Statement of Purpose
Rebecca Hill

Lucky is the person who can find a profession that closely matches her skills and ideology. I am lucky. A crooked path I took in this discovery, meandering through biology, education, religion, and art before I found a field of study that could integrate all these interests and speak to my convictions. In fact, up until a year ago, I had never even heard of landscape architecture. At the time, I was applying for a six-month internship at Slide Ranch an environmental education center located in the coastal wilderness near Muir Beach. It was while living in this community that I learned of landscape architecture, and when I heard, my heart said, “YES!”

Slide Ranch is a small, hundred-year-old farm where one can witness the interface of wild and tamed beauty in a single view. It has, as its mission, a desire to promote to its visitors a personal sense of connection to the natural world and a more sustainable use of natural resources. During my year stay, these values were also strengthened in me. The population we most served were urban youth—kids from San Francisco or other Bay Area cities that would come to the ranch for a few hours or, in some cases, a few days.

What an experience to see them bound off the bus, excited and rowdy, often turning their nose up at the rustic, non-linear surroundings. I would smile secretly know that, within 24 hours, the natural beauty of the place would calm and balance them, allowing for deep breaths and reflective thoughts. One boy from San Francisco, who had been at Slide Ranch for three days, wrote, “I like it here because it is pretty, and I am near the ocean and I can think.” “Children are more deeply affected by the environment than any other age group,” and “[they] learn from the environment what society values” (Marcus and Sarkissian, 109). I realized it was the communing with nature, above all else, that provided these kids with a sense of order and calmed their urban spirit.

As much as I loved sharing Slide Ranch with those who came from the city, I realized that traveling 45 minutes in a car to a remote area is next to impossible for many. The natural world had to be brought to them, and while they could not get the full experience, a neighborhood garden, a small green space in the housing project could be the next best thing and go a long way to restoring the soul.

As creations of nature, I believe it is necessary for our well being to have some intimate connection to the natural world. Of course, we are and always have been dependent on the land—a symbiotic relationship, where our actions affect the land and vice versa (Hough, 240-241) The problem is this is difficult to remember when we are surrounded by pavement and imagine our food to sprout from the aisles of Safeway. As landscape gives way to cityscape and our association with nature declines, we feel less connected to the world—isolated from the cycles in which we evolved and thrived and disconnected from other members of our species. More gardens and well-designed green space could change that providing connectedness, a basis for socializing, time for contemplation, and source for neighborhood revitalization (Francis and Hester, 247). Urban landscapes could be used to decorate, “enhance urban climate, create wildlife habitat. . .produce food” (Hough, 241), and bring people together in viable way (Francis and Hester, 247): in short, they could allow the land and the people to participate in the natural processes that they are wont to do. I want to be involved in this process. I want to be in a profession that can give people the tools and the power to change their environment and promote the coming together of separate souls to create a synergy of change.

I could write of my love of gardens, my appreciation of art, my gravitation towards the technical—though, with my background in scientific research and gardening, I feel it is apparent. These motivations play a large part, but what really drives my desire to become a landscape architect is the opportunity to act on my belief that the quality and beauty of a person’s environment directly contributes to his/her health, happiness, and sense of worth. Modern society and urban living have cast us out of our natural habitat, but we must find our way back to the Garden, for it there that humans have the most direct connection with the spiritual—a communion we have created to foster.

Bibliography
Hough, Michael. (1984) City Form and Natural Process: Towards a New Urban Vernacular.
New York: Von Nostrand Reinhold Company.
Francis, Mark, and Randolph T. Hester., eds. (1990). The Meaning of Gardens. Cambridge:
The MIT Press.
Marcus, Clare Cooper, and Wendy Sarkissian (1986). Housing as if People Mattered. Berkeley:
University of California Press.
May we let what Rebecca has written inspire us. What is your Statement of Purpose?
Here are some current articles:
Fixing What Highways Destroyed by David Leonhardt, NYT: May 28, 2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/briefing/us-highways-destruction-sugar-hill.html
How Art is Retelling Powerful Stories of Tulsa Massacre Capturing Communities’ Hope, PBS, May 28, 2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/briefing/us-highways-destruction-sugar-hill.html

Security is in the Secret Place

I sent this Christmas, 2017, when all my children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews were safe but near hurricanes, fires, and shootings. Now we’ve experienced 2020 and 2021. Are we prepared for whatever the future may hold?

