People recognize Michael Phelps as the greatest Olympian of all time. However, not many are familiar with the swimmer’s difficult childhood.

Since his school years, Phelps has struggled with paying attention. His inability to be attentive at school would attract his teachers’ complaints during parent-teacher conferences.

Debbie defended her son Michael Phelps from teacher’s harsh words

The Olympian’s mother, Debbie, always supported her son, even when he was still in kindergarten. His mother, who taught middle school for over a couple of decades, understood the children and their different needs.

Therefore, she spoke for her son when teachers complained about him. During an interview, Debbie revealed an incident pertaining Phelps when he was a kindergartner.

The mother-of-three elaborated on what the teacher had to say during the meeting. Reflecting on the incident, Debbie recounted what the teacher said about her child.

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Indicating Phelps’ difficulty in paying attention, the teacher said, “Your son will never be able to focus on anything.”

However, Debbie would not let anybody belittle her son, especially since she knew the youngster’s potential. Moreover, over two decades of experience with middle school students had taught her of the numerous possibilities that each child possessed.

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Debbie learned from this experience and gave the teacher a befitting reply. . Therefore, she would use this reply with teachers who had similar things to say about her son.

Recollecting her usual answer, she said, “Whenever a teacher would say, ‘Michael can’t do this,’ I’d counter with, ‘Well, what are you doing to help him?’ ”

“I knew that, if I collaborated with Michael, he could achieve anything he set his mind to,” Debbie added.

A mother’s unconditional support

Phelps’ mother understood the needs of her son. So she supported him even through his hardships. She helped him get through his two DUI incidents. Moreover, she refused to leave his side during his infamous water pipe incident even though she declined to defend his actions.

Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD when he was in the sixth grade. The athlete has managed his symptoms with the help of prescribed medications.

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Debbie also helped him by introducing a routine in his life. She also reduced sugar from his diet and helped him establish strategies that made him the person many people look up to as a source of inspiration.