Father of Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps dad passes away

Olympic legend Michael Phelps bid an emotional goodbye to his father Michael Fred Phelps Sr. in a heartwarming Instagram post regarding his dad’s recent passing.

“You’ll always be my dad…,And I’ll always be your son… Love you dad and I will miss you. rip dad.”

In the post, Phelps paid tribute to his late father by sharing a series of photos with him and his grandchildren.

In recent years, Phelps has opened up about his difficult relationship with his father. He noted he grew distant from him after his parents divorced when he was nine-years-old.

In 2016, Phelps told ESPN that he believed that his rocky relationship with his father helped him become a better father, and that he has learned a lot about being a good father through his own experiences.

“Our relationship is really great, and it’s continuing to grow,” Phelps added, speaking after allowing his father back into his life. “We’ve learned that we have a lot in common.”

It took until 2014 for Phelps and his father to get back together, as the swimmer went through a difficult time following his arrest for drunk driving. Phelps said he felt abandoned, despite having an amazing mother and two sisters, he still wanted to have a father figure in his life.

“I’ve realized that was the best my father could have done,” said Phelps. “It sucks. But I get it. I understand now. I’ve learned a lot on the road that I’ve walked that will make me a better father.”

“I’m proud of the fact that he found himself and knows who he is now,” Phelps’ father Fred said in the same interview, “He sees now that there is a tomorrow way down the road. It’s real life. He’s going to be a human being. A father. A husband. A friend. He’s going to be a son.”

Several of Michael’s famous friends posted their well wishes to the swimmer.

Former NBA player Chandler Parsons said, “thinking of u my brotha ❤️”

Lindsey Vonn posted: “I’m so sorry for your loss. He will always be there 🙏🏻💔”