“You Don’t Like Her, Do You?”: Michael Phelps’ Mom’s Harsh Reality Check Brought a Turning Point for His Future With Nicole Johnson

Michael Phelps and Nicole Phelps are probably one of the most talked about couples in the sports world. They had their differences, got apart for some time, and have been through ups and downs in their relationship. But, in the end, they chose to stick together and make it work. However, the conversation between Michael and his mother, Debbie Phelps, played a significant role in getting the couple back together.

The former Miss California Nicole and Michael Phelps were together for almost nine years before breaking up in 2011. Although their dating history wasn’t perfect, they always had feelings for each other. Apparently, between 2011 and 2014, when the couple was separated, the swimming legend went through the darkest phase of his career.

Michael Phelps had a serious conversation with his mother before getting back with Nicole

In 2014, Phelps realized Nicole was the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. However, before making any decision, he talked to his mom about the same. Debbie recalled, “When he called and said I am getting back with Nicole and I said that’s what it should be and so he was like, I was determined to make this happen and I am like that’s what I want you to do.”

Debbie further revealed, “Michael knew when he would bring someone around me. He could read on my face. You don’t like her, do you? No, I don’t.” Though whenever he asked about Nicole, “Do you like her?” she would reply, ” yeah I do.” Perhaps his mother knew from the beginning that Nicole was the right person for her son. 

READ MORE- “Didn’t Eat, Didn’t Drink, Didn’t Do Anything”: Michael Phelps Recalls the Scariest 45 Days of His Life

When Phelps confessed his love for Nicole to friends

Even when they were not together, Phelps and Nicole were on talking terms. Maybe they never stopped loving each as the swimming legend recalls, “I said to a couple of my friends if I ever had the chance to get her back, that would be it. She was the one I loved the most.” 

Was that the line he used when he proposed to her to marry him? Who would have expected the most decorated Olympian would be a poet by heart? However, now the couple is happily married for six years and are parents to three amazing boys.

WATCH THIS STORY- Michael Phelps, Caeleb Dressel Vertical Leap Compared to Other Sports Stars