“First One to Find Competitive Success”: Michael Phelps’ Sister Paved the Way for His Olympic Glory

Michael Phelps was perhaps one of the most family-oriented Olympians out there when he was active. Born in a middle-class setting, he followed his eldest sibling Hillary into swimming. This was the beginning of his years of dominance in the pool, earning him 18 Olympic medals.  

Other than Hillary and Michael, their third sibling, Whitney Phelps also enrolled in these classes. Back in 2016, the trio of Phelps siblings opened up about their personal life in an interview. They got candid about their relationships with each other and how swimming has been a crucial part of their childhood years. 

Here’s what the eldest Phelps sister had to say about their swimming history 

In the interview, Hillary opened up about how she, and not her brother, first found some footing in competitive swimming. Initially, Michael was just a tag along while her eldest sister took part in meets. She also narrated how Michael, as well as Whitney, first got into the pool.

The explanation was simple, “At the time, my parents didn’t want to drive back and forth, between home and the pool, so they enrolled Whitney and Michael in swimming lessons,” It was in the same breath that she narrated how she had first found success in the sport, but Michael was the one to commit to it and the rest is history. 

Yet, the Phelps siblings are unique in a way. They never had a fit of unhealthy jealousy or rivalry when it came to matters like these. Rather, according to her, their home offered a pretty healthy environment for each kid to nurture their interest. Hillary thought that although all of them were not greatly accomplished at swimming, they never had against it. 

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Instead, they found each of their niches. That was the big reason the siblings did not have an issue growing up together. The eldest Phelps ended her topic on an insightful note, “We all have unique gifts that make us incredible in our own right.”

Michael Phelps as a family man

Phelps is a reflection of the happy coexistence as a family, something that he had learned growing up. His Twitter bio tells a lot about the devotion he has for his family and friends. 

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In short, the Phelps siblings including the Olympian himself had never had any issues of jealousy. This is what made him an all-time best in his sport. This is the true mark of a sportsman and a legend.