Where is security? I encourage you to memorize Psalm 91—it’s The Protection Psalm. Many give testimony of its saving their lives. Some books with these testimonies: Psalm 91: Real Life Stories of God’s Shield of Protection and What This Psalm Means for You and Those You Love. By Peggy Joyce Ruth. There are books for Military, Mothers, Children—all with true stories of the power of this Psalm. If you’ve read my book, They That Sow in Tears, you know this Psalm saved my life. We’re not to be afraid. As this Protection Psalm is in your sub-conscious mind, its positive vibration will feed your soul. Also, it’s good for our brains to memorize. 

Answering: How did 9/ll affect you?

SECURITY IS IN THE SECRET PLACE

I lived in Riverdale in the Bronx, less than one hour by subway from the World Trade Center. The morning of 9/ll I went to vote. I half heard some ladies talking something about, “Isn’t it terrible? The World Trade Center. . .” But my mind wasn’t focused on this conversation. I was thinking of my new grandson, Jonathan, born just three days earlier on the eighth.
As soon as I got home, I called my daughter in Tallahassee, Florida, to see how they were doing.
“Mom!” she exclaimed, “We’ve been trying to call you but couldn’t get through! The World Trade Center. . . .”
It was she who told me. I flipped on the TV as she spoke. However, only one channel was broadcasting because of what had been done to the towers. Finding that one, I, like most Americans, watched all day.
In my first reactions, I wondered, what other things were going to be blown up. Should I get out of New York City? And if so, what should I take with me? But where would be a safe place to go?
However, as days passed, and I heard of military plans, increasing security at the airports, etc., I instinctively knew that security did not rely in these measures. Physically, no matter how much money was spent, there was no way that one could foreknow where to put policemen, scanners, and the military for certain safety. There could only be one antidote for fear—Security is in the Secret Place. Victory is only possible through weapons of the Spirit—love, joy peace, prayer, praise, faith, food, clothing, shelter, etc. If ever there was opportunity to learn this, it is now.
“911,” people said, “The emergency number.” However, God has a 911 number—Psalm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the Secret Place of the Highest shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This Psalm became an anchor for me: “Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror. . .He shall give His angels charge over thee. . .” I determined to be motivated by love and develop my inner listening powers.

Security is in the Secret Place

God’s 911# Psalm 91:1

To Memorize: Read aloud for 10 days. Then shut the Bible and stumble through the best you can. Open and see where you missed. At the end of a month, or less, you will have memorized it. For children who can’t yet read: Read it for 10 days. Then leave out words for them to fill in—more and more until it is memorized. You might start with shorter Psalm 23 or 100. Psalm 27 is good for fear.

He (She) who dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God: in Him will I trust.
Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you shall take refuge.
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid for the terror by night;
Nor for the arrow that flies by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness;
Nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come nigh you.
Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord, who is your refuge, even the Most High, your
dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you, neither shall any plague come nigh your dwelling.
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shalt tread upon the lion and cobra:
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him.
I will set him on high because he has known My name.
He (she) shall call upon Me and I will answer him (her):
I will be with him (her) in trouble; I will deliver him (her), and honour him (her).
With long life will I satisfy him (her) and show him (her) My salvation.”

There is a Hebrew word, Tikkun which means “to heal, repair, and transform the world.” We each have a tikkun–something we are supposed to do to heal, repair and transform the world.” We should help each other do what we are created to do. With God nothing shall be impossible.
Copyright, 2021—this means you have the right to copy and let the wind carry it. ?

Here is Rebecca’s Memorial Page:

https://www.forevermissed.com/rebecca-hill-leising/about

Please go to A Butterfly for Rebecca–also statement from her Swarthmore College

The post Rebecca’s Statement of Purpose- shared with us by Sheilah Hill appeared first on Good News!.

