“I learned to redirect my bitterness and anger”: Michael Phelps’ mother grieved silently when her child couldn’t qualify for 1996 Olympics

Everyone knows Michael Phelps as the greatest swimmer of all time; The legend with 28 Olympic medals. In addition, he holds multiple world records. However, many people do not know that he wasn’t the first swimmer in his family. His elder sister, Hilary, was the first swimmer of the Phelps family.

Other than Hilary, Whitney Phelps, the third sibling, was also a swimmer. Whitney ranked third in the world in 200m butterfly, when she was just 14 years old. Whereas, Michael ranked seventh in the world when he was 15 years old.

Debby regrets taking Whitney’s success for granted

It was a rough year for the Phelps family. Michael’s sister, Whitney Phelps, couldn’t qualify for the 1996 Olympics. “Partly because of her back, partly nerves,” said her former coach Murray Stephens.

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Instead, she watched her other opponents take part in Olympics whom she had defeated earlier. However, her mother, who used to think that the Olympics entry would be a piece of cake for Whitney, couldn’t believe it when she didn’t qualify.

She regrets, to date, taking her daughter’s success for granted. Whitney didn’t participate in the Sydney Olympics as well. Debby said, “I learned to redirect my bitterness and anger.” 

Michael Phelps kept rising 

Later in 2000, Whitney once again didn’t participate. Although this time her brother competed in the Olympics, though didn’t obtain any medals and ranked fifth. Then the rest is history. This time Debbie didn’t repeat the same mistake. She enjoyed her son’s success including everyone else in the family.

Michael was always in touch with Whitney. Chiefly, he used to call Whitney, sometimes for seeking advice and sometimes just for casual conversations. Although Whitney wasn’t able to participate in the Olympics, she gave her experience to her brother and helped her as much as she could.

All in all, the Phelps family did produce quality swimmers. It was just fate that only Michael Phelps managed to become the greatest. Whitney would have been a very huge contender if she could continue her career in swimming.

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Michael Phelps’ 28 Olympics medals are proof of his dedication and perseverance. Moreover, it also shows how his family cared and supported for him.