Michael Phelps reacts as Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk, Charlie McAvoy and other Team USA Hockey Players reveal their all time favorites

Michael Phelps’ greatness is unmatched in Olympic history, with multiple Olympic medals, including 23 gold. He enjoyed a peerless career, inspiring millions of fans around the world. The American legend’s legacy also has an impact on elite athletes, along with his fans.

As the American Ice Hockey team is gearing up for the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, they were asked to name their favorite Team USA athlete, most of whom mentioned the most decorated Olympian of all time. The team’s center player, Jack Eichel, mentioned Phelps, saying he is the Greatest of all Time (G.O.A.T).

“I would probably say Michael Phelps. He is the GOAT,” Eichel said.

26-year-old Brady Tkachuk also mentioned the former swimmer, stating that it is hard to pick someone else over him.

“It’s tough to go against Michael Phelps,” Tkachuk expressed.

“Growing up, it was Michael (Phelps),” Charlie McAvoy chimed in.

Although Alex Vlasic thought Phelps would be a common answer, he did not hesitate to mention it.

“Probably a pretty common answer, but I think Michael (Phelps). Probably the greatest athlete of all time. I don’t think you can say anybody else but him.”

Adam Fox, Cole Caufield, and Jake Guentzel also mentioned Phelps.

When asked if he is a big fan of the former swimmer, Caufield replied:

“Yeah.

After feeling fulfilled by the ice hockey team’s sweet gesture, Phels shared the video on his Instagram story and expressed his gratitude, writing:

“Thx fellas.”

Phelps has collected 33 World Championships (long course) medals.

“By controlling what I can control” – Michael Phelps opens up on his approach to achieving greatness

Michael Phelps once opened up about his approach to achieving great success. In an interview with Bhrett McCabe, he stated that he always viewed his body as a five-thousand-piece puzzle, in which he tried to fit in one every single day. He focused on improving a bit every single day.

“My body and what I’m trying to accomplish is a five-thousand-piece puzzle. How can I put one piece in each day? If I can do that, then nothing else matters, and the way that I can do that is by controlling what I can control. If I’m doing that to the best of my ability, then nothing else matters,” he said.

Apart from 23 gold medals, Phelps also won three silver and two bronze Olympic medals.