September 26, 2020:

I look out the window. “Oh, there’s a white butterfly by the rosemary!” I am standing by Rebecca massaging her feet and Matt is sitting with his computer at the table nearby.

Rebecca starts to cry. She says she had asked God if He was going to heal her to let her hear the word, “butterfly.”

In the spring, at dinner I had asked, “What three B’s are in the rosemary? Rebecca had quickly answered, “Butterflies, Birds and Bees” The rosemary had been flooded with white butterflies, the buzzing of bees and the flitting of little birds. But now, there are no butterflies. It’s not their season to be here. They’ve been gone for months. That’s why this one is so noteworthy. This one at just the moment I look out the window. A butterfly for Rebecca.

Rebecca has told us several times, “I dreamed I was running!”

September 28, 2020, Rebecca and I take communion.

This do in remembrance of Me.
Luke 22:19

It just happens to be Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

September 30, 2020

This is the day Rebecca is taken to the hospital. Because of her breathing Matt gives her CPR and I call 911..

Nearly 20 people come. More CPR. As they are taking her to the hospital, a paramedic says, “I think she will survive. Her heart rhythm is strong.”

October 1-6, 2020

We cannot visit her, but we Facetime her. She looks beautiful. Once her eyes are open. She looks directly at me.

October 4, 2020

The neurologist comes by. “There is no brain activity,” he says. This means she’s gone. Even though her heart is beating.<.p>
October 7, 2020

How grateful we are for Hospice—they arrange for Rebecca to come home—home to the mountains for her last physical earth moments. Noah and Nate hug their mother and say “Good-bye.” Their looks are somber and tear my heart. We gather around—Matt, Noah, Nate, Jeff and Tracy, Matt’s parents, and Adam, Matt’s brother and me.
Jacinda, Jack, their children, Abigail, Robert, Jonathan, Patrick Anabelle, Philip, Sondra and her family, Melissa and Melanie, dear friends from as long ago as high school, —they all Face Time.

We speak to Rebecca and believe she hears us. I rub her feet as I so often have done.

Psalm 121 is read:

I will lift up mine eye unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

After which the doctor takes the respirator out. I hold Rebecca’s right hand and Matt, her left. Her hand moves slightly in mine a few times.

We watch as she breathes on her own—around 15 minutes. Will she stay? Will she go? In silence we watch. The drama of a soul leaving her earth body for her ethereal body. So gentle is her breathing, so peaceful her departure, we cannot tell when last, she breathes. The doctor comes near,. “She passed,” he says.

Now she runs! Nothing prevents her! And, as her sister, Jacinda, says, “She flies!”

Of course, we were thinking of her being healed here in her mortal body—where we could physically see and hear her on this plane. She was healed in another way. *
Temporarily, we are in this shell—this shell which often limits us, this shell which cannot hold– which cannot prevent our consciousness and our eternal soul, from breaking free. And whether our life be long or short in earth school, it is as a vapour compared to eternity.

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time,
and then vanisheth away.
James 4:14

Jesus told parables—stories using physical things to illustrate spiritual truth. I believe Jesus, with the Holy Spirit, still uses earthly things to illustrate eternal truths. A butterfly is an excellent illustration of breaking through a cocoon, being transformed, and flying!

I am guided to a writing by David Wilkerson. He says, “The Ultimate healing is resurrection—death is the passage, “*

Our beloved Rebecca left early. We celebrate her beautiful life.

Because of Jesus, I know we will see her again! Because of Jesus, I know she lives!

November 25, Thanksgiving:

I call Jack, my son. He is at my brother, Phil’s in Las Vegas. Phil’s wife, Michele, tells me that butterflies, in her culture are a symbol of comfort to those who’ve lost a loved one—like they are visiting you. I look on the Internet. There is much about the symbolism of butterflies.
Here’s one entry:

December 3, 2020

My steps are heavy as I walk to the mailbox. This heaviness—I wonder if it will ever go away. I am thinking of my young grandsons, Noah 12 and Nathaniel Charles 8—boys without their mother. Is Rebecca also concerned about them where she is?

