Despite ADHD Issues, Michael Phelps’ Mother Set an Incredible Example of Balancing His Sports and Academic Life

Education plays a significant role during the formative years of a child. Therefore, parents want their children to get the best education. However, it is not as easy when the child in question is Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian.

The swimmer was still a kid when he debuted at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. And to become a swimming legend in subsequent meets came with its sets of challenges. His mother, Ms. Deborah ‘Debbie’ Phelps, reflects on how the swimmer managed his arduous routine.

Debbie Phelps on how Michael Phelps maintained his balance

During an interview in the past, the host asked Debbie how the 28-time Olympic medalist managed his challenging routine. The interviewer was referring that the swimmer attended a regular school, unlike some athletes who chose homeschool. Athletes who opted for homeschooling include decorated gymnast Simone Biles.

Expressing she was an avid advocate of attending school, Debbie said, “I wanted to make sure he had a balance as to what he was experiencing in middle school and high school. Really in high school was where most of the timeframe was.”

The mother has expressed this view numerous times in previous interviews. However, indicating she let him make his decisions, Phelps’ mother added, “I would let him kind of drive that car, steer himself.”

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“So keeping that balance and being an advocate for him in school. He was early out of school, late in school. Balance take credits to graduate, no fluff classes, no AP classes. He went to school, and he went to the pool,” she continued.

Mother helped Phelps keep a balance between the sport and academics

Phelps demonstrated skills and devotion to the sport when he was just 11 years old. And coach Bob Bowman noticed this during a session. He approached the kid’s parents to discuss his future in the sport. The coach was certain he would become a great athlete with the right training.

And the Flying Fish had not looked back since. Although he did not make it to the podium at the Sydney Olympics, he started dominating most of his events from the next meet. However, becoming a champion in a field requires hard work and dedication. And it needed him to skip more than a few classes at school.

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Phelps struggled with ADHD during his school years. As a result, he had to be on medication for some time. Despite his struggle with the disorder, the swimmer maintained his balance with the help and support of his mother.