Michael Phelps’ whirlwind visit began with a factory tour, where he had an opportunity to see the manufacturing process for the Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas firsthand and meet the over 300 employees who engineer, build and test the swim spas that bear his name. Michael later told a reporter, “I’m impressed by the operation at Master Spas and amazed at how much goes into the manufacturing process. I had no idea.”
During his interviews with local media, Michael was asked if he had plans to return to the pool and if he felt he had reached his peak? Michael’s response, “I don’t know, really, what my peak is. Nobody knows until they challenge themselves. That’s why it’s hard to say, to really put a cap on something. I spent 20 years in the pool. It was a grueling 20 years, and I love what I’m doing now - it’s just nice being able to have the freedom I never had before.”
Michael’s coach, Bob Bowman, who accompanied Michael on his visit to Fort Wayne, had this to say, “I think that he’s accomplished more than anyone could ever expect for a person to accomplish in a career. But I do think he could do more. Whether he decides to do that or not remains to be seen.”
Phelps’ relationship with Master Spas began over three years ago, and his Signature Swim Spas line continues to be a top seller with individuals and families looking for a combination of training, fitness and relaxation. Master Spas CEO Bob Lauter states, “We love having Michael’s name associated with our swim spa line but his impact goes beyond just name recognition. He and coach Bob have provided invaluable ideas for the design and features of the swim spas, which have made Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spas a success for us and a boon for Fort Wayne manufacturing.”
Michael and his coach Bob Bowman incorporated the swim spa into his training prior to the 2012 Olympic games. According to Michael the swim spa, which includes an underwater camera, allowed him to see what he needed to correct and immediately make the necessary adjustments to his stroke and after a rigorous workout he enjoyed the jetted, therapeutic massage seats of the swim spa.
Before heading back to Baltimore, Phelps participated in a private, “Friends and Family” event held at the Master Spas showroom on Lincoln Parkway. Over 250 people including swimmers from local swim teams and their families participated in an hour-long question and answer session with both Michael and Bowman. At the end of the Q&A session each team had a chance to have a group photo taken with Michael and Bowman.
After the event, both Phelps and Bowman commented about how much they enjoyed talking with the kids and what great questions the kids had asked. While most of the questions were centered on Michael’s training, one girl did ask if Michael would be her date to her semi-formal dance. Michael responded by saying, “You’ll have to call my other half and ask her.”
Master Spas is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, 90 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Operating out of a state-of-the-art, 250,000 square foot manufacturing facility on a 27-acre manufacturing campus, Master Spas is one of the largest portable spas, hot tubs, and swim spa manufacturers in the world. For more information please visit: www.masterspas.com or www.MichaelPhelpsSwimSpa.com.