At the time of her passing, Rebecca and I had been reading a book, God’s Heavenly Answers, by Dr. Joyce Brown who had had a near-death experience. Rebecca had found Dr. Joyce on the ALS website. She also had attended, by phone, several of Dr. Joyce’s prayer meetings. * *

After Rebecca’s passing, I started attending the prayer meetings—every Saturday at noon, Pacific time. I’ve also talked with Dr. Joyce privately. She said that Rebecca is peaceful—that she wants me to be—even have joy. Joy? But what about her boys? Dr. Joyce said, “She sees the end from the beginning.”

I want to believe this, but can I be sure? Because I am so concerned, wouldn’t she be? Dr. Joyce also tells me that Rebecca will tell me what she wants me to know.

For where your heart is, there will your treasure be also.
Matthew 6:21

     Since Rebecca is on The Other Side, I am ever more mindful of things unseen and whispers of
 the Spirit.  My heart, my treasure is there.
     I believe, “We can know anything we need to know. The Holy Spirit will tell us. We must be 
alert to listen.”
     How does God tell us things?  *** Especially lately, I have asked for words that will lead me to 
what I need to know.  To do this was a suggestion by, Doug, who also had a near death 
experience.He’s in my story, Hurricane Floyd and Lessons of the Wind.  Rebecca is in this story too.  
She had a dreamwhile I am at her house in Berkeley that is part of this story.
     And now, as I walk to the mailbox, into my spirit. this word comes, “Carousel.”  I repeat it.  
I will be listening for that word.   When I get back to the house, Nate,8, asks, “Mimi, 
do you want to see the park I made on my phone?”
      “Sure.”
     He proceeds to give me a guided tour. “And here is my Carousel,” he says.
Carousel! Wow! The word!  I don’t say anything to Nate, but I am thinking, what does it mean? 
I can’t think of anything—maybe it is just a word to let me know there is a Presence that knows 
what I will hear? It is clearly a bleed-through from the invisible world.  It’s delightful 
and I am grateful even if this is all it means.  And yet. . .
     December 5, 2020
     Saturday morning, two days later, Matt tells of a dream he had of Rebecca.  This reminds me to 
ask if “Carousel” means anything to him.
     “No, it doesn’t.”
     Later, I am outside with Atrick, the dog.  As she roams around, up and down the hills, at times 
catching the ball I throw, I pray. I pray for my children.  I pray for the election.
     Suddenly a question, “What goes round and round?”
A carousel!
Then I know! 
     Before I had walked to the mailbox and heard the word “Carousel” , I had wanted to play a song,
 but when I tried to play it on my computer, that song and another one—from Minecraft—was playing as 
well.  (Nate uses my computer for Minecraft.)  Two songs were playing at the same time.  Also, it was 
too loud.  Noah said, “That sounds terrible!”  I turned it off but felt bad that I couldn’t share it.
     And now “round and round”—like a Carousel.  The song has these words:
     Are you tired of spinning round and round?
 
“Atrick, come!” I run inside to play the song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k5DKcmKAwI

Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows?
Are you tired of spinning round and round?
Wrap up all the shattered dreams of your life
And at the feet of Jesus, lay them down.
Give them all, give them all, give them all to Jesus,
Shattered dreams, wounded hearts, broken toys
Give them all, give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy
He never said you’d only see sunshine
He never said there would be no rain.
He only promised a heart full of singing
At the one thing that once brought pain
Give them all, give them all
Give them all to Jesus
And He will turn your sorrow into joy.

And look! The song is full of butterflies! In the past, when I listened to this song, never did I see butterflies—always Evie, the soloist, with a group listening. Now the butterflies are another meaningful synchronicity. (Someone has said, Synchronicities are God speaking anonymously.) As I listen, I cry—that Jesus, with Rebecca, would give me such a gift! A mantra: Give it all to Jesus.

From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee.
When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock
that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2

Sometimes sorrow and joy hold hands.

