Published on July 31st, 2012 | by Alan Abrahamson

Long-time coach Bowman instrumental in Phelps’ run to Olympic history

LONDON — For 16 years, Bob Bowman and Michael Phelps have been together, swimmer and coach.

Think of how many years the typical football coach lasts in one job.

Now consider what Bowman and Phelps have done together. This is their fourth Summer Games. Phelps, with 19 Olympic medals, is now the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.

In his extraordinary career, Phelps has never volunteered a word about medal counts. For him, it has always been about trying to change the sport of swimming. From the outset, Bowman understood. The journey has been, in every regard, a joint quest.

Read the rest at NBCOlympics.com: http://bit.ly/OAfwv7