Michael Phelps’ Mother Once Detailed Why Even for $200 Million She Would Not Replace His Coach: “I Could Not Tell You That”

Every parent wants their kid to grow up and do something incredible, like win the Olympics 23 times. But there is only one Michael Phelps. Of course, raising your kid to be an athlete can be a hardship for many. And supporting Phelps through his mind-blowing career must have been a challenge of its own, right?

Debbie Phelps, the decorated champion’s mother, would tell you otherwise. No matter how many parents try to ask her for tips on raising an Olympic champion, she has her way of doing things.

Debbie Phelps on raising an Olympic champion

The swimming legend’s mother, Debbie Phelps, is a middle school principal. Back in 2008, she sat down with Mark Hyman to talk about her responsibilities as a parent of an Olympic superstar. 

While parents approached her with the same question, Debbie doesn’t think there’s anything all that grand to it, no matter how many times she’s been asked that question. “People often wait around to speak with me, to ask questions. Like, ‘My son was 9, he was doing this, and when he was 11, his time was that. They’re looking for answers,'” she told Hyman. 

Alas, there was little she could do to validate their concerns, or as she calls it, “nagging”. She continued, “I just say, parent your child. Love them for who they are, whether they swim the fastest (butter)fly or finish eighth in their heat,” she added.

READ MORE: “I Hated It”- Michael Phelps Looks Back to His First Day at the Pool

Debbie has three kids, the G.O.A.T. swimmer being the youngest. By design, she has kept them involved in as many activities as she could. We know Phelps practically followed his sisters into the pool. But she always drew the line between parent and coach.

Debbie doesn’t keep track of his records

It’s not about being another trainer for your kid; there are hired coaches for that. According to Momma Phelps, what the children need is a parent, unconditional support, and reassurance that no matter how they perform, they will always be exceptional.

“To me, there’s a very fine line between the athlete, coach, and parent,” she explained. “Everyone has their roles. If you sat here right now and told me you’d give me $200 million to recite Michael’s world fly record, I could not tell you that.”

But most of the time when she meets parents of other young swimmers, they aren’t good at differentiating those roles. She said, “There are parents whose child is trying to beat my son who can spit out those things out. I don’t get involved in that. I talk to Michael as a parent.”

Her simple approach may not wow those looking up to her for parenting tips, but evidently, it works. She doesn’t believe in putting up unrealistic expectations for her children. Instead, it’s good to acknowledge that kids develop in progression, and its better to leave the worries of what time they are setting to their coaches.

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