As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.
II Corinthians 8:10

After I told Jacinda the story above, she told me of a video she had taken of Rebecca and Nate riding a Carousel. Click above to see.

We’ve heard it said that God works in mysterious ways. It’s fascinating to listen to the Spirit—to see this invisible orchestration behind the scenes. Like clues—you know something is a message and it means something, but what? You watch and pray and listen.

Martin Buber said, “God speaks in the guise of everything that happens” ****

Jesus said:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, She will guide you into all truth:
for She shall not speak of herself; but whatsoever She shall hear,
that shall She speak, and She will show you things to come.
John 16:13

I love that the Holy Spirit is also called “the Comforter.”

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name,
She shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26

(in original, Holy Spirit feminine pronoun)

Andrew Murray said, “Everything in the physical is a shadow of the reality in the spirit.” This truth is expressed by many. Plato’s Theory of Forms states that the physical realm is only a shadow or image of the true reality.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal.
II Corinthians 4:17,18

Sightings: Around six times—I’m now going to count them—where and when–I’ve seen one lone white butterfly. The last time was Christmas Day as I was talking to Tracy, Matt’s mother. When I see the butterfly, I seek to follow her with my eyes. But she is fleeting like a flash and disappearing quickly, is gone. For a moment, am I between the worlds?

As I’m thinking on these things, suddenly I remember Madame Butterfly!

Giacomo Puccini:

“The music of this opera, Madame Butterfly, was dictated to me by God. I was merely instrumental in putting it on paper and communicating it to the public.”

My eyes are open for butterflies. Turning over the Christmas card I’ve been sending, I see a tiny little butterfly that I had missed seeing before.

Wishing you a Christmas blessed by the love that
was born so long ago.

When He calls me, I will answer:

https://worldchallenge.org/content/ultimate-healing

*December10: I find this writing by David Wilkerson. Please listen to this. It’s comforting, a blessing, and answers questions. The Ultimate Healing is resurrection. Death is the passage. He has passed on—he worked with street gangs and wrote the book, The Cross and the Switchblade.

https://worldchallenge.org/content/ultimate-healing

Throughout all these months of my caring for Rebecca and then staying in Topanga with Matt and the boys, I have been in communication with Ed and Charlene Knadle and their prayer ministry. My connection to Ed is through his mother, Elaine. She is my dear friend. She’s 13 years older and has passed.. They have been with me through so many challenges. It is a comfort to me to know that I can call Ed to agree with me in prayer for whatever crisis presents itself. “If two of you shall agree as touching anything. . .”

When in California, you must watch and pray regarding high winds and fire threats. This was an especially bad year for fire. The New York Times said California is a furnace. In Topanga, we had numerous answers to weather prayers.*

. A few months before I came to Topanga to be with Rebecca, I was saddened to learn that David, Ed’s son, was killed in Afghanistan November 19, 2019. For Thanksgiving my three children and eight grandchildren were in Las Vegas with my three brothers for Thanksgiving. We were principally all together for Rebecca.

December 27, 2020

There’s an oak writing table in the Mud Room where I put my computer. I can look out the window to a beautiful view as I write. This day I open the door of the Mud Room, take my journal, walk out and sit on a stump surrounded by sage and the majestic beauty of the Topanga Mountains. I feel close to Rebecca and believe we communicate. As I sit here, a thought comes to me. I write it down and text it to Ed Knadle, who prays with me:

People on The Other Side can be close to us because we sit in heavenly places.

Ed texts back:

This is a great revelation you got about heavenly places! I talk to David daily and Elaine. . .and I believe they hear me, both being in that great cloud of witnesses. . .”
. A warm feeling comes over me.

And hath raised us up together and made us sit together
in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:6
You Raise Me Up So That I Might Stand on Mountains, Andre Rieu
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJqiV55JnX0

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses
let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us,
and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus. . .
Hebrews 12

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January 17, 2019 – New York, NY – Premier Event Management Inc. and Harvard Wealth Strategy & Management, LLC announce New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins’ participation in the Fifth Annual Chinese New Year Spectacular concert at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall to ring in the Year of the Pig on Friday, February 15, 2019 at 7:30 p.m., offering a special program that celebrates both Chinese and American cultures. A highly anticipated annual performance, Spectacular has become a NYC tradition to mark the beginning of the New Lunar Year.

