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Michael Phelps, the GOAT of swimming, recently lost his father. Phelps revealed the saddening news of his father’s passing, Fred Phelps, on Monday. He shared a post on Instagram in his honor.

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In addition to the picture with his father, there were other unseen pictures. The image was of Fred with his grandson Boomer Phelps. However, Michael wasn’t always close to his father, but a few circumstances brought them closer as time passed. 

Michael Phelps’ kids with their granddad

Phelps posted on Instagram with a heartfelt caption, “You’ll always be my dad…And I’ll always be your son…Love you, dad, and I will miss you❤️❤️ rip dad.” He also attached some unrevealed pictures of his father adoring his sons.

It’s counted as one of the sporadic moments when Phelps shared a heart-touching thing about his father. The adorable pictures of Fred holding his grandkids stole everyone’s attention, who later paid their respect to him. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michael Phelps (@m_phelps00)

One of the images shows a young Phelps and his father, Michael Fred Phelps, dressed in a Maryland State Trooper outfit, enjoying a tender moment together.

READ MORE: “So Sorry for Your Loss”: Sports World Reacts to Michael Phelps’ Family’s Devastating News

He later spent 28 years working as a Maryland State Trooper. Additionally, he participated in football both in high school and college. 

The unveiled story of Michael and Fred 

The great American swimmer had a contentious connection with his father following his parent’s divorce in 1994. When Phelps was going through a mental health crisis, his therapist reportedly advised him to spend time with his father.

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via Imago

Most of Michael Phelps’ fans are aware of his therapy sessions during challenging days. Therapy helped him to improve his mental health and also helped him secure a good bond with his father. One Phelps described how his therapist urged him to invite his father home.

He stated, “When my therapist said invite him for the family weekend, I was like, why? It’ll be just another letdown that he’ll give me in my life, and I don’t want a letdown.”

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Watch this story – Swimming Legend Michael Phelps’ Top 5 Iconic Career Races

All these rocky situations brought him close to his father, Fred, close to him. The first time he reunited with him after a long break was after his drink and drive case in 2014.