“It’s a Scary Beast”: Michael Phelps’ Wife Nicole Johnson Gave Her Thoughts on Kids Taking Forward His Legacy During an Interview in 2019

The greatest athlete of all time is a magnificent debate in almost every sport. However, Michael Phelps has left no doubt in anyone’s mind in the case of swimming. He is the undeniable G.O.A.T. The legend has conquered the swimming world in his 16 years of Olympics career. To bolster his legacy, he has 23 Olympic gold medals under his belt, with some big world and Olympics records.

Although, the legend retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics. Moreover, his second innings also began that year. Nicole and Michael had their first kid in May 2016. Later, they had two more kids in around two years of space each. Do they want their kids to take his legacy forward through swimming? Have they started their swimming sessions yet?

Does Michael Phelps want his kids to be swimmers?

People want their offspring to follow in their footsteps and continue their legacy. Moreover, if you have been a legend in the field, it’s even more relevant. However, Phelps didn’t want to force any career on his children. He feels it should come naturally to them. Although, he gives them some initial swimming lessons.

When in an interview earlier asked about the swimming sessions of kids, Nicole said, “We just want our kids to be safe in the water. We have a fence around our pool and someone with them at all times. As beautiful as the water is, it’s a scary beast.” 

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When Michael Phelps got questioned about what he expected from his kids’ future. He said, “If my kids want to swim, great. If they don’t, awesome. But being who I am is challenging. I find myself critiquing Boomer’s stroke. That’s my competitive self coming out.”

Phelps remains open about mental health with his kids

Michael Phelps has been vocal about mental health since 2015. Since he became aware of the betterment of mental health situations, he is encouraging everyone around him to do the same. Phelps continuously urges people to open up about their mental health and not suppress it. Moreover, he is trying to improve the scenario for the players’ mental health as well.

Other than that, Nicole and Michael stay frank with their kids about Michael’s mental health. Nicole once said in an interview, “I’m very vocal in making sure that kids are aware that maybe Michael is having a rough day, especially boomer, as he gets older. It’s important for Boomer to learn that it’s not about him and that he didn’t do something that made daddy feel this way. It’s daddy having his own stuff. We do as best we possibly can to get the boys to express.”

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Michael Phelps is the best swimmer this world has witnessed. One of the pros of being a professional is that he knows it should come from within. The urge to swim or play any sport has to ignite in yourself. As a result, he does not want to put something in his children’s minds. As a couple, they want their kids to have a safe and fun pool time till they discover themselves.