After dominating the swimming world for years, Michael Phelps has officially hung up his racing suit. With five Olympic Games under his belt and an astonishing 28 medals, he’s now traded the pool for parenthood. The legendary swimmer tied the knot with former Miss California USA, Nicole Johnson, in 2016, and together they’ve built a family of six. Now, the focus isn’t just about breaking records but raising four little boys who keep him on his toes every day.
Meet Boomer: The Eldest Phelps Son
Boomer Robert Phelps made his grand entrance on May 5, 2016, seven months before his parents officially said "I do." This little bundle of joy got to experience history firsthand when he traveled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at just three months old to watch his dad compete in the 2016 Olympics. While Boomer slept through some of the events and wore protective headphones to shield his delicate ears from the noise, he became an instant celebrity in his own right. After retiring from competitive swimming, Michael expressed his excitement about shifting gears. "I’m leaving Rio to focus on Boomer," he shared. "This is my one chance with him, and I’m determined to be the hands-on dad he deserves."
Becoming a father transformed Michael in ways he never imagined. "Fatherhood has changed me in the best possible way," he admitted. "I’m ready for this new chapter in life." During a lighthearted appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Michael revealed the story behind Boomer's unique name. "We wanted something out of the ordinary, and when we stumbled upon 'Boomer,' it just clicked," he explained. "There was no backup plan—once we decided, we were all in. He’s definitely going to be the coolest kid on the block." By June 2023, Boomer had completed kindergarten, marking another milestone in his young life.
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Beckett: The Second Addition to the Phelps Family
Just a year after welcoming Boomer, Nicole and Michael announced they were expecting their second child in August 2017. On February 12, 2018, Beckett Richard Phelps joined the family. Michael couldn’t contain his joy as he shared the news on Instagram: "Magical moments yesterday… Nicole and I are thrilled to introduce Beckett Richard Phelps to the world! We’re grateful for a healthy baby boy and a healthy mama."
Beckett quickly became the face of Huggies’ Little Swimmers diapers at just 11 weeks old, proving that the Phelps boys have star power even outside the pool. Michael expressed his excitement about diving into family adventures together. "We’re looking forward to enjoying the water as a family of four this summer," he said. "Partnering with Huggies Little Swimmers feels like the perfect way to create a fun #WaterPlaybook for babies, ensuring they feel confident and comfortable in the water." Nicole later shared on Instagram that Beckett has a soft spot for animals, especially unique creatures like axolotls, goblin sharks, and deep-sea dwellers from the midnight zone.
Maverick: The Third Phelps Boy
Michael and Nicole’s family expanded further on September 9, 2019, with the arrival of Maverick Nicholas Phelps. The proud dad took to Instagram to announce the news: "Family of 5! Welcome @mavericknphelps to the world! Born 9-9-19. Mama and baby are healthy, and the boys are pumped to be big brothers! #housefullofboys"
Michael revealed in an interview with People how Nicole felt about their all-boy household. "Nicole said something along the lines of, 'I’m so lucky to have a house full of boys and no girls,'" he recounted. "But Boomer chimed in, saying, 'Mommy, you’re the girl in our house.' And it’s true—she’s the queen of our little kingdom."
Nico: The Newest Phelps Addition
The Phelps family welcomed their fourth son, Nico Michael Phelps, on January 16, 2024. The couple shared the heartwarming news on Instagram: "We’re so blessed to be given a 4th child. We’re now a family of 6!" As their brood continues to grow, Michael and Nicole remain committed to raising their boys with love, laughter, and plenty of adventures.
