"Nothing better than being a dad" - Michael Phelps shares a touching message on Father's Day

Michael Phelps, arguably the greatest Olympian, shared a heartwarming message on International Father's Day. He has four sons named Boomer, Beckett Richard, Maverick Nicholas, and Nico Michael.

Phelps, the 23-time Olympic individual gold medalist, retired from competition after his 2016 Rio Olympics stint. He walked out with the title of the most medals won in the Olympics (28) and also the United States' 1001st all-time Summer Olympics gold medal.

Off the swimming pool, Michael Phelps has always been a great father to Boomer, Beckett, and Maverick. Nico, the fourth child, graced Phelps and his wife Nicole's life in January 2024, extending the family to six members. Celebrating the heartwarming news, the retired Olympian was 'blessed to be given a 4th child'.

Fast forward to now, when Nico is enjoying his fifth month with his three brothers being his playmates, Michael Phelps posted an adorable photo on International Father's Day, wishing himself and all the others who've welcomed fatherhood. His Instagram post read:

"Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!! Nothing better than being a dad."

Phelps posted a photo of all six of them in a sporting arena, with three preadolescent boys struggling to stand still for a photo, while the youngest one was tied to his mother's chest.

Boomer, the oldest of them all, took a dip in the water when he was just two, accompanied by his legendary father. The now eight-year-old takes an interest in soccer and golf and will look to follow in his father's athletic footsteps.

The second son, Beckett, 5, shares a passion for animals instead, different from what his older brother dreams of. Maverick, the third boy aged four, nicknamed 'Mav' has been a perfect play companion for the boys.

"The best daddy we could ever ask for" - Nicole Phelps on Michael Phelps

Swimming - Olympics: Day 8

Nicole Phelps, the 2010 Miss California USA, competed in the Miss USA pageant. Having met in 2007 and started dating in 2009, the couple broke up in 2012 until they reunited in 2014. They tied the knot in 2016 and are now proud parents to four sons.

On International Father's Day, Nicole Phelps captured her husband Michael's strong bond with the four boys by sharing a carousel of photos. In the pictures, he was seen with a sleeping kid in his arms, sharing field time with the other and posing in front of an airplane with another. He also carried Nico, the youngest, in a baby carrier.

The caption read:

"The best daddy we could ever ask for. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads, grandpas, step dads, uncles, friends who are dads, father figures, …. Out there. You are all loved and you are enough. "