Beyond The Gold: 7 Surprising Facts About Michael Phelps' Wife, Nicole Johnson Phelps, In 2025
Nicole Johnson Phelps, the wife of the most decorated Olympian in history, Michael Phelps, is far more than just a supportive spouse. As of December 2025, she has established herself as a powerful force in mental health advocacy, a dedicated mother to four young boys, and a pivotal figure in the Michael Phelps Foundation. Her journey from a beauty queen to a philanthropic leader highlights a life dedicated to family, wellness, and using her platform for positive change.
This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the life of Nicole Johnson Phelps, offering unique insights into her career, her role in their family's commitment to mental wellness, and the latest news surrounding her and the legendary swimmer.
Nicole Johnson Phelps: Full Biography and Profile
- Full Name: Nicole Michele Johnson Phelps
- Date of Birth: July 12, 1985
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 40
- Place of Birth: Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
- Education: University of Southern California (Communications)
- Spouse: Michael Phelps (Married 2016)
- Children: Four Sons: Boomer Robert (b. 2016), Beckett Richard (b. 2018), Maverick Nicolas (b. 2019), and Nico Michael (b. 2024)
- Titles: Miss California USA 2010 (Competed in Miss USA)
- Current Role: President and Ambassador of the Michael Phelps Foundation
- Former Career: Marketing Professional, worked at ESPN
The Evolution from Beauty Queen to Mental Health Advocate
Nicole Johnson Phelps first gained public recognition through the pageant circuit. In 2010, she was crowned Miss California USA and went on to compete in the Miss USA pageant, showcasing her poise and ambition to a national audience.
However, her career trajectory quickly shifted towards philanthropy and advocacy, a path that has defined her public persona in the last decade. Since 2015, she has been an Ambassador—and now the President—of the Michael Phelps Foundation (MPF).
The MPF focuses on three core pillars: promoting water safety, encouraging wellness, and advancing physical and mental health.
In recent years, Nicole has become particularly vocal about mental health, standing alongside Michael, who has openly shared his struggles with depression and anxiety.
She provides the crucial perspective of a partner and parent navigating mental health challenges, making her work with the foundation deeply personal and profoundly impactful.
Her role involves more than just lending her name; she is actively involved in the foundation’s initiatives, including the "IM Program," which helps children learn water safety and emotional regulation.
A Family of Six: Raising Four Sons and Teaching Emotional Literacy
The Phelps family expanded significantly in 2024 with the arrival of their fourth son, Nico Michael Phelps.
The couple, who married in two separate ceremonies in 2016 (a small private ceremony in Cabo San Lucas and a larger celebration in Arizona), now manage a bustling household with four boys: Boomer (9), Beckett (7), Maverick (6), and Nico (1).
Nicole often shares glimpses of their family life on social media, demonstrating a commitment to raising emotionally intelligent children.
She has openly discussed how she and Michael teach their sons about emotional literacy, emphasizing that "we don't hide from emotions" in their household.
This approach is a direct extension of their mental health advocacy, ensuring their children understand that it is acceptable and necessary to express their feelings, whether they are happy, sad, or angry.
This focus on open communication and vulnerability is a cornerstone of their parenting philosophy, setting a powerful example for families worldwide.
The Partnership: Supporting the Olympian's Legacy and Beyond
Nicole's relationship with Michael Phelps is a well-documented story of enduring love and unwavering support through extreme highs and challenging lows.
They first met at the ESPY Awards in 2007, where Nicole was working as a professional at ESPN, responsible for escorting athletes on the red carpet.
Their journey has included a brief separation, a reconciliation, and finally, their two weddings in 2016, following the birth of their first son, Boomer.
She has been his "unwavering support" through his Olympic triumphs, including his final appearance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and crucially, through his personal struggles with mental health.
In 2024, she continued to show her support for the sport, attending the swimming events at the Paris Olympics and sharing a heartfelt message about the experience.
Today, their partnership is a powerful brand focused on leveraging their combined fame for philanthropic initiatives and business ventures, particularly those related to mental wellness.
Nicole Johnson Phelps has successfully carved out her own identity as a dedicated philanthropist, a strong advocate for mental health, and the foundation of a growing family, ensuring her legacy extends far beyond her husband's 23 Olympic gold medals.
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