28 Olympic medals! The benchmark set by the legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps stands tall to date. However, the love for athletics seems to run deep in his family. Growing up, it was the commonality that kept the siblings—Michael, Hilary, and Whitney—on their toes constantly. The oldest of three, Hilary was the first one to take swimming as a child, followed by Whitney. Interestingly, not many know that Michael was the youngest and thus the last to develop an affinity for the water sport.

However, as fate would have it, he was the only one to reach the Olympic stage, not once but 5 times in his career. Over the course of which, he even earned the title of the most decorated Olympian ever! But as documented by the swimming G.O.A.T.’s mother, Deborah, aka Debbie Phelps, she opens up on how the sisters reacted to Michael’s training under Bob Bowman and if there was any envy that sparked.

Michael Phelps’ mother opens up about the sibling rivalry

Appearing on TV One’s latest “Raising Fame” podcast, Phelps’ mother opened up on how the siblings balanced their dynamic growing up as three distinct athletes. Firstly, she opened up on a plus point that helped shape their perspectives. Debbie said, “Well, I think them being athletes within the sport, they saw his capabilities.” Moreover, it was Phelps who first admired and supported his sisters in gaining competitive success.

As per Debbie, Whitney was swimming at the World Championships at 14, in Rome, and was gearing up to make the Olympic team at 96. So as Michael was growing, he witnessed that backend preparation and transition as a family, with his other siblings who were into the sport. “And so, and I think Michael was, you know, he saw that he learned from his two sisters about sport and about competition and about hard work. So that, that seemed to grow together,” Debbie further added.

However, was the customary competitive spirit often seen between siblings absent? Well, no. But the Phelps had managed to balance it, live in the moment, and channel emotions vis-à-vis the scenario. Debbie added, “When we’re in the household. We’re gonna be a family. We’re in the pool, they’re gonna be an athlete. When they’re at the pool, they’re gonna be a competitor. Try to kind of pocket those thoughts and, and celebrate each other.”

Nonetheless, the way the siblings were raised played a huge role, per Debbie. She remarked, “We’re from big families and regardless of the level, everybody supported one another.” When either of the siblings had an event and the rest weren’t doing anything, they would show up to show support. “That was the way it was,” said the close-knit crew. Also, did you know Whitney was the earliest of the three to touch the Olympic milestone? Until a devastating twist edged her out of the league.

Phelps’ sister, Whitney, suffered an early upset in her career

Whitney Phelps, Michael’s elder sister, had been an extraordinary swimmer during her time. At the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, her stroking career had won her great renown, including once being an American record holder in the 200m butterfly, timed at 1:59.01. Titled ‘Rookie of the Year,‘ Whitney commenced her collegiate career with a bang. Why not? Her 200m fly national champion title from 1994, one that she earned in her second teen year,14, itself was a testament to her mastery in the category.

However, Whitney could never edge past the qualification threshold and make it to the Olympic stage. Even though she went into the 1996 Olympic trials in Indiana as the world #1 in the 200m butterfly, she could not make it past. Suffering from two bulging discs and double stress fractures in her back, she struggled to perform to the best of her ability. Naturally, this was a trying time for the entire clan. Michael Phelps once stated, “I think it killed the family.” 

Whitney was neither short of talent nor dedication. Per Phelps, she did everything she could. And even though being out of the water was difficult for her, she would come to support her younger brother at swimming meets. It is quite clear that the Phelps siblings did compete, but they had this clarity that each possessed unique gifts. And they make them different from each other. What do you think of their dynamic? Let us know below.