Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Wants Son to Follow His Legacy but Not in the Pool

The GOAT of swimming, Michael Phelps, is one of the legendary swimmers in the sport’s history. The Baltimore Bullet also holds many Olympic records to his name. Together, Phelps has 23 Olympic gold medals, 13 Olympic gold medals in individual events, and 16 Olympic medals in individual events.

Despite all the fame and reputation, Phelps doesn’t want his son Boomer to follow his swimming legacy. However, like him, Phelps wants his son to study at the University of Michigan in the future.

Michael Phelps would send his son to Michigan University but not the Olympics

In 2016, during a fan interaction hosted by Sports Illustrated, Phelps admitted that his son, Boomer, shall be a Michigan student in the future. When a fan asked the question to Phelps, he quickly responded, “Boomer’s going to Michigan. Go Blue.” Phelps’ wife Nicole Johnson, also is a Michigan University alumni.

Similarly, once, when Phelps got asked if he would like his kids to follow his swimming legacy. Phelps took no time to call it a no. The legendary swimmer didn’t want his kids to follow in his footsteps. Being a well-recognized athlete and Olympian comes with its pros and cons.

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Hence, Phelps explained, “I know the ins and the outs, the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, you know, as a parent, it just—it frightens me.” Nevertheless, if not a swimmer, Boomer shall be a Michigan alumnus like his father.

Phelps and the University of Michigan

In his early swimming days, Phelps trained under head coach Bob Bowman. When Bowman became the head coach at the University of Michigan, Phelps also enrolled there and continued his training.

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At Michigan, Phelps began studying sports marketing and management but failed to receive a formal degree. Unfortunately, Phelps never competed for the university as he was already a professional swimmer by then. However, it is clear that Phelps loved his time in Michigan. And hence, wants his son Boomer to receive his education there.