Where is Michael Phelps father during the olympics?

Question

His mother is always watching his races, but there is never any footage of his father cheering him on. Why isn't he watching his child make history?

Answer 1

"Brief background: Fred and Debbie separated for good in 1993 and the divorce was finalized the following year, when Michael was 9. By all accounts, Fred Phelps wasn't an everyday figure in his children's lives for much of Phelps' adolescence. Phelps' older sisters, Hilary and Whitney, both played pivotal roles in his development, not just as a swimmer but as a young man.

They did reconcile with their father several years ago but have since drifted again apart. Fred Phelps was in Greece. He is not in Beijing. When I asked his daughters in the weeks leading up to these Olympics whether their father would be attending, they each said, "I don't know."

Our Sun colleague, Childs Walker, spoke with Fred Phelps earlier this week to request an interview. Fred thought about it, and I think he probably handled the request as well as he could. He declined, saying he didn't want to take away from his son's accomplishments by delving into the family story.

"This is just about Michael," he said. "This is his glory, his time to shine, and I want him to get everything he wants."

Rest assured, while Phelps is in the Beijing pool, his father is paying close attention, cheering from back in Maryland.

"I'm just on pins and needles every time he hits the water," Fred Phelps said."

Answer 2

WHen michael was 7, his mom and dad got divorced. Now michael's dad doesnt connect with the family anymore, i guess

Answer 3

I think that is a private family matter. The parents were divorced - not really something the public need to know.

Answer 4

when they asked michael about his dad he was like "we'll throw emails back and forth once in a while, but I want everything to just stay the way it is right now...so i guess he doesn't want to have a close relationship b/c his dad wasn't a big part of his life when he was younger so.....that's all i know

Answer 5

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his father, Fred —  Phelps' parents divorced when he was 7.

i have no idea where he is now.