“The celebration is a reminder that our city is a gorgeous mosaic of many cultures. The evening is a great opportunity to celebrate the diversity that helps to make New York City so vibrant,” said NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins.

Mayor Dinkins will read excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address with piano accompaniment by Jie Chen. New to the 2019 program, Chinese Pianist Jie Chen and Shanghai Soprano Quan Chen will perform, as well as returning artists, American violinist Deni Bonet and tenor Dr. William Weimin Cai. Joining Dr. Cai during his performance this year will be Dominican tenor Francisco Casanova, Chinese tenor Honghai Tang and a special choir of nearly 100 voices.

The evening’s program will feature a wide variety of musical compositions, ranging from: Fantasy Impromptu by Frederic Chopin and Zueignung by Richard Georg Strauss, along with Butterfly Lovers by He Zhanhao and I Love You China! by Zheng Qiufeng.

The annual Spectacular is produced by Premier Event Management Inc. and Harvard Wealth Strategy & Management, LLC, two American organizations which share the common goal of bridging the culture gap between Chinese and American cultures. The two groups have collaborated on a series of successful projects that bring Chinese culture to the U.S. including Tong Ren Tang, the world’s oldest brand of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which opened its first U.S. location in New York City. Premier Event Management Inc. and Harvard Wealth
Upper Left: Jie Chen; Lower Left: Quan Chen; Upper Right: Dr. William Weimin Cai; Lower Right: Deni Bonet

Mayor David N. Dinkins at Chinese New Year Spectacular IV
2

Strategy & Management, LLC have worked together to sponsor American high school students and New York-based Police Athletic League (PAL) teens to attend “Joy Dancing Beijing,” a cultural event put on by the Beijing government.

Tickets start at $28 and are available online or by phone at (212) 247-7800. Children under 12, seniors over 60 and active duty military members are eligible for a 25 percent discount.

# # #

ABOUT PREMIER EVENT MANAGEMENT, INC. Our vision is to provide effective professional event management services including production of major events such as those on the main stage of Carnegie Hall, charity events for smaller audiences like those we have produced on the rooftop lounge of the Peninsula Hotel in New York City, academic events such as those we have produced for visiting executive MBA students from China at the Harvard Faculty Club in Cambridge, Massachusetts and business seminars such as those we have produced for delegations of entrepreneurs visiting from China and Europe at the Harvard Club of New York City. Visit www.premiereventmgt.com for more information.

Media Contacts: Alana Kiss, Alana@nicholaslence.com / Tel: 212-938-0835
Shin-Jung, ShinJung@nicholaslence.com / Tel: 212-938-0005

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Michael Fred Phelps II (born June 30, 1985) is an American swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time with 19 medals. Phelps also holds the all-time records for gold medals (15) and gold medals in individual events (9). In winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, Phelps took the record for the most first-place finishes at any single Olympic Games. Five of those victories were in individual events, tying the single Games record. In the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Phelps has won two silver medals and one gold through July 31.

Phelps is the long course world recordholder in the 100 metres butterfly, 200 metres butterfly and 400 metres individual medley as well as the former long course world recordholder in the 200 metres freestyle and 200 metres individual medley. He has won a total of sixty-six medals in major international competition, fifty-four gold, nine silver, and three bronze spanning the Olympics, the World, and the Pan Pacific Championships. Phelps’s international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award six times and American Swimmer of the Year Award eight times. His unprecedented Olympic success in 2008 earned Phelps Sports Illustrated magazine’s Sportsman of the Year award. The same magazine said that he is “universally recognized as the greatest swimmer in history”.

After the 2008 Summer Olympics, Phelps started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles. He expects to do further work with his foundation after the 2012 Olympics, which he has said will be his last.

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