Eight Signed Michael Phelps Paintings From 2008 Beijing Olympics Unveiled for Very First Time
Capturing Greatness: Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic gold medalist and nine-time Olympic commentator, reflects on Michael Phelps signed paintings by Brian Fox – winner of the United States Sports Academy Museum’s Sports Artist of the Year Award.
Rowdy Gaines expressed awe at Brian Fox’s ability to depict Michael Phelps’ athletic prowess. “These paintings literally capture those emotions that I felt broadcasting it. It’s the pitch of his hands when he’s swimming. If you take the photo with the backstroke, it’s literally perfect down to the movement of where his hands are placed. You can sense the actual breath that he is taking and why. And in the butterfly photos, each muscle is defined perfectly. It’s literally like you can feel them. This is real life. This is what happens in the pool.”
Fox meticulously captured Michael Phelps’ historic Olympic journey in the “Golden Eight” collection. Each of these eight paintings, signed by Phelps, commemorates the iconic achievement of winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Now, these paintings are on sale for the first time ever.
This moment is considered the second greatest American sports achievement of all time, surpassed only by the 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ event, which Fox depicted in one of his earliest works. The one-of-a-kind ‘Miracle on Ice’ painting captures the historic moment the young American Olympic hockey team shocked the world by beating the heavily-favored Soviet team in 1980, and given the current asking price, the painting could be worth as much as $10 million in 2030 — the 50-year anniversary of the game.
Michael Phelps is the number one athlete of the 21st century, according to ESPN. His illustrious career landed him a spot above other extraordinary athletes including Serena Williams, Lionel Messi, LeBron James and Tom Brady. Phelps, with 23 career gold medals, has a legacy that reaches far beyond these tangible achievements. In 2016, Phelps was the flag bearer for Team USA and is a leading candidate to light the torch at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, just as Muhammad Ali did in Atlanta in 1996. These incredible honors speak to Phelps’ timeless impact on American sports.
The “Golden Eight” collection is a tribute to Phelps’ extraordinary, record-breaking eight gold medals achieved in a single Olympics, something Gaines says will “never be duplicated ever.” The paintings capture a moment in time, immortalizing Phelps’ determination, skill, and unwavering pursuit.
“Fox not only captured the essence of Phelps in these paintings but also captures his unforgettable legacy that will transcend through generations,” said the owner of this remarkable collection. “These paintings are not just portraits; they serve as a powerful reminder of one of the greatest moments in our sporting history.”
The current asking price for the full or partial collection is $200,000 per painting, with 30 percent of the sale proceeds going to charity. For more information or to inquire about acquiring these works of art, please email golden8@goldinsolutions.com.
Each signature comes with its own letter of authenticity.