Michael Phelps, the swimming legend, not only made a world record for 28 Olympic medals but also some heart-warming friends. Phelps’ father, Mr. Fred Phelps, passed away earlier this week. He paid tribute to his father in a post on Instagram, which features pictures of his father with an emotional message. Friends and fans extended their love and support in this dark hour.

When Phelps was nine years old, his parents divorced. Since then, his father, Fred, did not connect with his family. Fred was a football player in high school and college. Also, he tried out for the NFL and later served as a Maryland State Trooper. Phelps’ father, aged in the early 70s, took his last breath on October 24th. To his post announcing the death, several Olympians and friends in the sports fraternity sent him well wishes.

Michael Phelps received support from near and dear

In the Instagram post, Phelps wrote, “You’ll always be my dad…And I’ll always be your son…Love you dad and I will miss you❤️❤️ rip dad.” He also shared three photographs of Phelps, his father, and his son. 

Lindsey Vonn, a three-time Olympic medallist alpine skier, said, “I’m so sorry for your loss. He will always be there.” Also, Katie Ledecky, an Olympian swimmer, sent, “So sorry for your loss, sending love and strength to you and your family.”

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Besides, Raven’s commented on their Instagram handle, “So sorry for your loss 💜 Your Ravens family is sending love 💜” Former NBA player Chandler Parsons said, “thinking of u my brotha ❤️” 

“Looked at Myself as an Athlete Not a Human”- Michael Phelps Struggled With Finding Self Love During His Legendary Olympic Career

Empathizing with Phelps, Talkspace, an online mobile therapy company, shared, “Thinking of you and your family, Michael. Nothing can prepare us for the loss of a parent. We send you our deepest condolences during this time. 💙”

Relationship between Phelps and his father

Although they didn’t share a typical father-son bond due to drifting apart at a very young age, they did make efforts to heal the hurt after reconciling with each other. Phelps reconnected with his estranged father during his time in rehab in 2014. He remarked that their relationship was great and was continuing to grow. Besides, he said that “We’ve learned that we have a lot in common.”  

In an interview reflecting on their reunion, Fred said, “I’m proud of the fact that he found himself and knows who he is now.” He also added, “He sees now that there is a tomorrow way down the road. It’s real life. He’s going to be a human being. A father. A husband. A friend. He’s going to be a son.”

Watch this story: From Simone Biles to Michael Phelps Us Olympians Who Paid Hefty Tax on Their Gold Medals