Sat. Oct 5th, 2024

Olympic legend Michael Phelps, widely considered one of the greatest Olympians in history, continues to captivate fans not only with his exceptional athletic achievements but also with his personal life.

Known for his extraordinary prowess in the pool, Phelps has earned a staggering 28 Olympic medals, including a record-breaking 23 golds, making him a true sports icon.

Born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, Phelps began his swimming journey at a young age, eventually becoming one of the most successful athletes the world has ever seen. His dominance in the water, particularly during the Olympics, set him apart as a champion like no other.

Michael Phelps pictured at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Credit: Adam Pretty / Getty.

When it comes to the debate about the greatest Olympian of all time, names like Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, and Nadia Comaneci often arise.

However, in terms of sheer medal count, Phelps stands alone. His 23 gold medals outshine the combined career totals of most other Olympians, including many accomplished swimmers.

Apart from a few legends like Mark Spitz, Matt Biondi, and Jenny Thompson, no swimmer has come close to matching Phelps’ historic gold medal haul.

Beyond his accomplishments in the pool, Phelps has earned the admiration and affection of fans around the world.

His Instagram feed is filled with comments from devoted followers, many of whom refer to him as their “idol” and “legend.” Some even openly express their infatuation with the athlete, admitting that they have a “crush” on him or are “obsessed” with him.

While his life as an athlete is impressive, Phelps’ personal life has also captured the public’s attention. During the ESPY Awards, where he was honored with awards for Best Record-Breaking Performance and Best Male U.S. Olympic Athlete, Phelps shared his excitement about celebrating his accomplishments with his family. The awards ceremony holds a special significance for Phelps, as it was where he first met his wife, Nicole Johnson, over a decade ago.

Johnson, more than just a beauty, has been a constant source of support for Phelps. Since 2015, she has served as an Ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation, demonstrating her dedication to their shared passions.

With a background in modeling and beauty pageants, Johnson’s accolades include winning the title of Miss California USA in 2010, per VC Star. She also finished as a runner-up in the Miss California National Teenager 2004 competition and made it into the top 15 during her first Miss California USA attempt in 2006.

Fans have taken notice of Johnson’s beauty through the glimpses Phelps shares on social media. Admirers frequently comment on her appearance, with many describing her as “cute,” “pretty,” and “absolutely beautiful.” The couple’s strong bond and their stunning looks have earned them praise from fans, who seem to admire their relationship as much as Phelps’ athletic legacy.

Beyond appearances, Johnson plays a vital role in supporting Phelps through his struggles with anxiety and depression. Phelps has been open about his mental health battles and has often credited his wife for her unwavering support.

“There’s no other person that would be able to support me like she has. She’s the glue that holds all of us together,” Phelps said during an interview with Today.

Together, Phelps and Johnson are raising four sons: Boomer, Beckett, Maverick, and their newest addition, Nico.

As Phelps continues to inspire with his Olympic accomplishments, his life with Johnson and their children is a testament to his growth as both an athlete and a devoted family man.