The Golden Legacy: Everything To Know About Michael Phelps's 4 Sons And Their Lives In December 2025

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The family of the most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps, continues to grow, with the latest addition cementing the legendary swimmer’s focus on his post-athletic life: fatherhood. As of today, December 23, 2025, Michael Phelps and his wife, Nicole Johnson, are proud parents to four young sons, all of whom are being raised with a unique emphasis on emotional wellness, a core pillar of the retired athlete’s public advocacy.

The Phelps household is now a bustling family of six, with the newest member, Nico Michael Phelps, joining the crew in early 2024. While the world remembers Phelps for his 28 Olympic medals and unprecedented dominance in the pool, his current chapter is dedicated to his boys, teaching them to navigate life’s pressures—a lesson he learned later in his own career. This article provides a comprehensive look at the four Phelps boys, their lives, and the powerful parenting philosophy guiding their upbringing.

Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson: A Family Profile and Biography

The foundation of the Phelps family is built on the enduring partnership between the Olympic icon and his wife, a former beauty queen and mental health advocate in her own right. Their relationship, which began in 2007, endured several on-again, off-again periods before they officially tied the knot, proving a deep, resilient bond.

  • Michael Fred Phelps II:
    • Born: June 30, 1985 (Baltimore, Maryland)
    • Career: Retired competitive swimmer; most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals (23 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze).
    • Key Advocacy: High-profile mental health advocate, speaking openly about his struggles with depression and ADHD. He produced and narrated the HBO documentary *The Weight of Gold* (2020).
    • Foundation: Founder of the *Michael Phelps Foundation*, focusing on water safety, wellness, and the IM Program for kids.
  • Nicole Michele Johnson Phelps:
    • Born: July 12, 1985 (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
    • Career: Former model and beauty queen; crowned Miss California USA in 2010.
    • Role: Co-advocate and partner in Michael’s mental health journey, often sharing her perspective on supporting a spouse through emotional challenges.
    • Marriage: Married Michael Phelps in a private ceremony on June 13, 2016, following their engagement in February 2015.

Meet the Four Sons: Boomer, Beckett, Maverick, and Nico

The Phelps household is an all-boys club, a source of constant energy and joy for the couple. Each son has a unique place in the family, with their names often reflecting a strong, independent spirit.

1. Boomer Robert Phelps (Age 9)

Boomer is the eldest son, born on May 5, 2016. As of December 2025, he is 9 years old. Boomer was a constant fixture at the 2016 Rio Olympics, often seen with his mother in the stands, making him famous before he was even a year old. He is known for his high energy and has been described by his father as potentially carrying on the swimming legacy, though Michael insists there is no pressure.

2. Beckett Richard Phelps (Age 7)

Beckett, the middle child for a time, was born on February 12, 2018, making him 7 years old in late 2025. His middle name, Richard, is a tribute to Michael’s long-time coach, Bob Bowman, whose middle name is Richard. Beckett often appears in family photos showing a playful, curious nature, frequently engaging in activities alongside his older and younger brothers.

3. Maverick Nicolas Phelps (Age 6)

Maverick was born on September 13, 2019, and is 6 years old as of the current date. The name Maverick, meaning "independent" or "nonconformist," perfectly suits his position as the third son in a high-profile family. His birth completed the trio of boys that the Phelps family often referred to before the surprise announcement of their fourth pregnancy.

4. Nico Michael Phelps (Age 1)

Nico is the newest addition to the Phelps family, born on January 16, 2024. As of December 2025, he is nearly 2 years old. His name, Nico Michael Phelps, pays tribute to both his mother (Nicole) and father (Michael). His arrival was announced with joy, completing the family of six and marking a new chapter for Michael and Nicole as parents of four young boys.

The Phelps Parenting Philosophy: Prioritizing Mental Health Over Medals

The most unique and influential aspect of the Phelps family life is the parents' commitment to making mental health a standard part of their children's daily routine. This philosophy is a direct result of Michael Phelps's personal battles with anxiety and depression, which he now views as a crucial lesson to pass on to his sons.

Phelps and Johnson have made a conscious effort to normalize the discussion of feelings and emotions, a practice that is still uncommon in many households. They aim to teach their boys that "it’s okay to not be okay" and that managing emotions is just as important as any physical training or academic success.

The 'Emotional Toolbox' for Young Athletes

Michael often speaks about giving his children an "emotional toolbox" to handle life's inevitable pressures. This involves:

  • Open Communication: Encouraging the boys to verbalize their feelings, whether they are happy, sad, or frustrated.
  • Identifying Emotions: Nicole Johnson has shared that they work with the boys to identify and name their emotions, rather than bottling them up.
  • Mindfulness and Wellness: The *Michael Phelps Foundation* promotes the IM Program, which focuses on swimming, wellness education, and goal-setting for children, integrating movement with mental well-being.

Navigating the Olympic Shadow

One of the biggest challenges for the Phelps boys is the shadow of their father's extraordinary Olympic legacy. Michael and Nicole are very intentional about letting their sons choose their own paths. While all the boys are involved in water safety and have been in the pool since infancy, their father insists there is absolutely no pressure for them to become competitive swimmers. The focus is on finding what they love, whether it's swimming, golf, or another passion entirely, ensuring their childhood is defined by their own interests, not their father's 23 gold medals.

The family often shares heartwarming moments on social media, showcasing a life filled with sports, travel, and close-knit family time. Entities like the city of Baltimore, the *Michael Phelps Foundation*, and the advocacy group *Talkspace* are central to the family's public presence, highlighting their commitment to a life of purpose beyond the pool. As Boomer, Beckett, Maverick, and Nico grow, they are poised to be the next generation carrying forward the message that true success lies not just in achievement, but in emotional resilience and mental wellness.

michael phelps kids
michael phelps kids

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