“Why Can’t I Go?”: Michael Phelps Couldn’t Believe His Mother Denying Him a Fun Experience With Friends as a Child

Everyone was left teary-eyed when Michael Phelps said goodbye to professional swimming forever. The most decorated Olympian in history, Phelps said a fitting goodbye by winning gold in his last race at the 2016 Rio Games. Having witnessed his greatness one last time, the world knew there might never be another Michael Phelps.

As Phelps retired, his famous autobiography ‘Michael Phelps: Beneath the Surface’ became even more popular. Not only did the book contain unknown facts about his training, but it also had instances from his life from when he was a child.

When Michael Phelps could not go on a trip with his friends

One instance covered in the book was when Michael Phelps was denied an opportunity to go sledding with his friends. Recalling the incident, Michael wrote that there was a hill near the Meadowbrook complex, which was perfect for sledding. One day, Phelps and his friends, Corey, Matt, and a group of friends, decided to go there after practice. “And I casually told mom where we were going. ‘Mom, why are you staring at me like that?'”

Michael wrote that his mother, Debbie Phelps, asked him whether it was a good idea for him to go sledding. “Why can’t I go?” “I didn’t say you couldn’t.” The conversation continued. “Everybody else is going.” But Debbie had the perfect counter that left Michael (probably) scratching his head. She asked the others if they were all going sledding too, and when they replied positively, Debbie posed a million-dollar question.

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She asked, “And are you going to Barcelona next summer for World Championships?” The same voices replied differently this time. Debbie continued, “Michael, are you going to Barcelona next summer for World Championships?” Michael understood his mother’s concern and decided to not be a part of the sled ride. But Michael still found a silver lining. “Compromise is okay when you can still stand at the top of the hill and pelt everyone else with snowballs.”

Phelps at the 2003 Barcelona World Championships

Hours of rigorous training and countless sacrifices (much like the sled incident) later came the Barcelona World Championships. Phelps had already become a swimming sensation as he created his first world record as a 16-year-old in the 200m butterfly.

Phelps emerged as a favorite to win four gold medals at the 2003 Championships. While he could win just three, there was another record he created. Phelps became the first man in history to break two world records in two events in one day. In the first heat of the 100m fly, Ukraine’s Andriy Serdinov became the second man to break the 52-second barrier by clocking in 51.81 seconds- setting a new world record. Moments later, Phelps blitzed through his field in the second SF and registered a new world record with a time of 51.47 seconds. Less than half an hour later, Phelps took his place in the starting blocks for the 200m individual medley final. Phelps crossed the finish line in a time of 1.56.04, thus creating another world record.

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Interestingly, the silver medalist in the event was none other than Australia’s Ian Thorpe. Famously known as the ‘Thorpedo,’ the Australian was one of the greatest swimmers of his generation. Phelps would’ve been glad that his mother did not allow him to go sledding and possibly injure himself. He may have missed out on one of his finest achievements ever.