I know I always wondered the above question. Michael Phelps was media darling, Michael’s father was no where in sight. Well, today I came across an article that solved the mystery:

It’s been well-documented that Debbie and Fred Phelps divorced when Michael was 9.

Fred Phelps is a retired Maryland State Trooper, lives in a suburb of Baltimore and has remarried since divorcing Debbie Phelps in 1993. According to the Baltimore Sun, he watched the Olympics from his home, saying he was “on pins and needles” every time Michael dove into the pool. But, the New York Post reported that Fred has yet to call his son to congratulate him on his Olympic accomplishments.

Following the divorce, Fred Phelps had little contact with his son. Prior to the 2004 Olympics, Michael told a reporter that his father hadn’t even called to congratulate him when he set his first world record. However, the two reconciled prior to the Athens Games and Fred even made the trip to watch his son win six golds and two bronzes. Since then, however, the relationship has reportedly fractured.

It’s too bad that their relationship has soured. I do give the man credit for not making a big deal out of it. Although, if he was in the wrong, then he’d have good reason not to expose himself.

One thing I do give the man credit for: Michael Phelps’ dad has great genes.

Hey everyone my name is Travis and i will be the writer here on pure tv sports. Sports is probably the most watched thing on televison overall so its fitting that we have plenty to talk about.
Soo lets start with the obvious and easy things..the Olympics.. and well for the most part all you can say about Michael Phelps is DAMNNNN the man is possesed and we dont need to get into that because we all know it.. but damn.. also the Redeem Team is looking great winning games by an average of over 30 points, there was a ton of uncertainty about USA basketball after the past 8 years with no international championships but once again the americans look poised to dominate the games and bring home a huge gold that basketball fans in america needed. Next i took a look over at track and field and the one and only Usain Boldt. For everyone who got a chance to see this guy do his thing in the 200 and 100 you cant help but be taken back at watching a human being move that fast without wheels. As far as the americans are concerned in track and field … they have been overall doing fairly well with medal sweep in the mens 400 and also with medals in the womens and mens hurdels. As Far as non Phelps aquatics are concerned the Chinese have dominated the diving which seems natural the American womens waterpolo team has looked very good and the mens waterpolo team has also looked strong showing a 4-1 record. Next we go to volleyball where the American sand volleyball team of Rogers and Daulhausser are in the Gold Medal Game against Brazil while the womens sand team looks just as good and is also getting ready to play in the gold medal game, while the men and womens indoor teams have both advanced out of pool play and each have won their first quarterfinal matches. Overall so far America is leading the medal count by four but are trailing the gold medal count by 19 to China who has 45 golds… this gap should narrow here in the next couple weeks with the strongest american sports closing out. well i will close this out with a clip of the week , this has been my favorite moment of the olympics so far with two great NBA superstars hooking up to make an awesome play.

As Rocky mentioned in my previous post, Michael Phelps could have possibly offered a more exciting moment at the Olympic games. You can watch the video on NBC

I would still possibly argue that the other is more exciting, because Jason Lezak wasn’t the famous Michael Phelps. Plus, the way he came back on the swimmer was unbelievable. Michael Phelps was suppose to come back at the end and finish well. It was just a question of whether he could come all the way back or not.

I will say that Phelps 100m Fly win was the closest race I’ve ever seen and one where you thought that he’d lost until you saw the flags come out showing that he won. Plus, his mom and coach’s reactions are priceless.

The Olympics is quite possibly some of the best Sports TV of all.

The closest finish in olympic history. Probably the most exciting swimming can ever get. Jason Lezak at 25 meters looks like he didn’t have a chance at all. Then, some miracle happened. It’s impossible that he was able to make it back. Absolutely the most incredible moment in the Beijing Olympics up until now.

Enjoy the video of Jason Lezak finishing the 4 x 100 swimming relay.

via videosift.com