Michael Phelps has won FINA's Male Swimmer of the year award.
FINA held its World Aquatics Gala Sunday night at Caesars Windsor.
With members from all over the globe in attendance, all eyes were on Michael Phelps, who retired from professional swimming following the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Phelps says he is ending his career the way he wants to and feels honoured to recieve the award.
He says he is not done with the sport altogether.
"You know, this journey started when I was 15 years-old and I wanted to change the sport of swimming — that was my goal," says Phelps. "And it has changed so much in the past 16 years but there is so much more that can be done."
He says it is important for people to never give up on their dreams.
"Looking back at the 24 years I have been in the sport, this journey started with wanting to win one olympic gold medal and looking back and having the chance to win 28, its almost unbelievable," says Phelps.
He says he is thankful he had the opportunity to represent the United States at a professional level.
"It is kind of wild to think that it is over," says Phelps. "But you know, for me being able to have the opportunity that I had so many times to represent my country at the highest stage and to be able to accomplish my goals and dreams is almost unbelievable."
Phelps says he will continue to support swimming and will keep an eye on the upcoming FINA games.