As the Paris Olympics approach, the name Michael Phelps is sure to resonate throughout the swimming competitions. While fans may miss seeing the 23-time Olympic gold medalist dive into the pool, Phelps will remain close to the sport he loves by providing analysis and commentary for NBC, just as he did during the Tokyo Olympics.
Beyond his professional commitments, Phelps and his wife, Nicole Johnson, are embracing the joys of family life with the recent arrival of their fourth child, Nico Michael, born in January. The Phelps household has now expanded to a lively party of six. Shortly after Nico’s birth, Phelps shared a touching post on social media, expressing his happiness about their growing family.
“Two weeks in as a family of six and we couldn’t be happier. Someone called Nico the family baby, and it’s 100% true. The boys can’t get enough of their newest brother and want nothing more than to love on him, care for him (and mama), and just be near,” Phelps wrote on Instagram. He reflected on how the new addition felt like a missing puzzle piece in their lives.
So, what does Michael Phelps’ family tree look like? Let’s take a closer look at the key members of his family, especially after welcoming their newest bundle of joy.
Michael Phelps married Nicole Johnson on June 13, 2016, in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Their love story began in 2007 at the ESPY Awards, where Nicole was working as an athlete escort. After a few years of dating on and off, they got engaged in February 2015 and celebrated their wedding with three different ceremonies in 2016. This June, they marked their eighth wedding anniversary.
Together, Phelps and Johnson have four sons: Boomer, Beckett Richard, Maverick Nicholas, and the latest addition, Nico Michael. Nicole Johnson has a rich background in modeling and pageants, which she began at the age of 17 to earn a scholarship to the University of Southern California. She graduated in 2007 with a degree in communications.
Her pageant experience led her to be crowned Miss California USA in 2010, where she also achieved a top-10 finish at the Miss USA Finals. After her pageant success, she worked as a recruiter and ambassador for the pageant industry and held various marketing and sales roles, including at a Mercedes-Benz dealership. Currently, she collaborates with her husband as an ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting physical and mental health, wellness, and water safety.
Michael Phelps’ children are a source of joy and pride for him. The eldest, Boomer Robert, was born on May 5, 2016, just three months before Phelps’ fifth Olympics in Rio. At seven years old, Boomer is already showing an interest in sports like soccer, golf, and, of course, swimming, following in his father’s footsteps.
Next in line is Beckett Richard, born on February 12, 2018. At six years old, Beckett shares his brother’s love for water and has a special fondness for animals and the Christmas holiday. Phelps has shared that Beckett’s excitement for Christmas lights is truly heartwarming.
Maverick Nicholas, affectionately called “Mav,” joined the family on September 9, 2019. At four years old, he adds to the lively atmosphere of the Phelps household. Finally, the youngest, Nico Michael, was born on January 16, 2023. At just six months old, he carries his father’s name as a tribute to Michael Phelps’ legacy.
Michael Phelps’ family tree also includes his parents. His father, Michael Fred Phelps, was a retired Maryland state trooper and a college football player. Phelps had a complicated relationship with his father, especially after his parents divorced in 1994. However, their bond strengthened when Phelps sought help for his struggles and invited his father to support him during rehab in 2014. Tragically, Phelps announced his father’s passing in October 2022, sharing a heartfelt tribute on social media.
Phelps’ mother, Deborah Phelps, played a significant role in his upbringing. As a single mother, she raised Michael and his two sisters while working as a principal in the Baltimore County Public Schools. Currently, she serves as the executive director for the Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc.
Michael Phelps has two older sisters, Hillary and Whitney. Hillary, the eldest, has made a name for herself in media and public relations. She founded her own company, “Genuine Joy” media, and has worked with the Michael Phelps Foundation. Hillary was also a Division I swimmer at Richmond University, where she broke several records, including one in the 200 butterfly, a signature event for her brother.
Whitney, the younger sister, is a special assistant in the executive office of the Food and Drug Administration. She is a mother of two and an avid runner. Whitney also swam at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where she set an American record in the women’s 200 fly.
Michael Phelps’ family is a testament to love, resilience, and support. As he continues to share his insights on swimming and life, his family remains at the heart of his journey. The Phelps family tree is not just about the achievements of one of the greatest swimmers of all time; it reflects the bonds that have shaped him into the man he is today.
Source: Various sources
