Michael Phelps took part in five Olympic games. From the Olympics to international championships, Phelps won well 100 medals. However, ‘The most decorated Olympian’ wouldn’t be where he is today without the sacrifices of his mother, Debbie. In her book, ‘A Mother for All Seasons: A Memoir,’ Mrs. Phelps spoke about passing up on a huge opportunity to help Michael realize his Olympic dream.

During the 2004 Olympics, all eyes were on the young prospect, Michael Phelps. However, the swimmer’s mother believed in him long before anyone else and wanted to be by her son’s side every step of the way. Even if it meant sacrificing her own career.

Passing up the principal’s post

Just before the 2004 Olympic trials, Debie Phelps passed up on a huge career opportunity to help her son. Dr. Joe Hairston, the first African American superintendent of Baltimore County’s public schools and a national spokesperson said, “Debbie, I’m appointing you principal of Woodland Middle School.” Debie’s joy wouldn’t last long because the next thing Hairston said was, “You’ll report on July first”; Debie responded with, “I know I can do that job and I am honored that you believe in me. But I can’t accept.”

Trending

Patrick Mahomes & Brittany Unexpectedly Silent as Mahomes Family Swarmed With Wishes on Brother Jackson’s Birthday

May 16, 2024 02:07 PM EDT

Joe Rogan Wants to Make MMA Difficult After Dana White Told to Remove Cage From UFC Fights – “Better if It Was Like a Basketball Court”

May 16, 2024 05:03 PM EDT

“Could Hear Jeanie Buss & Rob Pelinka Chuckling”: LeBron James Declared to Be Manipulating NBA World With Obvious Bluff

May 17, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

‘Rattled’ Scottie Scheffler Reveals Police Officer’s Unsettling Question That Left Him Speechless

May 17, 2024 10:07 PM EDT

Ahead of Simone Biles Face-Off, Helpless Gabby Douglas Stuck 1,600 Miles Away From Core Hydration Classic Arena

May 17, 2024 04:17 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Swimming stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Debie then explained that she had to attend the Olympic trials with Michael at Long Beach and then, hopefully, the Olympic Games in Athens. She also expressed that she believed Michael would make history and that, “I need to be there. This is Michael’s summer.” While Dr. Joe tried to convince Debie to join the post after she returned, Debie firmly declined.

The future Olympic legend‘s mother refused to divide her attention. However, she still had hope because Hairston, after a short silence, said, “You go to Athens, Debbie, and when you come back, we’ll talk.”

“Pools are Pretty Sick”: 28-Time Olympic Medalist Michael Phelps Discussed the Key Reasons for loving Golf More than Swimming in 2013

Just as the Super-Mom thought, Michael made his mark during the 2004 Olympic games. The Baltimore Bullets won eight medals at the games. Phelps didn’t break Mark Spitz’s record, but this was only the beginning of an illustrious career. Dr. Joe, had also kept his word, as he later appointed Phelps’ mother as principal of Windsor Mill School. 

Michael Phelps at Athens 2004

Debie was right when she told Dr. Joe that Michael would make history at Athens. She wrote that Michael Phelps’ 2004 Olympic games, “was just about perfect”. Phelps won six golds and two bronze medals. The ‘Flying Fish’ also set Olympic Records in the 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, and 200m medley. However, not just Olympic records but Phelps also set the world record during the 400m individual medley.

Watch this story – 6’11 Ft Tall NBA Icon Kevin Durant With Michael Phelps in One of the Iconic Movements of the Olympics

Athens was just the beginning of the 23-time gold medalist’s historic Olympic career. With his family’s undivided support and sacrifices made by Debie Phelps, Michael became an Olympic hero. Michael Phelps is a name that no one will forget, and for that, Debie Phelps deserves just as much credit as the swimmer himself.