Michael Fred Phelps II, also known as the Flying Fish, was born June 30, 1985 in Baltimore, Maryland to Fred and Debbie Phelps. His father works for the Maryland State Police, and his mother is a middle school principal. His parents got a divorce about 15 years ago in 1993, and although Michael stayed close to his mother the same can't be said for his father. After walking out on his family, he gave Debbie full custody and refuses to watch an Olympic game from any place but his television set. After being asked why he didn't attend the games, Fred says, "This is just about Michael. This is his glory, his time to shine, and I want him to get everything he wants."
Michael's older sisters, Whitney and Hilary, played a large role in raising Michael after their father left. Fred was hardly present in their lives after the divorce, and it seems that despite the reconciliation he had with his kids a few years ago, he has drifted from their lives once again.
As a young kid Michael was diagnosed with ADHD, which is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. At the age of 7 he began swimming as an outlet to release energy, and he excelled at it.
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