Michael Phelps was once the youngest male swimmer to join the US Olympic team. His journey has been magnificent. Now transitioning from being an active participant to a spectator can be a challenging shift, especially when the Paris Olympics is approaching in just 1 month. However, last month in a “Meet the Moment” interview with Kristen Welker on NBC’s Meet the Press, Phelps hinted at the possibility of a comeback to Paris, reflecting on the magic of the Olympic Games. “I can’t imagine life without,” Phelps remarked.

However, is he returning? Not happening; it was just a teasing comeback. Reflecting on his competitive nature, Phelps likened the anticipation of the Olympics to the excitement surrounding a presidential race, emphasizing the unique and spirited atmosphere the Games evoke every four years.

Despite being retired from competitive swimming, Phelps expressed his deep connection to the Olympic spirit, “This summer is going to be an incredible opportunity to have Paris really show what that city is all about—these iconic landmarks that Paris has, right? And to be able to play beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower, right? Like, all of these things, like, I just have these visions in my head this summer’s games, and nothing but happens, you know? For me, that’s what I feel around the Olympic Games, and I can’t wait to get to Paris.” Phelps’s sentiments capture the universal allure of the Olympic Games.

However, beyond being arguably the greatest Olympian ever—having amassed 28 medals, 23 of which are gold, more than double the number of his closest rivals—Phelps’s favorite memory is not something related to these medals or victories, but something very different. During a 2019 interview with People magazine, Phelps divulged his favorite Olympic memory and expressed what he would miss most.

With Tokyo 2020 marked his first absence from the Olympics, he poignantly shared, “Being able to represent your country is something that I’ll probably miss the most. Not being able to wear the stars or stripes anymore on international ground and competing.” This sentiment likely encapsulates his favorite memory of Olympic participation. Apart from this, he has one special memory too of the Olympics.

Michael Phelps’ heartwarming last Olympic memory!

Michael Phelps has a special memory of his last competed Olympics -Rio 2016. During an interview with PEOPLE, he reflects on the experience of having his family, including his oldest son Boomer and his wife Nicole cheering for him from the stands. As he reminisces on his career, Phelps acknowledges the fulfillment and joy he found in achieving everything he set out to accomplish in the pool.

As Phelps says, “Looking back on my career, I did everything I ever wanted to do in the pool. So it was a good ride, it was a fun ride. I think it’s even more enjoyable now to turn the page to what we’re doing next. That’s something that’s even cooler.” Now, as he looks forward to the future, he expresses excitement about transitioning to the next chapter of his life, viewing it as a new adventure waiting to unfold.