Michael Phelps: Mom's Influence May Mean London Games Aren't End of Phelps

A mom knows best.

If Michael Phelps' mom, Debbie, has her way, the best swimmer in the world will be back for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. While Michael has said that he will retire after the London Games, Debbie is looking for more.

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"Debbie Phelps, Michael's mother, still likes the idea of him going to Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Olympics, in part because she wants to travel there. His consolation for her: 'We'll go watch.'" CNN

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Debbie has been a huge influence on Michael's life. He would not be where he is today without her dedication and support.

When Michael was growing up, his parents divorced at a tough time in his life. He was having difficulty focusing as a young boy, and the distractions of a broken home couldn't have helped.

However, his mom was his rock.

Whether it was the fact that she was trying to be a full-time parent while also going back to school to earn her Master's degree and become an educational administrator, or that she would drive Michael and his sisters to swim practices twice a day, she became everything he needed at such a critical point in his life.

Debbie has made a monumental impact on her son's life, and she continues to do so.

She was asked to walk at Fashion Week, during which she gave her son a kiss when she was halfway down the runway.

The two have remained close, and are even featured together on a Subway commercial.

There's no doubt that the Phelps family is close, and that they have influence over one another. While I'd be surprised if she would do anything that she knew would upset her son, Debbie Phelps may try to persuade her son to go to Rio for the 2016 Games.

Despite Phelps' claims that he will retire, the door may be ajar, thanks to his mom.

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