At age 12 Phelps willingly got up at 6 : 30 daily for 90 - minute morning practices .
At age 12 Phelps willingly swam 2 to 3 hours every afternoon .
At age 12 Phelps willingly got up at 6 : 30 daily for 90 - minute morning practices and swam 2 to 3 hours every afternoon .