Swimming legend Michael Phelps reigns supreme over the Olympics with 28 medals and numerous world records to his credit. Although the icon has found success around every corner, life hasn’t been easy for him. The swimmer struggled a lot in terms of mental health issues throughout.

He was diagnosed with ADHD and also grew up with anxiety issues. However, the champion had a strong support system available in the form of his mother.

Deborah Phelps, Michael’s mother, was a middle-school principal. When she learned of her son’s diagnosis, instead of sitting down and worrying, she worked around it. While the swimmer faced problems at school, momma Phelps made sure to help her son adjust.

Michael and Debbie Phelps vs the world

The swimming legend grew up with many complaints from his school. His teachers often stressed the fact that he couldn’t focus on anything and often pushed him to the back of his class. His mother, however, did not give up on him. The athlete was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 9. Since then, his mother always had his back.

Instead of dealing with problems in a harsh manner, Debbie worked her way through the obstacles. If Michael refused to work on his math problems, his mother would tweak them according to his interests. If he didn’t like his face wet while swimming, Debbie encouraged him to do a backstroke.

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She would always take extra steps and work her way around Michael’s needs. She taught him to be composed when frustrated. This she did with the help of a signal system that she established between her and Michael. Signaling “C” with her hand meant that Debbie wanted her son to compose himself. This helped him calm down under stressful situations. No wonder the mother-son duo is so connected to each other.

Debbie Phelps’ background

Being a middle-school principal gave Debbie Phelps a deep insight into what her son might be going through. She went on to get a master’s degree in education, management, and supervision. Apart from her formal background in education, she has been an incredibly patient parent. Even after Phelps’ DUI arrest, his mother had his back.

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It takes a lot of rethinking and unlearning in order to be a good parent. In the case of Deborah Phelps however, it took patience and tricks to work around her son’s needs. Being the support system of the legendary swimmer, Debbie is truly an inspiration.