With every milestone that Michael Phelps achieved, his popularity grew. Many people connected with him, and while he gathered a massive fan following, he also saw people growing distant. However, there was one person who stood beside him like a rock, his mother. Regardless of the situation and the surroundings, Debbie has been there for her son since the beginning.

Even when people doubted her, she kept on believing in his capabilities. Raising three kids single-handedly, the GOAT’s mother knew the roles that parents and coaches have to play. Sharing her insights back in 2008, Debbie opened up.

Momma Phelps shared her perspective 

Before the Beijing Olympics 2008, everyone was excited as Michael was expected to make history by winning eight gold medals. To know how she felt as her mother as she saw her son reaching such great heights, The Associated Press approached her.

Being a part of Phelps’ journey since the star, she is well versed in the ins and outs of the sport and the mechanisms that go into it. It’s not just about the players working on themselves; everyone else has a part to play as well.

Elaborating on her point, she commented, “To me, there’s a very fine line between the athlete, coach, and parent. Everyone has their roles.”

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She expressed herself further, “If you sat here right now and told me you’d give me $200 million to recite Michael’s world fly record, I could not tell you that.” However, she acknowledges that there are parents “whose child is trying to beat my son who can spit those things out.” But she refuses such behavior; she said, “I don’t get involved in that. I talk to Michael as a parent.”

Michael Phelps’ mother shared words of advice.

Being the mother of the most decorated athlete is no less an honor. One can hardly imagine the number of times other parents approached Debbie, hoping that she would tell them some “parenting secrets.”

However, she had no such secrets. All she believed in was not to burden the child with pressure and unrealistic expectations.

She said the way parents handle their stress and anxiety likewise; the child will mirror. She wanted the parents to place themselves in the shoes of their kids. This way, they could better connect with their children and help them out in times of need.

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