Despite Zero Swimming Experience, Michael Phelps Son “Destroys Everybody” in First Ever Race

Since Michael Phelps, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist, retired from competitive swimming in 2016, he’s had ample family time and anything but a sleepy retirement. Phelps and his wife, Nicole Johnson, are now proud parents of four children. Interestingly, it seems his kids are following in his footsteps, as Phelps recently shared his thoughts on one of his children’s recent triumphs, which was unexpected for Phelps to watch.

Phelps’ eldest son is Boomer Robert Phelps, who is now 7 years old. Following him are Beckett Richard Phelps, who is 5 years old, and Maverick Nicolas Phelps, who is 4 years old. The youngest addition to the family is Nico Michael Phelps, born in January of this year. However, Phelps treasures a unique bond with his eldest, recently opening up about Boomer’s maiden voyage into the swimming exhibition scene on X, sharing both pride and poignant insights.

Michael Phelps’s son is a chip off the old block

Recently, The Tonight Show shared a post, in which Michael Phelps recounted an endearing story about his son’s “first-ever race”. Phelps expressed his excitement as he recalled his son’s determination before the race saying, “Like dad, I’m gonna jump off off the starting block “. Although the young swimmer Boomer didn’t execute his initial plan to jump off the starting block, Phelps marveled at his son’s impressive performance. ” He doesn’t jump off the starting block, but as soon as he dove in, I mean, half a body like that, it was unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

The child’s unexpected skill left Phelps in awe, as he saw his son effortlessly glide through the water, taking only two breaths during the entire lap. “He took two breaths the whole lap and just… I don’t wanna say destroyed everybody, but..” This proud parental moment, shared by Phelps, struck a chord with both the host and viewers alike, resonating deeply.

Despite Boomer’s evident talent and early affinity for the pool, Phelps remains adamant about not pressuring his children into swimming careers. However, he acknowledges with a smile that Boomer is already showing signs of becoming a “pool rat,” as he said in 2018.

Phelps’ eldest son in 2018 showed Olympic potential

In 2018, Michael Phelps shared with Olympics.com that his eldest son, who was 2 years old at that time, was already showing signs of inheriting his father’s amphibian-like genes. Clearly enjoying the opportunity to introduce his kids to the pool, Phelps expressed, “It’s fun for a dad watching Boomer really be relaxed in the water but also be able to kick.” He further remarked, “With Booms in the water as much as he is, he’s definitely turning into a little pool rat, like I once was.” Phelps’s pride in witnessing Boomer’s comfort and enthusiasm in the water is evident, as he describes how his son mimics butterfly strokes and eagerly watches his father swim, bursting with excitement afterward.

Phelps’s anecdotes highlight the special bond between father and son, as well as the joy of passing down a love for swimming. Despite Boomer’s early affinity for the pool, Phelps emphasizes that he won’t pressure his children into pursuing swimming careers. Instead, he cherishes the moments of shared enjoyment and discovery as they explore the water together, fostering a love for the sport that goes beyond competition.