LONDON — The race had been over for nearly an hour, the medal ceremony long finished. The four American swimmers smiled their telegenic grins and held their gold between their thumbs and forefingers for the cameras. But Michael Phelps wasn’t done. He still had a ritual to attend to, the one that began as a 7-year-old at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club: Find Mom.
“I love you so much,” Debbie Phelps said, as she and her only son began crying together.
Graphic
Dressed for success? See world records set during each swimsuit era, from tiny briefs to “shiny suits.”
Michael Phelps had his 19th Olympic medal, more than any athlete has ever won.
Forty-eight years ago in Tokyo, a Soviet gymnast named Larisa Latynina won the last of her 18 medals. Phelps had equaled Latynina’s record earlier Tuesday with a disappointing silver in the 200-meter butterfly, his signature event. But shortly after 9
“I love you so much,” Debbie Phelps said, as she and her only son began crying together.
Graphic
Dressed for success? See world records set during each swimsuit era, from tiny briefs to “shiny suits.”
Michael Phelps had his 19th Olympic medal, more than any athlete has ever won.
Forty-eight years ago in Tokyo, a Soviet gymnast named Larisa Latynina won the last of her 18 medals. Phelps had equaled Latynina’s record earlier Tuesday with a disappointing silver in the 200-meter butterfly, his signature event. But shortly after 9