A Golden Love Story: Michael Phelps' Enduring Journey with Nicole Johnson

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Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, has captivated the world not only with his unparalleled swimming achievements but also with his complex and ultimately enduring romantic journey. While his career was marked by relentless pursuit of excellence in the pool, his personal life, particularly his path to finding lasting love, has been a story of on-again, off-again moments, public scrutiny, and profound commitment, culminating in his marriage to Nicole Johnson.

Before settling down, Phelps was linked to several notable personalities, reflecting the intense public interest in his life. One of his earliest rumored connections was with Australian swimmer Stephanie Rice in August 2008. Reports suggested a brief romance during the Beijing Olympics, though Rice remained coy about the details, and Phelps never publicly addressed the speculation.

Later in 2008, Phelps was reportedly involved with waitress Caroline Pal. Their relationship, which lasted into April 2009, was significant enough for Phelps to introduce Pal to his family during Thanksgiving. While rumors of a reconciliation surfaced in March 2013, their connection ultimately faded.

In April 2009, controversial former Miss California Carrie Prejean was linked to Phelps. Although Prejean's grandmother publicly confirmed their outings, Phelps himself denied the relationship, stating, "I'm not dating anybody. I'm single. My private life stays private." The rumors quickly dissipated following his firm denial.

A brief romance was reported with socialite Brittny Gastineau from November 2010 to February 2011. Sources close to the couple confirmed the budding relationship, noting Gastineau's understanding of his athletic background. However, like previous connections, this relationship was short-lived, and neither party extensively commented on it.

Phelps' first widely publicized relationship in the spotlight was with model Megan Rossee, which became public in August 2012 when they made a red carpet appearance. Though they reportedly began dating five months prior, their relationship lasted less than a year, ending in December 2012. The split was confirmed by media outlets, with both Phelps and Rossee posting cryptic messages on social media hinting at the breakup.

In June 2013, Phelps was reported to be dating Golf Channel reporter Win McMurry, with sources confirming their item after they attended the ESPY Awards together. However, this relationship also appeared to be brief, with no further public appearances or comments from either Phelps or McMurry after December 2013.

A more controversial, albeit brief, connection emerged in 2014 with Taylor Lianne Chandler, whom Phelps reportedly met on a dating app. Chandler later went public with claims of being his girlfriend and revealed she was intersex, a disclosure that reportedly upset Phelps due to its public nature and lack of prior communication. This relationship was short-lived and occurred just before a pivotal reunion in Phelps' life.

The most significant and enduring chapter of Michael Phelps' romantic history began and ultimately solidified with Nicole Johnson. They first met at the ESPY Awards in 2007, where Johnson was working as an athlete escort. Their relationship was initially on-again, off-again for nearly eight years, marked by periods of separation in 2008 and 2011. Johnson later reflected on these breaks, emphasizing that they were necessary for both individuals to grow and mature. "We both had a lot of growing up to do," she stated in a 2016 interview with Cosmopolitan, adding that they needed time apart to appreciate one another.

Their reconciliation in 2014 marked a turning point, signaling a deeper commitment. Phelps proposed to Johnson in February 2015, sharing the happy news with an Instagram post of them embracing in the snow, her engagement ring prominent. Phelps spoke openly about their journey, telling USA Today in April 2015, "Her and I have been on and off for eight years. It's been a long time. We've been through a lot. But I love her to death. We've been able to grow as a couple through everything we've been through, the positive changes I've made in my life."

The couple welcomed their first son, Boomer Robert Phelps, on May 5, 2016, just months before the Rio Olympics. Their marriage was initially a secret, with a private ceremony held on June 13, 2016, officiated by Phelps' agent, Peter Carlisle. This quiet union was primarily to facilitate Johnson's legal name change for easier international travel with their newborn son during the Olympics. Later that year, after the Rio Games, they celebrated with a more formal destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on October 29, 2016, attended by 50 close friends and family, with Boomer serving as the ring bearer. A third, larger 1920s-themed celebration followed on New Year's Eve 2016 at the Waldorf Astoria Arizona Biltmore Resort.

The Phelps family continued to grow with the arrival of Beckett Richard on February 12, 2018, Maverick Nicolas on September 9, 2019, and most recently, Nico Michael on January 16, 2024. Nicole Johnson has been a steadfast support for Michael, particularly through his public struggles with mental health. Phelps has consistently credited her as "the glue that holds all of us together," acknowledging her unwavering support through his challenges with anxiety and depression. Johnson, in turn, has spoken about the importance of open communication and seeking therapy to better support her husband and their family.

Today, Michael and Nicole Phelps are a family of six, residing in Paradise Valley, Arizona. Their relationship, built on years of shared experiences, challenges, and growth, stands as a testament to perseverance and deep affection. Nicole actively serves as an ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation, working alongside her husband to promote water safety, wellness, and mental health awareness, embodying a partnership that extends far beyond their personal lives.