What is Michael Phelps' wingspan in feet and inches?

Michael Phelps’ wingspan is 6 ft 7 in. That reach is about three inches longer than his listed height of 6 ft 4 in, an unusual proportion often cited as one of the physical advantages that suited him to competitive swimming.

A long wingspan can help a swimmer cover more distance with each stroke, although performance depends on much more than arm length. Phelps also became known for his long torso, large feet, exceptional ankle flexibility and powerful kick. These traits were frequently discussed alongside his training, technique and race strategy rather than treated as a single explanation for his success.

The figure is sometimes confused with his height, which is generally listed as 6 ft 4 in. Wingspan means the distance from fingertip to fingertip with the arms extended horizontally; it is not an arm-length measurement. Phelps’ 6 ft 7 in reach became especially memorable because he combined it with extraordinary underwater skills and the versatility to excel in butterfly, freestyle and individual medley events.