
via Getty
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps testifies during a hearing before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee February 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The subcommittee held a hearing on “Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

via Getty
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps testifies during a hearing before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee February 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The subcommittee held a hearing on “Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Growing up is complicated, and Michael Phelps also experienced times when he was unsure about many things. Trying to find ‘The One’, Michael Phelps dated several women before finally marrying his girlfriend Nicole Johnson. In his autobiography ‘Beneath the Surface’, Phelps disclosed his grandmother’s views on relationships which had an impact on him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Michael Phelps spoke that his grandmother gave him this advice when he visited her after her pneumonia illness. The advice given by Phelps’ grandmother shows why Phelps waited for so long before finally deciding to marry Nicole Johnson. His grandmother’s statements also reflect the values and upbringing that shaped Phelps’s personality.
Michael Phelps’s Grandmother Priceless words and her memorable bond with Phelps
“Never have a steady girlfriend because every girl needs lovin’ and why should a young man be tied down? Be free. Have fun”, Phelps’s grandmother told him. The fact that Phelps went to parties, enjoying himself with friends and relatives at various events, reflects how he followed this advice.

via Getty
OMAHA, NEBRASKA – JUNE 13: Nicole Phelps, Boomer Phelps and Michael Phelps attend the Men’s 400m individual medley final during Day One of the 2021 U.S. Olympic Team Swimming Trials at CHI Health Center on June 13, 2021 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Phelps also expressed that he had always been very close to his grandmother. He also stated how it was fun for him to watch his grandmother say the first thing she thought without filtering.

via Getty
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – JUNE 24: Michael Phelps speaks during the 2022 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee Hall Of Fame Ceremony on June 24, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. (Photo by Ethan Mito/Getty Images for USOPC)
The swimming legend once shared his admiration for his grandmother, Leoma Davisson. “She was very smart, but she often used her age to her advantage, because she would always say whatever she wanted as if she couldn’t be held responsible for her words”, Continuing, Phelps also narrated how his grandmother had a photo of Phelps wearing a Speedo which she would proudly display to all.
Phelps also talked about his grandmother’s bravery in fighting her pancreatic disease. Phelps also spoke about how he wouldn’t let his grandmother win while playing cards. “Gran, I am out to win, whether it’s you or anybody else”, Phelps remarked.
Phelps’s grandmother’s views on her grandson
During a talk, Phelps’s grandmother revealed that she likes to watch Phelps’s performances alone so that she can express exactly what she feels when nobody is seeing her. Speaking about Phelps, his cousins, and his sisters, she said that she was proud of everyone.
Watch Now: Paige Spiranac Hailed Olympic Legend Michael Phelps for His Courageous Act in 2018
Phelps and his grandmother’s views show their unbreakable bond of love, which is invaluable. As fans, we hope to learn more about their special relationship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT