Swimming legend Michael Phelps has bid an emotional goodbye to his father in a heartbreaking social media post after his recent death.
Phelps, a 23-time Olympic gold medalist, shared a series of pictures with his father, Michael Fred Phelps Sr., in a touching tribute on Instagram. You'll always be my dad…,' Phelps wrote. 'And I'll always be your son… Love you dad and I will miss you. rip dad.'
Phelps posted three photos, the first an image alongside his father Fred who was wearing his Maryland State Trooper Uniform. Phelps has three children with his wife Nicole Johnson and the other photos show his father Fred smiling with his grandchildren.
The post received several tributes from fellow sporting superstars, including Olympian Lindsay Vonn. Skier Vonn replied: 'I'm so sorry for your loss. He will always be there.' PGA Tour golfer Tony Finau wrote: 'Condolences bro' with a heart emoji.
Phelps has been very open in recent years over the difficult relationship that he has had at times with his father. He told Sports Illustrated in 2016 that he grew distant from his dad when his parents divorced when he was nine.
And it wasn't until 2014 when Phelps went into rehab following a drunk-driving arrest that he and his father reunited once again. "I felt abandoned,' Phelps said about the challenging period. "I have an amazing mother and two amazing sisters. But I would like to have a father in my life, and I've been carrying that around for 20 years."
"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."
Phelps told ESPN six years ago that the rocky relationship will improve his own ability in fatherhood. "I've realised that was the best my father could have done," he said. "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, speaking about his son. "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."
