Maintaining his dominance consistently for years, Michael Phelps is undeniably the swimming GOAT. With more than 28 medals to his credit, Phelps’ contribution and dedication to the pool remain unmatched! Starting his journey from the small town of Baltimore to Olympic glory, the young boy left no stones unturned. It was not just the hours of practice or the insane calories that Phelps worked towards maintaining.

As much as he was dedicated to perfecting his skills, he also gave his efforts to ensure that he followed a crucial “Olympic tradition.” Enjoying the life of an Olympian, the young legend was keen on getting a tattoo. And he successfully got it done, but from a person unexpected!

An unexpected revelation for Phelps 

In his book, “Beneath The Surface,” Phelps recalled his determination to get tattoos on his buttocks. Getting the tattoo of the Olympic rings on the backside is somewhat of a tradition for the swimmers who secure their place on the Olympic team.

Phelps recounted that “almost everybody got one,” and he “didn’t want to be left out.” Before joining the first pre-Olympic training in Pasadena, he had already revealed the plans to his mother. Being assured that the rings would be small, Ms. Debbie Phelps did not raise any objections to his son’s desire.

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So, with all the clearance, Phelps one day embarked on his journey to “get the tattoo.” Halfway through the process, he decided to start a conversation with the guy painting the rings. It was then he realized that the guy he was getting his tattoo from had “just gotten out of jail.”

If only Michael Phelps knew!

Michael had no idea how to react to such unexpected information. He could only manage to say, “Oh, really.” However, he could not gather the strength to ask what he had done. But the swimming GOAT was sure he “wasn’t going to joke around with him.”

He decided that all he would respond was, “Yes, Sir. No, Sir. Thank you, Sir.” However, his mission to get a tattoo was a success. Later that day, he came back with the goofiest smile. Even Debbie was ok with her son’s tattoo. 

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That must have been a great relief for Phelps! Who would have thought that a simple desire to follow up with traditions and get a tattoo would be this interesting?