Watch CBS News

Michael Phelps Teases More About His 'Exhilarating' Shark Week 'Race'

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 23 Olympic golds and 39 world records in the pool, will test his speed against a Great White Shark.

Phelps said, "I guess it was more exhilarating than really anything that maybe I've done outside of a pool, and I think that was something that surprised me the most."

To prepare for the show, Phelps swam with the team of the Bimini Shark Lab to give him a crash course to "teach him how to safely dive with sharks — including how to stay calm when a hammerhead swims two feet above his face."

Phelps said, "We had an abundance of divers underneath of me and camera guys all over the place, so I felt very safe and comfortable."

Still, something did make him nervous…

You'll have to tune in to see how it all plays out when Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White kicks off July 23 on Discovery.

Shark Week closes July 30 with a second special featuring the GOAT, Shark School With Michael Phelps.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.