Michael Phelps Sees His Lifetime Achievement Wheaties Box On The ‘Today Show’

Michael Phelps became the most prominent Olympian in history following his medal wins in Rio this summer, earning him a special Wheaties Box cover. Phelps saw the cover for the first time on the Today Show Monday and reacted with humble words.

Michael Phelps Responds To His Wheaties Box

Phelps’ new Wheaties Box cover marks the third time in which his face appeared on the General Mills cereal — and the first time the company has ever created a special Lifetime Achievement cover in its 94 years of business.

“I am honored to receive the first Lifetime Achievement box from Wheaties. For me it’s another achievement that I’ve been able to accomplish that is still so wild to think of,” Phelps said, after hearing he would be on this special cover. “Every day I kind of pinch myself to see if this is real life. It’s been amazing to be able to know that I’ve put my mind to these goals and been able to achieve them. This all started with a dream, and with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

Phelps finally got a glimpse of the cover as he sat down for an interview on the Today Show. The cover showcases Phelps in his signature swim cap and goggles, in mid stride of a stroke.

“The greatest athletes in the world you know… have been able to be on a box of Wheaties and to be able to have the first Lifetime Achievement box is…my career just keeps getting better and better,” the swimmer remarked.

The Wheaties official Twitter account later posted a tweet to debut Phelps’ cover. “Congratulations @MichaelPhelps. You’ve inspired us and countless other,” Wheaties wrote.

Phelps previously appeared on Wheaties boxes in 2004 and 2012. According to General Mills, the Lifetime Achievement version will be in stores within a few weeks.