Michael Phelps is an inspiration to many. He may have retired, but the Olympic gold medalist remains people’s favorite. The swimming picture of Michael with all his medals hung across his neck is hard to forget. While we get inspired seeing Phelps’ indomitable spirit, the swimming GOAT finds inspiration from his dear friend. Being the youngest of the house, the Baltimore Express got to be the elder brother to Steve during his difficult time.

For Phelps, the definition of a hero is not restricted to winning medals. For him, a hero’ is a person who can lift other people with courage and dedication. They don’t always have to be someone from the family or someone older; sometimes, even the little ones teach you the most valuable lesson.

Michael Phelps and his hero

Phelps was already a swimming legend when he met Steve, a seven-year-old from Maryland. The young kid was sadly diagnosed with a brain tumor. He was scheduled to undergo surgery at Johns Hopkins hospital when Phelps decided to visit him. He went over to Hansen’s house on Halloween eve to meet Steve.

Sharing details about the meet, Phelps, in his book ‘Beneath the Surface,’? wrote that on his visit, he bought him the flag, T-shirts, and a poster. The young boy was thrilled with his company. The two chatted about their favorite sport, TV show, and junk food. Seeing young Steve laugh, Phelps felt good. He expressed his feeling, “it was pretty neat being the elder brother for a day.”?

Read More: “This Is Michael’s Summer”: Michael Phelps’ Mother Declined Huge Career Opportunity in 2004 to Support Legend’s Swimming Career

On seeing the young boy, Phelps wrote, “I was amazed at how strong he was.” The two chatted for hours and “talked about courage and not giving up.” While Phelps went to the pool the next day to fight for his dreams, Steve eventually went ahead with the surgery to fight for his health. Fighters in their own right, the two drew inspiration from each other.

The time when Phelps paid his ‘hero’ a surprise visit

After the evening when Phelps left, he could not help but think about his surgery. As life continued, the swimming GOAT remembered his little friend and prayed for his recovery. After the surgery, while the young boy was recovering, Phelps wrote a mail informing him that he wanted to meet him.

Talking about it, Phelps wrote, “I? went over sort of unannounced.” Seeing Phelps, Steve was delighted. As Phelps continued talking with him, he forgot about Steve’s illness. He remembered that his young friend “looked really good that day.” Seeing Phelps come over, even Steve’s friends were excited. They could not hold back their excitement, and they exclaimed, “Can you believe Michael Phelps came out to watch Steve?”

Watch This Story: 6’11 Ft Tall NBA Icon Kevin Durant With Michael Phelps in One of the Iconic Movements of the Olympics.