Perhaps the most decorated Olympian is Michael Phelps in history, but he isn’t the only winning competitor in his family. Michael Phelps Wife, Nicole Johnson, has her own impressive accolades and a remarkable journey. From her pageant days to her current role Aas a supportive partner and mother, here’s everything you need to know about Michael Phelps wife, Nicole Johnson.
Meeting at the 2007 ESPY Awards
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson met in 2007 at the ESPY Awards, an event celebrating excellence in sports. At the time, Johnson was working as an athlete escort for ESPN. Phelps, who was presenting an award, and Johnson connected right away. Despite Johnson’s initial hesitation (she admitted she had hoped to be assigned to a different athlete), fate had other plans.
Nicole Johnson A Pageant Star
Nicole Johnson’s journey to becoming Michael Phelps wife began long before they met. At the age of 17, she entered the Miss California Teenager pageant, inspired by the scholarship prize that could help her transfer from Moorpark College to the University of Southern California. She emerged as the first runner-up among 304 contestants.
2010 Johnson’s hard work paid off when she won Miss California USA at 24. She went on to compete in the Miss USA pageant, where she placed in the top 10, solidifying her status as a pageant star.
Academic and Professional Achievements
Nicole Johnson graduated from the University of Southern California in 2007 with a degree in communications. Her marketing expertise led her to work with the Miss Universe organization and serve as an ambassador for the state of California. Johnson also worked in marketing for a Mercedes-Benz dealership and was the official jeweler for Miss California USA.
Since 2015, she has been an ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation, promoting water safety, wellness, and both physical and mental health.
Michael Phelps Wife, A Love Story with Ups and Downs
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson’s relationship had its ups and downs. After dating on and off for several years, they split in late 2011. However, in 2014, they rekindled their romance, realizing they were meant to be together. By February 2015, they were engaged, and in June 2016, they secretly wed in a private backyard ceremony officiated by Phelps’ agent, Peter Carlisle.
Multiple Weddings
The couple didn’t continue at one wedding. They held three separate ceremonies to celebrate their union. The first was the secret backyard ceremony in June 2016, followed by an intimate, formal ceremony in Mexico’s Cabo San Lucas on October 29, 2016, attended by 50 of their closest friends and family. The third celebration took place on New Year’s Eve 2016 at the Waldorf Astoria Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, with a 1920s-themed party.
A Growing Family
Michael Phelps Wife Nicole Johnson are proud parents of four sons. Their first child, Boomer Robert Phelps, was born on May 5, 2016, the day before the Olympics in Rio. Their second son, Beckett Richard, arrived on February 12, 2018, followed by Maverick Nicholas on September 9, 2019. The family welcomed their fourth son, Nico Michael, on January 16, 2024.
Passion for Fitness and Wellness
While Michael Phelps is known for his swimming prowess, Nicole Johnson also leads an active lifestyle. She enjoys golfing, hiking with her boys, and playing pickleball with Phelps. Johnson credits her husband for inspiring her to start weightlifting, which she shares on Instagram, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health.
The Role of Michael Phelps Wife Support and Strength
Nicole Johnson plays a crucial role in Michael Phelps’ life, especially when it comes to his struggles with mental health. Phelps has been open about his battles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Johnson’s unwavering support has been a pillar of strength for him. “She’s everything for me,” Phelps has said. “I’ve been able to truly find my best friend, somebody who’s seen me on my best and worst days, and so far, she hasn’t run yet.”
Johnson has also shared her fears and dedication to supporting Phelps, particularly after the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant in 2020. She now attends therapy to better understand how to help Phelps and to take care of her own mental health.
Advancing Mental Health Initiatives
Michael Phelps Wife Nicole Johnson work to advance mental health initiatives through the Michael Phelps Foundation. Johnson serves as an ambassador, promoting the foundation’s water safety, wellness, and mental health mission.
Celebrating Their Love and Future Together
After celebrating their eighth anniversary in June 2024, Phelps expressed gratitude and excitement for the future with Michael Phelps Wife. “I’m not saying every single day is easy, but I think that’s why we’re together because we challenge each other to improve and grow together. So that’s something that I adore,” he told PEOPLE.
Teaching Their Children About Mental Health
Michael Phelps Wife Nicole Johnson’s dedication to mental health extends to their parenting. They have taken proactive steps to teach their four sons about emotional wellbeing from a young age. The couple uses various techniques to help their children understand and manage their emotions, including the breathing exercise known as “lion’s breath.” This approach emphasizes the importance of addressing feelings openly and constructively, instilling in their children the values of love, compassion, and resilience.
