I LOVE when NBC broadcasts a split-screen that shows U.S. Olympic swimming phenomenon Michael Phelps during his contests for gold and Debbie Phelps, the champion’s mother, in the stands simultaneously.  I honestly don’t know who’s more exciting to watch! 

“My heart’s pounding, my stomach is starting to do flip flops, but I’m trying to be very composed on the outside.  I hope it comes across that way.  It’s no vacation for me,” Michael’s mom has been quoted as saying.  (I felt the same way when all three of my kids played sports and came up to bat, shot on goal or whatever -- and there wasn’t an Olympic athlete in the bunch!!  I’m pretty sure this vicarious “suffering” is a universal mother thing.) 

Though it’s definitely Michael’s hard work and perseverance slicing through the water at record speeds, it’s also Debbie’s many sacrifices and limitless devotion that have propelled him toward his goals (and "golds"), well, forever.

Aside from being Michael’s biggest fan and supporter, the proud mom has become an extremely knowledgeable swimming fan.  While sitting poolside, she’s learned all the pool rules and the standing American and world records, however, she steers clear of dispensing coaching advice.

“…I’m a very strong advocate of [the idea that] I’m the parent not the coach or the agent or whatever there is to be,” explained Debbie. “…And when we’re home, we’re home as a family.”  Sounds like a smart and experienced mother (Michael is her third child and only son).

Michael set out to break Mark Spitz’s gold medal record (7 in one Olympic Game), and he’s well on his way:  six down, and two to go.  And, along with people all over the world, I’ll be watching Michael…and his mom.