Michael Phelps
In 2004, Baltimore swimmer Michael Phelps completed one of the most spectacular Olympic performances in history. The 19-year-old entered the Summer Games in Athens, Greece poised to challenge Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in a single Olympic Games. Dominating the games in a manner rarely seen, Phelps became the first American to win eight gold medals in one Olympiad – six gold and two bronze. Included in this gallery are Michael’s 2003 World Championship medal from Barcelona, Spain, 2004 Olympic swim caps and goggles as well as trophies from his childhood.
Lacrosse
The state of Maryland has had a profound impact on the sport of lacrosse from the record crowds for the 2004 NCAA Division I finals to the first women’s lacrosse team established in the United States at Baltimore’s Bryn Mawr School; from the Naval Academy and Coach Willis Bilderback’s eights consecutive intercollegiate titles to the University of Maryland’s seven consecutive NCAA women’s championships. And, of course, there were perennial powerhouse Johns Hopkins’ consecutive championship teams. Artifacts include a Johns Hopkins University lacrosse sweater from 1915, a goalie’s stick from 1910 and gloves from the 1950s.
The Preakness
In 1870, a thoroughbred named Preakness won Pimlico’s first stakes race. Three years later, the racetrack dubbed “Preakness” as the title of its newest stakes race for three-year-olds. And thus, a tradition was born. This exhibit explores the history of one of America’s most famous races, the second jewel of racing’s Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes.
