Raised in Petts Wood, he started swimming at the age of 4 and went on to joining Beckenham Swimming Club at the age of 7. His talent quickly became evident as he broke 15 county records, nine London region records, and qualified for his first National Championships at the age of 12 in the 200m Butterfly. With an unwavering passion for the sport, Michael made his Team GB debut at the 2010 LEN European Open Water Championships. After the London 2012 Olympics, Michael was close to ending his career, but was encouraged to relocate up North to live with his best friends and continued his training at Stockport Metro High Performance Centre that reignited his commitment to the sport. Alongside his athletic achievements, he earned a First-Class Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education, demonstrating his dedication both in and out of the pool.

In 2017, Michael’s life took a dramatic turn when he found himself caught in the Manchester Arena bombing attack. This life-altering experience inspired him to represent Team Jamaica—his father’s birthplace—to help grow the sport in the Caribbean. Despite narrowly missing selection for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, he took the chance to prioritise life outside of sport and came out publicly as gay on E! Entertainment, becoming the Caribbean’s first openly gay national team athlete. Since then, he has been a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ and sporting communities, inspiring athletes worldwide to embrace their authentic selves.

Since officially retiring from competitive swimming in 2022, Michael has seamlessly transitioned into the entertainment industry, appearing on popular television shows such as Lorraine, Morning Live, and BBC Children in Need. A dynamic pundit, presenter, and speaker, he also hosted live swimming events at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. His impact extends beyond media, as he proudly serves as a Pride House Ambassador for the upcoming LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working to ensure all athletes feel safe and included during the Games and beyond. As a passionate advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, Michael is dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented communities across the UK. His commitment to social change is evident in his work with Speedo and his Swim United campaign, which aims to inspire, educate, and break down barriers in sport. Whether in the pool, on screen, or through advocacy, Michael continues to use his platform to drive meaningful change and uplift future generations.