It’s been six years since Michael Phelps said goodbye to the world of professional swimming. The ADHD-stricken swimmer took the world by storm as he swam his way to 28 Olympic medals – the most in the history of the games. Phelps began his Olympic career as a 15-year-old at the 2000 Sydney Games, where he finished 5th in the 200m Butterfly event. 16 years later, in 2016, Phelps finished his Olympic career as a 31-year-old with 23 gold medals.

The ride would have been an emotional one for Phelps.He went from being a teenager whom no one knew to being a legendary swimmer everyone aspired to be. At the end of his last race, an emotional Phelps had some words to say to his teammates.

Michael Phelps and his final words to his teammates before retiring

As special as the Rio Olympics were, they were an equally emotional affair as Michael Phelps raced his last event. Having won four golds and one silver in the games, it was time for Phelps to dive into the pool one last time. Alongside him were teammates Ryan Murphy, Cody Miller, and Nathan Adrian as the four of them got ready for the 4x100m medley.

In a mic’d up and resurfaced video, we can see the emotional roller coaster the Phelps family went through. Also, in the video, we hear the final words Phelps said to his teammates as they helped him win his 28th Olympic medal while also breaking the Olympic record for the event.

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When the race ended, the American contingent huddled up as a sentimental Phelps talked to his team. Michael said, “I am done, boys. It’s been an honor swimming with you in my last race. One more gold!” As he walked away from the huddle, Phelps was applauded by a packed stadium. He couldn’t hold back his tears as he embraced his fans.

6’4 Legend Michael Phelps Kneels for His Kids in a Heartwarming Gesture at the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Meanwhile, Phelps’ wife, Nicole, and his mother, Debbie, were also overcome with emotion. Nicole couldn’t hold back her tears as she burst out crying. A special member in the crowd was Phelps’ eldest son, Boomer. Although he won’t remember it, Boomer is the only one of Michael’s sons to watch him compete live.

Life after the Olympics

Michael is one of those athletes who don’t regret retiring from their sport. The swimmer felt he achieved everything he could, and retiring from the sport was the natural next step. But what has he been up to in the last few years?

To start, he has become an active advocate of mental health for athletes. He often talks about the benefits of therapy and why it is important to talk to people about things that weigh one down. Having retired from swimming, Phelps shifted his focus to Golf. Notably, he holds the record for the longest televised putt in the history of golf. Michael has been spending most of his time with his family. He wants to do a better job of being a father than his own father.

Watch: Michael Phelps, Justin Timberlake, and Jimmy Fallon Enjoy a Game of Golf

Six years after his retirement, the video of his final race gives the same chills as it did the first time. Phelps has certainly been one of the most influential athletes with a glorious legacy.