Michael Phelps and son Boomer.Photo: Michael Phelps Instagram
Michael Phelpsretired from professional swimming at end of the 2016 Summer Olympics, but there are three people who could persuade him to make a return to the pool: his kids!
The 23-time Olympic gold medal winner, 36, revealed whether or not he saw himself returning to the sport during a chat withTodayco-anchorsSavannah GuthrieandHoda Kotbon Monday, saying “if I did come back, it would be in L.A.” (Los Angeles isset to host the 2028 event.)
“I’m not coming back now — don’t get any ideas!” hequickly clarified to the camera. “I don’t know. I have no desire to get in the water right now. I’m completely happy.”
However, if his sons —Maverick Nicolas, 22 months,Beckett Richard, 3, andBoomer Robert, 5 — “at some point ask why I’m not competing, we’ll see what the answer is then,” Phelps teased with a laugh.
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Michael Phelps at the 2016 Summer Olympics.Adam Pretty/Getty Images
Even with his own career as the all-time-most-decorated Olympian aside, Phelps has previously said hewouldn’t push his kids into swimming professionally.
“Nicole and I have had so many conversations about it, and I think the biggest thing is just being able to have them find their own road and their own path that they want to go on,” he said onTodayback in April 2018.
“We’re alwaysthere to help and supportand answer questions, but I don’t want to force them to do something they don’t want to do,” he added. “That’s how my mom was with me, and I’m forever grateful for that.”
But that doesn’t mean Phelps didn’t have his own secret hopes! “I’ll be greedy dad and say I’d rather see him play the Sunday of the Masters,” he joked.
RELATED VIDEO: Michael Phelps on Being a Dad — and How Family Helps Him Through His Darkest Days
Phelps, who has been open over the years about his struggles withdepression, told PEOPLE earlier this month that his family is ahuge part of what helps him through darker days, as well as a commitment to a routine.
“Depression is something that will always be part of my life — it’s part of who I am,” said the athlete, whoseMichael Phelps Foundationprovides wellness programming to youth around the world. “It’s my job to continue to learn and understand why I am how I am.”
He sticks to his routine with the same discipline he drew upon to win 23 Olympic gold medals: daily workouts, at least seven and a half hours of sleep each night and drinking lots of water.
“All these small things are part of the equation,” Phelps said. “There’s only so much that we can control in this world, so Iwant to be on top of it as much as I canso I can be the best father, the best husband, the hardest worker. I want to give myself the chance.”
To learn more about all the Olympic hopefuls, visitTeamUSA.org. The Tokyo Olympics began July 23rd on NBC.
source: people.com
