“He Is My Dad”- Michael Phelps Opens Up on the Heartwarming Role of Coach Bowman in His Life

In a recent interview with NBA point god Chris Paul, Michael Phelps discussed many stages in his life. Likewise, he spoke about various subjects related to his life, and the duo shared a great conversation. While playing golf in Phoenix, Paul touched upon Phelps’ relationship with Bob Bowman. His coach was the mastermind of those 28 Olympic medals he won. But for Phelps, he is more than a coach.

Not having a great relationship with his father earlier on in life, Phelps spoke about how Bowman was more like a father figure to him, throughout his career. He opened up about the relationship the two of them had in a candid conversation.

Michael Phelps’ father-son relationship with Bowman

From training him to become a legendary swimmer to a beautiful father of three kids, Bowman helped Phelps to grow into a great man. They had an incredible relationship with each other as he trained Phelps to near perfection. The rigorous training methods like cracking goggles to obstruct his vision during competitions, helped him to grow well as a swimmer. But, his influence in his life as a father figure helped him to grow as a human being. Phelps value those lessons to date. He opened up about remaining in touch with him, even though, his career is done.

“He is my dad. Like, I didn’t always have a dad growing up. So for me, having somebody there that was, one who believed in you, had confidence in you, but also help you along the way. I learned a lot from him and I still learn a lot from him.”

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“He is somebody that comes to the house every day and is grandpa to the boys. He is coaching here at ASU and he’s in the pool with the boys when the weather is right. This is grandpa,” said Phelps.

Rocky relationship at the start with his father

Phelps’ mother Debbie separated from his father Fred when he was 9. From there, his older sisters, Hilary and Whitney, helped his mother to raise Phelps. Bowman entered his life and coached him to become a great human being. Not having his father near him was hard for him. Phelps stated how he would be a better father to his sons.

NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 21: Nicole Phelps, Michael Phelps and Boomer Phelps attend the Huggies Little Swimmers #trainingfor2032 Swim Class With The Phelps Foundation on August 21, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Huggies)

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Constant support from Bowman helped him to evolve into a machine of a swimmer, as well as, a loving father. Michael Phelps’ legacy in the swimming pool remains intact but the influence of Bowman in his career shaped him to become a man filled with wisdom.

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