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“Never Have a Steady Girlfriend Because…”: Michael Phelps Once Revealed Bizarre Relationship Advice Received From His 85-Year Old Grandmother

Published 12/08/2022, 6:15 PM EST

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Growing up is complicated, and Michael Phelps also experienced times when he was unsure about many things. Trying to find ‘The One’, Michael Phelps dated several women before finally marrying his girlfriend Nicole Johnson. In his autobiography ‘Beneath the Surface’, Phelps disclosed his grandmother’s views on relationships which had an impact on him. 

Michael Phelps spoke that his grandmother gave him this advice when he visited her after her pneumonia illness. The advice given by Phelps’ grandmother shows why Phelps waited for so long before finally deciding to marry Nicole Johnson. His grandmother’s statements also reflect the values and upbringing that shaped Phelps’s personality. 

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Michael Phelps’s Grandmother Priceless words and her memorable bond with Phelps

“Never have a steady girlfriend because every girl needs lovin’ and why should a young man be tied down? Be free. Have fun”, Phelps’s grandmother told him. The fact that Phelps went to parties, enjoying himself with friends and relatives at various events, reflects how he followed this advice. 

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Phelps also expressed that he had always been very close to his grandmother. He also stated how it was fun for him to watch his grandmother say the first thing she thought without filtering. 

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The swimming legend once shared his admiration for his grandmother, Leoma Davisson. “She was very smart, but she often used her age to her advantage, because she would always say whatever she wanted as if she couldn’t be held responsible for her words”, Continuing, Phelps also narrated how his grandmother had a photo of Phelps wearing a Speedo which she would proudly display to all. 

Read More: “Looked at Myself as an Athlete Not a Human”- Michael Phelps Struggled With Finding Self Love During His Legendary Olympic Career

Phelps also talked about his grandmother’s bravery in fighting her pancreatic disease. Phelps also spoke about how he wouldn’t let his grandmother win while playing cards. “Gran, I am out to win, whether it’s you or anybody else”, Phelps remarked. 

Phelps’s grandmother’s views on her grandson 

During a talk, Phelps’s grandmother revealed that she likes to watch Phelps’s performances alone so that she can express exactly what she feels when nobody is seeing her. Speaking about Phelps, his cousins, and his sisters, she said that she was proud of everyone. 

Watch Now: Paige Spiranac Hailed Olympic Legend Michael Phelps for His Courageous Act in 2018

Phelps and his grandmother’s views show their unbreakable bond of love, which is invaluable. As fans, we hope to learn more about their special relationship. 

 

 

 

 

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Written by:

Priya Hinduja

477Articles

One take at a time

Priya Hinduja is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. Post pursuing her Master's Degree in English, she worked as an English language trainer at Osmos Club and also dabbled with marketing at Debugee Technologies Pvt Ltd for a year. With a keen interest in playing chess and badminton in her leisure time, she also follows the activities of Michael Phelps, whose story motivates and inspires her.
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Edited by:

Vineet Nandwana