Michael Phelps is one of the most decorated swimmers of all time. The man holds the record for winning 28 medals at the Olympics, out of which, 23 are gold. Naturally, it makes him one of the most notable personalities in the sports industry. But fame is never limited to that particular personality only. It automatically extends to their family, friends, and close ones. Michael Phelps’ mother, Deborah Phelps, is not an exception here.

Journalist’s reaction when he found Michael Phelps’ mother sitting beside him

In the 23rd chapter of his autobiography, ‘Beneath the Surface’, Michael Phelps talked about how his mother was surrounded by journalists on her flight. His mom was traveling to Athens, Greece, for the 2004 Olympics. She was sitting on her seat on the flight when the man sitting next to her started inquiring.

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Phelps recalls in his book, “…a German journalist, sitting next to my mom, asked her if she had any family at the Games. “Yes,” she told him cautiously.”

The journalist asked which sport was the family member participating in, and she tried to end the conversation by saying ‘aquatics’. However, the journalist did not let up and then asked her about the specific sport. She had to tell him that it was swimming. Upon this, the journalist immediately guessed that she was Phelps’ mother. “You wouldn’t be Michael Phelps’ mother, would you?

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After she confirmed it, he immediately started telling another man on the plane. Phelps wrote in his book, “She grabbed his arm and tried to get him to pipe down, but she was kind of trapped at that point. It isn’t the sort of place where you can step outside.”

Deborah Phelps’ impact on her son’s career

Like any loving mother, Deborah Phelps has a big hand in molding Phelps into the person he is today. Michael Phelps and Deborah Phelps have a very close relationship, and he has only nice things to say about her.

Phelps clinched 8 gold medals in the Beijing Olympics, but since then something was missing. Phelps was, therefore, put on the sidelines during the 2012 Olympics held in London.

However, he was determined to get his stride back, and the first person he looked up to for encouragement was his mother, the one person he could always count on. “I love you so much,” said Debbie Phelps.

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The Baltimore Bullet has talked about his mother’s support many a time. She was always present at almost all of his swimming tournaments. He openly admits to looking at her during all of his competitions.

It is abundantly clear that his mother has had a huge impact on his career. It is a natural thing, as she has been the one to look after her kids ever since she got divorced.