A Childhood Pact Once Forced Michael Phelps to Call a Friend at an Odd Hour: ?Do You Realize It?s 3 A.M. Here??

Multi-millionaire Olympian and swimming legend Michael Phelps is an embodiment of consistency. He was a kid who was uncomfortable with the mere idea of getting wet. Fast forward, Phelps becomes a champion who redefined the idea of Olympic gold medals, the ultimate goal of any athlete by amassing a record 23 gold medals of the 28 Olympic medals. Just as anyone else, Phelps too waited for his first big record.

Behind the visible numbers and achievements are endless struggles, self-doubt, constant motivation, and hope. With all these qualities in place, one may assume winning medals was the only thing on Phelps? mind. Well, on the other side of this is the acknowledgment and support he wished for. In his book ?Michael Phelps ? Beneath the Surface? one would learn about the heart-warming side of Phelps.

Michael Phelps had a 3 a.m. friend

Phelps wrote in his book of the time long before he broke any records. He said, ?She and I had made a pact one day at Meadowbrook,? referring to Erin. Phelps and Erin trained together. The pact was to call the other person day or night if either of them ever broke a world record.?The day finally came and Phelps called. Miss Cathy, Erin?s mom answered and congratulated him right away.

She said, ?Hold on, I?ll get Erin.??Phelps wasn?t sure if Erin could figure out the purpose of the call. So he made some small talk to ensure she remains awake.??After a while, Erin wondered why they were talking and said, ?Michael, it?s great to hear you, but um, Michael, why are you calling? Do you realize it?s 3 a.m. here???

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He replied, ?It is, but remember we had this agreement???In no time, Erin started screaming in joy. They talked for a long time. Phelps cherished the moment and stated that it was great to hear a friendly voice from home.

Phelps? and Erin?s friendship?

Erin Lear, Cathy Lear?s daughter, and Phelps trained together in the Himes? group. Their siblings lined up in age and the two were the third kids in their families. ?My sister swam a lot and his sister swam a lot, so we came along for the ride,? he said.?

The families got along well and would spend holidays together. They would go to the beach together during the summer or spend time at the pool. Phelps was the youngest in the group and had Erin to lean on. They developed a warm relationship that gave 100% support to each other. And it remained strong for several years.

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