“But I Don’t Want To”: Michael Phelps Drove His Mother’s Friend ‘Crazy’ While She Tried Her Best to Teach Him Swimming

It is well known that Michael Phelps, who retired in 2016, is the most decorated swimmer in history. With 28 medals, including 23 gold ones, he showcased his impeccable talent to the world. However, during the start of his career, Phelps struggled a lot. 

Firstly, the legend was inspired by his two elder sisters, who were also swimming champions. While his mother, Ms. Debbie Phelps, helped him to stick to the lessons. Once his mother asked her friend to teach little Phelps swimming, but their lesson turned out to be the tale of ‘stubborn Phelps.’

Handling stubborn Michael Phelps

In his book, “Beneath the surface,” Phelps wrote the part where he drove his mother’s friend insane. However, the Baltimore Bullet did it unintentionally. He was in the period of change that every kid goes through in their life. 

Phelps first wrote, “I’m cold. I have to go to the bathroom. Maybe if I just sit on the side and watch the other kids do it….” However, his luck and excuses didn’t work out in front of Miss Cathy. Then Cathy told him, “(Phelps)No luck. (Cathy) “That’s your problem, Michael Phelps. Your mom wants you to learn how to swim, so you’re going to swim.” “But I don’t want to get my face wet.”

READ MORE: “She Wasn’t Too Happy”: Michael Phelps’ Mother’s Force Kept Him From Quitting Swimming at a Young Age

But the little Phelps was stuck to his stubbornness; he further wrote, “I raised a screaming stink about it. Miss Cathy was one of many people who were determined to get the best out of me no matter how difficult I made it for her. She finally offered me a compromise. ‘Well, you can start on your back and learn to swim that way, she said, but you’re going to learn one way or another.’” His legendary success proves that Cathy’s hard work has made Phelps put effort into swimming. 

Debbie is the heart and soul of Michael’s swimming

When Michael’s swimming career was at its peak in 2012, Phelps got retired to try a new sport. During an interview with ESPN’s host Rick Reilly, he discusses his sports choices. “What will he do after retirement” was the big question hanging around his neck. 

The Olympic gold medalist stated an old memory of his mother forcing him not to quit swimming. He said,” “Even in high school, I’d tell my mom I was sick of swimming and wanted to try to play golf. She wasn’t too happy. She’d say, ‘Think about this.’ And I’d always end up getting back in the pool.” His mother’s words were inspirational and made him stick to swimming. Debbie’s support has played an essential role in crafting this Baltimore hero’s legacy. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Legendary Michael Phelps vs 17-year-old Chlorine Daddy David Popovici: Who’s Faster?