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Michael Phelps’ image from all the Olympics, in which he carries the medals with a smile, is ingrained in everyone’s mind. But for the legend getting there wasn’t always simple. Michael went through numerous difficulties after going through adversity. However, in the end, his accomplishments brought him recognition, and fame brought unwanted attention.

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During the beginning of his career, Michael fizzled in securing a medal in Sydney Olympics. Even after he was just 15 years old, he felt sadness within his heart. But his mother, Debbie Phelps, did something incredible to put a smile on his face.

Michael Phelps’ mother surprised him

In his book, Beneath the surface, Michael penned how his mother surprised him. He wrote, “As planned, I came home early from Sydney, a day after the swimming ended and a week before the closing ceremonies. In Baltimore, I was treated to one celebration after another.”

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Hilariously he mentioned the place where he went in a limo. Michael wrote, “Mom arranged for a limousine to bring me in from the airport. A group of friends came out to meet me there, and so we went where any other 15-year-old would go in his limo—to 7-Eleven for Slurpees. I was blown away by the novelty of being in that kind of car for the first time.”

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For him, the interesting part was the look on everyone’s face. Further, he wrote, “We had some odd looks from people who must have thought we were lost, and one of the guys in the car joked that a real limo would have had ready-made Slurpees in the backs of the seats. I came back to a front yard that was dotted with American flags. It was good to be home, even if I missed out on the razor scooter the athletes received at the end of the Games.” He even sarcastically mentioned how his mother makes up for the razor scooter athletes receive in the game.

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Phelps’ astounding car collection

Now, the legendary swimmer with 28 Olympics medals has four cars. Sometimes he was seen driving an Escalade Cadillac, and its SUV-built design makes it look impeccable. In addition, Michael also has a Range Rover, along with BMW 760 Li.

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At last, his regular car is a Mercedes-Benz SL63. He is also fond of his Range Rover which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 powerful engine. The most decorated swimmer has surely come good with his whopping $80 million net worth in the right place.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Resurfaced video shows Michael Phelps Race of the century with Ian Thorpe, Pieter Van Den Hoogenband’s at 2004 Athens Olympics