Fred Phelps has always been following his son’s career. Back on August 2016, he once spoke to ESPN regarding his emotions as he watched the nail-biting races in which his son, Michael Phelps participated. He followed the Rio Olympics from Baltimore with a newfound sense of emotion.

After attending the 2000 and 2004 games in person, he watched his son pave his way to the eight gold medals streak in Beijing 2008. But Rio seemed different because he and Michael were able to resolve their differences at family gatherings at a behavioral rehabilitation center in November 2014.

Michael Phelps’ father cheers him on

Being able to find his way into being more involved in Michael’s life, Fred said that it “feels great” to feel acknowledged. “It’s been awesome,” he continued, – “just absolutely remarkable watching him swim.”

Fred, a retired Maryland state trooper by trade, had been an orthodox individual in the midst of divorce during Michael’s adolescent years. By contrast, with 18 gold medals to his name, his son Michael is the most celebrated Olympian in history. It is needless to say that the two have had some distance between them because the divorce meant that the swimmer couldn’t be with both his parents. Although, the strained relationship did not stop the father from following his son’s career throughout.

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Michael Phelps Once Revealed How His 15-Year-Old Self Got “Blindsided” by 30-Year-Old Men: “Just Got Numb”

He confessed to ESPN that he was on talking terms with his son and that the two often exchange pleasantries. “He acknowledges me now and we text back and forth. It’s been great.” – he added.

When asked about his favorite race, the pastor said, “All of them!” The internet meme of the shadowboxing stare-down caught his eye. Referring to Africa’s Chad Le Clos’, race against Michael, he stated, “Michael has swum a lot more high-pressure races than that kid ever will.”

Fred Phelps would have loved to be there

Although he said that he loved watching the races from home, nothing beats the feeling of being present at the venue for his son’s exhilarating finishes. He described his feeling as nothing less than ‘miserable’ for not being able to be there.

“Would I have loved to have been there? My God yes,” Phelps said. “But I just couldn’t make it happen. So I watch it here at home. I stay calm on the outside but pretty much want to blow up on the inside.” Fred chose not to attend the Rio Olympics 2016 as his legs are wary of age and as he was unsure if the expenses would be worth it.

Watch this story – Have you ever tried out a swim spa?