Nicole Johnson’s Role in the Michael Phelps Foundation
As an ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation, Nicole Johnson plays a significant role in promoting mental health, wellness, and water safety. Her involvement goes beyond being a supportive spouse; she actively participates in initiatives and events to positively impact communities. The foundation’s programs focus on providing resources and education to help individuals lead mentally and physically healthier lives.
Balancing Family Life and Public Roles
Balancing the demands of public life and family responsibilities can be challenging, but Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson have found a way to make it work. They prioritize spending quality time with their children, ensuring that family always comes first. Whether attending their sons’ sports events or enjoying family outings, they make it a point to create lasting memories together.
The Journey Ahead
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson are excited about the future and its adventures. They continue to support each other in their pursuits while maintaining a solid partnership. Their shared commitment to mental health advocacy, fitness, and family ensures that they will continue to grow and thrive together.
Nicole Johnson The Queen of the Household
Affectionately referred to as the “queen of the household,” Nicole Johnson manages the lively dynamics of a family with four young boys. Her nurturing nature and organizational skills keep the household running smoothly, creating a loving and stable environment for their children. Johnson’s ability to balance her role as a mother with her professional and philanthropic endeavors is a testament to her strength and dedication.
Michael Phelps Wife, Nicole Johnson
Michael Phelps wife, Nicole Johnson, is an extraordinary woman whose life is filled with accomplishments and dedication. Johnson embodies resilience, grace, and compassion from her early days as a pageant competitor to her current role as a supportive partner, mother, and mental health advocate. Her unwavering support for Phelps and active involvement in the Michael Phelps Foundation highlight her commitment to making a difference in the world.
Their love story, marked by challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration to many. Together, Michael Phelps Wife Nicole Johnson continue to build a life filled with love, growth, and purpose, proving that with the proper support, even the most decorated Olympian can find strength and solace in the arms of Michael Phelps Wife.
Conclusion
Michael Phelps wife, Nicole Johnson, is more than just a partner to the most decorated Olympian. She is a former pageant star, a dedicated mother, a fitness enthusiast, and a passionate advocate for mental health. Her journey and unwavering support for Phelps make their love story truly inspiring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Michael Phelps wife?
Michael Phelps' wife is Nicole Johnson. She is a former Miss California USA, a communications graduate from the University of Southern California, and a fervent supporter of wellbeing and mental health.
How did Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson meet?
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson met at the 2007 ESPY Awards. Johnson was working as an athlete escort for ESPN, and Phelps was presenting an award. They clicked right away and soon after started dating.
When did Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson get married?
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson were married in a private backyard ceremony on June 13, 2016. They later held two additional wedding celebrations: one on October 29, 2016, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico,, and another in Phoenix, Arizona, on New Year's Eve 2016.
How many children do Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson have?
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson have four sons: Boomer Robert Phelps, born on May 5, 2016; Beckett Richard Phelps, born on February 12, 2018; Maverick Nicholas Phelps, born on September 9, 2019; and Nico Michael Phelps, born on January 16, 2024.
What is Nicole Johnson's role in the Michael Phelps Foundation?
Nicole Johnson serves as an ambassador for the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes water safety, wellness, and physical and mental health. Johnson is actively involved in various initiatives and events to support these causes.
What did Nicole Johnson do before she married Michael Phelps?
Before marrying Michael Phelps, Nicole Johnson had a successful career in pageantry and marketing. She won Miss California USA in 2010 and ranked among the top 10 contestants for Miss USA. She also worked in marketing for the Miss Universe organization and a Mercedes-Benz dealership.
How does Nicole Johnson support Michael Phelps with his mental health struggles?
Nicole Johnson has been a steadfast support for Michael Phelps throughout his battles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. She attends therapy to understand better how to help him and emphasizes the importance of mental health within their family. Johnson's unwavering support has been crucial in Phelps' journey towards better mental health.
What are some activities that Nicole Johnson enjoys?
Nicole Johnson enjoys various physical activities, including golfing, hiking, pickleball, and weightlifting. She often shares her fitness journey on Instagram, emphasizing the value of good bodily and mental health.
How does Nicole Johnson manage family life with four sons?
Nicole Johnson manages family life with her four sons by creating a loving and organized household. She balances her role as a mother with her professional and philanthropic endeavors, ensuring that her children grow up in a stable and nurturing environment.
What initiatives do Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson focus on together?
Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson focus on mental health initiatives through the Michael Phelps Foundation. They work together to promote water safety, wellness, and mental health awareness, aiming to impact communities positively.