The greatest Olympian of all time.
That’s all you need to know about the keynote speaker at The Palm Beach Post’s first Best of the Preps banquet May 24 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
Michael Phelps, who competed in swimming at five Summer Olympics, is the most decorated Olympic athlete in history with 28 medals, including a record 23 golds.
His eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games broke fellow American Mark Spitz’s record of seven set in 1972. Phelps owns numerous world swimming records and among his honors is Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year in 2008.
When he announced his second retirement in 2016, he had won more medals than 161 countries.
“Mark your calendars now! This will be a once-in-a-lifetime evening that our high school athletes, families and coaches will never forget,” Palm Beach Post Publisher Tim Burke said.
The Best of the Preps banquet, sponsored by Florida Crystals, Keiser University and Brightline soon to be Virgin Trains USA, will honor Palm Beach County high school athletes who earned first-team honors for the fall, winter and spring sports. The male and female athletes of the year in each sport will be unveiled that night as well as the overall Male and Female Athletes of the Year and our Coach of the Year. There also will be a special award or two announced at the banquet, which will feature plenty of splash and sizzle, a sit-down dinner and Phelps.
We announced our Best of the Preps fall sports athletes in December. Inside today’s paper, you will find a special section honoring the Best of the Preps winter sports athletes. All athletes who already have earned first-team honors will be receiving letters this week with information about the banquet and how to order tickets. And the spring sports honorees will be chosen in early May to make sure they receive their invitations to the banquet.
One of the highlights of the event will be Phelps’ appearance, which will include a question-and-answer session.
The latest sponsor to join this celebration of high school athletics is Brightline soon to be Virgin Trains USA.
“South Florida isn’t just where we’re headquartered; it’s home,” said Patrick Goddard, president of Brightline soon to be Virgin Trains USA. “As good neighbors, we feel great responsibility and pride in supporting the next generation of leaders. These student athletes have demonstrated great passion, perseverance and true grit, and we are delighted to be a part of the Best of Preps program.”
Keiser University and Florida Crystals officials also are looking forward to hearing Phelps.
“We are very excited to co-sponsor this community event that serves to showcase the exceptional high school talent in Palm Beach County. We are also proud to welcome Michael Phelps as the keynote speaker as he serves to provide all of us a reminder of that which is possible when you put your mind to it,” said Dr. Gary Vonk, president of Keiser University’s flagship campus. “High school students throughout the community will have something to cherish from this countywide recognition.”
Gaston Cantens, vice president of Florida Crystals, said, “It’s an amazing opportunity for our local student-athletes to get to hear from a legend like Michael Phelps. They will be inspired by the story of an individual who dedicated himself to his sport and not only made his dreams come true but also carved out a place for himself in history.”
Phelps earned his fame in the swimming pool, but he has been active on dry land in recent years.
In 2008, the Baltimore native started the Michael Phelps Foundation, which focuses on growing the sport of swimming and promoting healthier lifestyles. He recently has been focusing on mental health issues, specifically working with teenagers on bullying on social media and dealing with severe depression and anxiety. He also has partnered his foundation with KidsHealth.org to launch a mental health program for at-risk youth.
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