“Grateful for those”- Michael Phelps’ wife gets real about standing up amid rise in false rumours

Michael Phelps’ wife Nicole Johnson recently expressed her gratitude towards her friends and family who provided her and the former swimmer unwavering support during their difficult times. Phelps and Johnson married after years of dating.

They first met during the 2007 ESPY Awards, where Johnson served as a model to escort athletes on the red carpet. They began dating on and off in 2009 and went their separate ways in 2011. However, the couple got back together in 2014 and got engaged in February 2015. They went on to exchange their wedding vows in a closed ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, in June 2016, after the birth of their eldest son, Boomer.

Johnson and Phelps are living a cheerful life. The former model recently reshared a heartfelt message that highlighted the importance of having people who back a person, even in their absence.

"Shoutout to the people who protect you even when you are not around," the quote read. "The ones who squash any false rumours and reject conversations that are set to belittle you. The ones who pray for you and shield your back rather than pierce it.'

Reflecting on her past experiences, Johnson highlighted that she and Phelps also experienced the same situation and expressed her gratitude.

"I'm thankful for those who do this...a few weeks ago @m_phelps00 & I felt this loud and clear. We are so grateful for those people."

Screenshot of Nicole Johnson's Instagram story.

Phelps and Nicole Johnson share four sons, including Boomer, Beckett Richard Phelps, Maverick Nicholas Phelps, and Nico Michael Phelps.

Michael Phelps once opened up about how Nicole Johnson helped him during his mental health struggles

Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson at the 2023 Gala at The Beverly Hilton in California. (Photo - Getty Images)

Michael Phelps once opened up about Nicole Johnson's role during his mental health struggles phase. The former swimmer has experienced mental setbacks multiple times in his legendary career, especially after his appearances at the Olympic Games. In an interview with Today.com in 2021, he highlighted that his wife always stood unfazed beside him, even though she herself needed the support.

“Nicole loves me and wants to help. She wants me to get better,” Phelps said. “But she’s also struggling herself. She needs that support as well. I know it’s hard for her. I feel like Nicole and I are closer than ever.”

Phelps experienced post-Olympics depression after the 2004, 2008, and 2012 editions.