held off Ryan Lochte, the best swimmer you've never heard of.

Mind Boggling
By Brian Cazeneuve, April 9, 2007
By demolishing records and winning seven -- should have been eight -- golds at the worlds, Michael Phelps left his sport awestruck.

Only Human
By Brian Cazeneuve, August 1, 2005
Michael Phelps fizzled in his first event at the world championships but didn't waste any time bouncing back.

Tarnished Gold?
By Brian Cazeneuve, November 22, 2004
A DUI bust could take Olympic champ Michael Phelps out of the fast lane.

Quite A Splashdown
By Brian Cazeneuve, October 18, 2004
Riding the wave of his Athens success, Michael Phelps went on a 15-city victory tour that surprised even him.

Break Out the Bubbly
By Kelli Anderson, August 30, 2004
In a roller-coaster week for U.S. swimmers, Michael Phelps won eight medals, but his finest stroke may have been an act of kindness.

Water Boy
By Rick Reilly, August 30, 2004
There went Michael Phelps again, virtually alone in the water, churning like a Waring blender, going after one last goal--a $5 blue-and-white inflatable kids' raft.

Water Craft
By Tim Layden, August 23, 2004
Michael Phelps's ambitious gold rush hit a couple of bronze bumps, but he remained the center of attention as his medal haul grew, befitting the world's most versatile swimmer.

Why He's So Good
By Tim Layden, August 2, 2004
Four swimming greats critique Michael Phelps's strokes.

Michael Phelps
By Tim Layden, August 2, 2004
Hold Your Breath. The prodigy from Baltimore is about to attempt the greatest feat in Olympic history.

Spitz Take
By Brian Cazeneuve, February 23, 2004
U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps could win more medals in Athens than some guy named Mark -- if he can just decide which of his many strokes to unleash.

Phelps Is On The Way
By Brian Cazeneuve, April 14, 2003
Michael Phelps announced himself as an Olympic favorite after winning three events at the U.S. Nationals.

Swimming
By Brian Cazenueve, August 6, 2001
Michael Phelps may be wet behind the ears, but he was fast beyond his years at the worlds.