Raising kids is never an easy task. And when they show the potential to become legendary athletes, it gets that much harder to approach teaching them values without putting out the flame of ambition and drive. Michael Phelps’ mother can certainly understand the struggle.

With the swimming GOAT’s short temper and overwhelming talent, there were a couple of hiccups in helping him cope with the few times he would miss out on gold. But Debbie Phelps had a way to help him broaden his perspective.

Michael Phelps’ mother talks about raising hot-blooded athletes

Appearing on the Raising Fame podcast, Michael Phelps’ mother had a conversation with NBA superstar Stephen Curry’s parents about what it takes to handle ambitious kids. Used to winning, Michael Phelps would have some difficulty accepting losses when he was younger.

One such incident of the most decorated Olympian throwing a tantrum after coming in second embarrassed Debbie Phelps. Consequently, she taught him to manage his anger in the spirit of good sportsmanship. They had a long conversation about how Phelps wants to portray himself as an athlete and individual. They also figured out how he could channel his frustrations better.

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Stephen Curry’s mother, Sonya Curry, pointed out that they lived in a world of participation trophies. Because of this, athletes may lose that drive to strive for excellence. And the hot-bloodedness of their kids to never accept a loss may be the reason they have accomplished so much.

“I Was Embarrassed”: Michael Phelps Faced Mother’s Wrath After His Aggressive Behavior in Public Put Her Head Down in Front of Everyone Once

“The passion of not wanting to lose is what I think drives the highest level athlete. They just want to win and that anger and fire helps them figure out that they never wanna be in that position again,” she explained. Admitting she struggled with it herself, Curry asked momma Phelps how she helped the swimming legend redirect his anger into the sport in a healthy way.

Debbie Phelps says an athlete’s behavior reflects their upbringing

“I just wanted him to see that your outburst of anger is not only demonstrating you as an individual but is a reflection on your total family,” Michael Phelps’ mother maintained. She argued that this was the case for anyone, whether a decorated athlete or not.

“When you see someone do something wrong, you say, ‘Why didn’t their mom and dad correct them on that?’” she continued. The 23-time Olympic champion was competitive to an astonishing degree. Debbie revealed, “Michael wouldn’t even let his grandmother win at 500 rummy.”

But that drive to win wasn’t an excuse to disrespect his fellow competitors when things didn’t go his way. Even the greatest athletes are only human after all. And Debbie wanted to make sure that Phelps knew how to carry himself more gracefully.

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“That’s when you saw Michael, after every race, extend his hand across to whoever was on his left or his right to be a good sport,” she shared. “He carried that all the way through his 5 [Olympic] Games.”