“Where Can His Football Career Take Him?”: Young Michael Phelps’ Mother Intervened When He Was Ready to Jeopardize His Swimming Career for Football

An American idol, Michael Phelps, needs no formal introduction. Having proved his dominance in the pool, the swimming GOAT is one of the greatest Olympians of all time. Having been diagnosed with ADHD, Phelps was a hyperactive kid. Pools provided him a way to channel out his energy!

But Phelps did not want to restrict himself to the pools. He wanted to explore more. Though he already had a tight working schedule, he was ready to let go of his sleeping hours for something.

Phelps was all set to let go

When Phelps’ friends won spots on the Townson High Football Team, the young swimming champ wanted to try his hands at football. Throwing light on his innocent desire, Phelps, in his book, wrote, “I really wanted to join them.”

Determined to join the fields, Phelps was already “calculating the hours.” He had already chalked out the hours required for doing his homework, swim training, and football practice. After much calculations, he concluded that by removing “those futile eight hours for sleep,” he could join his friends. Hearing such unrealistic calculations, Phelps’ mother, Debbie, intervened. 

Read More: Michael Phelps’ Mother Didn’t Appreciate ‘Complaining’ Teachers Pulling Him Down Due to His ADHD Issues From a Young Age: “Wasn’t Going to Keep My Mouth Entirely Shut”

She inquired,  “where can his football career take him?” Talking sense into her son, the mother made him realize that he was not thinking right. Understanding the situation, Phelps realized that with the strict timetable, he could “go to one or two of Matt’s games.” However, there was another sport that Phelps still shows his interest in!

Michael Phelps and his love for golf 

Phelps’ love for golf is not hidden. The ace swimmer is frequently spotted golfing. He is also a frequent participant in several celebrity events. Having officially retired from swimming, the swimmer keeps his competitive spirit alive by participating in various golfing events.

For a special event, Jordan Spieth and Phelps teamed up. Complimenting the Flying Fish for his skills at golf, Spieth remarked that he is an asset on the “golf course.” The professional golfer was also impressed by Phelps’ determination to raise awareness of mental health.

Watch This Story: Resurfaced video shows Michael Phelps Race of the century with Ian Thorpe, Pieter Van Den Hoogenband’s at 2004 Athens Olympics

Sharing his experience to play with Phelps, Spieth remarked, “to have a golf lover be the most decorated Olympian of all time; it’s really good for our sport.”