“I Have an Army of Elves Living in My Stomach”: Michael Phelps Once Confessed His Mother’s Struggles in Affording His Insane Diet on a School Teacher’s Salary

Michael Phelps is the most legendary swimmer that the world has seen till date. He started swimming as a teenager and competed in his first Olympics when he was just 15 years old. Moreover, both his elder sisters were swimmers as well. However, all three siblings turned out to be athletes in their teenage years. Phelps wrote in his memoir, how difficult it all was for their mother.

Phelps’ parents divorced when he was nine years old. His mother raised the three of them with a school teacher’s salary. In his memoir, he remembers how their food bill used to be huge. And his mother’s struggle to pay for it with a single source of income was apparent. The Olympian revealed in “Beneath the Surface- My Story” how enormous his diet used to be in those times.

The Phelps’ ate a diet that equalled that of 12 people

A teenager in his growing period has a good appetite. And then, if he or she is an athlete, just double it. Michael Phelps remembers when his appetite used to be huge. And as his sisters were also athletes. He wrote, “Mom raised three kids on a school teacher’s salary, but based on her food bills, it was like raising 12.” 

However, Phelps facetiously clarified, “No, there is no truth to the rumor that I have an army of elves living in my stomach.” Phelps gave the credit to Jamie for introducing him to the best diner called ‘Pete’s Grille’. Phelps wrote, “Before I discovered Pete’s I used to ask for four dippy eggs in the morning. That fall, I started asking for seconds. We’re talking eight eggs for breakfast.” 

READ MORE- “My Heart Is Heavy”: Michael Phelps’ Wife Reacted After Being in Attendance at the Place Where Tragic Mass Shooting Incident Happened in 2017

Debbie must have had a hard time raising such talented children. Encouraging these talents and fulfilling their requirements with a single source of income.

Michael Phelps revealed how Pete’s Grille synergized his appetite

Michael Phelps already had a decent appetite. But when the menu of Pete’s Grille got in his hand, it increased. Phelps started visiting there twice or thrice a week, but soon it became a daily practice. Phelps mentioned, “Within a few weeks I had probably tried everything on the menu, but I eventually settled on my ‘usual’.” 

It must excite you to know Phelps’ diet. Thankfully, he mentioned it in his memoir. He wrote, “Start with three sandwiches of fried eggs, cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onions and mayonnaise; add one omelet, a bowl of grits and three slices of French toast with powdered sugar; then wash down with three chocolate chip pancakes.” 

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

There is indeed no army of elves in Michael Phelps’ stomach. But it’s also true that he had an enormous appetite for a teenager. Certainly, his mother played a crucial role in the making of a legend. Only Debbie knows how she managed it with ameagre salary to fulfil everything required. But now, not only her children, but the world appreciates her hard work in creating a successful future for her children.