Home

Swimming

“I’m a Mama’s Boy”: Michael Phelps Opens Up on the Special Bond With His Mother

Published 09/18/2021, 11:24 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Michael Phelps has had an incredibly successful career. After years of hard work and experience, one of the greatest Olympians of all time finished off with 28 medals. The Baltimore Bullet is the best swimmer ever in the sport’s history. Phelps has always spoken about his mother, who was present at almost all his swimming competitions. She was present during Phelps’ record-breaking victory at the Beijing Olympics. Thus, in a recent interview, he revealed the impact she had on his career.

Michael Phelps shares a unique bond with his mother

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The famous swimmer joined rapper Snoop Dog and actor Kevin Hart for an interview. Snoop asked about how athletes at the Tokyo Olympics would have felt, performing without their families present. Phelps spoke about his special bond with his mother and how her support encouraged her.

“It’s gotta be hard. I’m a mama’s boy. My mom is absolutely everything. I always loved looking up. I always loved looking up and seeing her in the stands. Knowing exactly where she sits, I look up. She knows the hard work and dedication I’ve put in to do what I was doing. So, you know, to take that away from the athletes, I think is extremely challenging.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Swimming stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“You know, everybody kinda has to go through it and it’s hard and it’s I don’t know how I would be able to handle it,” said Phelps.

Katie Ledecky Reveals How She Trained for Monumental 1500m Race

Debbie is the real MVP!

After since she got divorced, Deborah Phelps raised Michael and his two sisters all alone. The legendary swimmer started training in the North Baltimore Aquatic Club and ended up winning eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

“It’s not about the medals for Michael. … It’s about the sense of accomplishment,” said Debbie about her son, proudly, before he took part in London 2012.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Phelps is a legend of the sport and has set the benchmark unbelievably high for other athletes. Significantly, his mother has been a part of this successful journey as she nurtured her kid into the GOAT.

WATCH THIS STORY- Top 5 Game-Changing Moments for USA at the Summer Olympics

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy

1,956Articles

One take at a time

Jacob Gijy is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Masters in Counselling Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the centre the respect he deserves.
Show More>