The first half of the 90s wasn’t a great time for Michael Phelps’ mother. During that period, Debbie was going through a rough patch in her marriage and was at war with her emotions. Debbie was also in the process of wrapping up her master’s degree, and that made things even harder. In her book, “A Mother for All Season: A Memoir,” Michael’s mother described his grandmother as a “rock” who supported her daughter.

However, she also recalled her mother’s criticism, when Debbie told Leoma, about a decision she had taken, related to Hilary and Whitney. Mrs. Phelps also reflected on how it affected her. 

Critical of her daughter’s decision

Debbie wrote that Phelps‘ grandmother criticized her decision to send Hilary and Whitney to a swimming meet. Phelps’ grandmother, Leoma Davisson, told Debbie, “I don’t believe that you are sending your two girls to Atlanta with people you don’t know.” Debbie responded by saying, “This is the number one swim team in Maryland as well as the number one age-group swim team in the country, and these are people I’ve met and can trust.”

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Debbie’s assurance didn’t change her mother’s stance. However, she remembered Leoma had never traveled too far from Maryland. The farthest she had been was to New York. Debbie figured that must be the reason for her mother’s disapproval. 

When Hilary and Whitney came back from the trip. Debbie was especially happy when they had, “Rave reports about what a wonderful time they had at the meet.” Mrs. Phelps also learned from their coach that her daughters had done well during the meet.

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However, Phelps’ mother still had a hard time dealing with her mother’s comments. Debbie wrote, “Still, I was sensitive to Mom’s comments.” Maybe because Michael’s mother wasn’t having an easy time at home. Debbie was dealing with marriage troubles as well as financial issues too.

Michael Phelps’ sisters inspired him

When Michael was old enough to swim, his sisters had already begun their journey. Both Hilary, and Whiney, were swimming at an elite level. In an interview with the Baltimore Sun, Hilary said that Michael grew into swimming. The Olympian saw his sisters swim, since he could walk, and it slowly inspired him to step into the pool. So it’s safe to say the 23-time gold winner’s first swimming heroes, were his sisters.

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Michael Phelps’ grandmother criticized her daughter’s decision to send young Hilary and Whitney alone on a trip with so many people. While it may have hurt Debbie, she also understood that Leoma wasn’t much of a traveler. Albeit, Phelps’ grandmother was majorly concerned about the safety of her granddaughters.