The Olympics have not only showed off the amazing athletes, but the amazing parents who have helped them achieve their dreams. Here are a few of the favorites from the Olympic games that raised these medal-winning superstars.
1. Lynn and Rick Raisman
Lynn and Rick Raisman are America's favorite Olympic parents. Their comical reaction to watching daughter Aly compete have captivated millions of Americans and spawned plenty of memes. The world was first introduced to the Raisman's at the 2012 Olympics in London because of their very interesting reactions to daughter Aly competing in gymnastics.
Lynn did an interview with People magazine and explained her reactions and it was super sweet. "Everything they've worked for for years is now happening, and it all comes down to a few seconds on some pieces of equipment. So it's really nerve-wracking, because the stakes are just so high!" So sweet!
2. Debbie Phelps
Debbie Phelps is arguably the mom with the most visits to the olympics to watch legend son Michael Phelps swim. Phelps has appeared in every summer Olympics since 2000. This means Debbie has been to a remarkable FIVE OLYMPICS to watch her son out swim most of his competition. Debbie has even been spoofed on Saturday Night Live by funny woman, Amy Poehler. She has been known to be super supportive and her son's number one fan.
Even though this Olympics was his last and he is now retired, his mom isn't ready to see him do so. But Michael is looking forward to being a full-time dad to newborn son, Boomer, and planning his wedding to fiancee Nicole Johnson. Who knows Debbie?! You could be cheering on Boomer in a future Olympics!
3. Ron and Nellie Biles
First off, I'd just like to say their outfits are the best outfits I've seen the entire Olympics. 'Merica! Simone Biles' parents are not her biological parents as many of us have come to learn. Simone was adopted by her grandfather Ron Biles and his wife Nellie when she was young and she has thought of them as mom and dad ever since. Biological or not, they helped to raise the best gymnast in the entire world.
Nellie is a very vocal supporter of daughter Simone and sends encouraging tweets often. "The best thing about being Simone’s mom is looking at your child who sets goals for themselves and works very hard towards their goals. And when you see the outcome, it’s great to be Simone’s mom, it’s a very, very proud feeling."
4. Michael Carter
When you think of the Olympics, most peoples first thought isn't shot put. But for Michelle and Michael Carter it is. Thirty-two years ago her father, Michael, won silver in the 1984 Olympic games in Shot Put. And in 2016 his daughter Michelle won gold in that very same event making them the first father and daughter from Team USA to win medals in the Olympics.
Michael went on to play in the NFL for the San Fransisco 49ers and became a 3x Super Bowl champ. On his daughter's success, Michael said, "Winning a gold medal at the Olympics, you’re the best in the world at that time. With a Super Bowl, you’ve got the chance to win it every year. This only comes around once every four years or once in a lifetime.”
5. Sharron Manuel
Sharron Manuel is the mother of Simone Manuel the first African American swimmer to win a gold medal for a individual event in the Olympics. Simone quickly became a household name after her race and marking her place in history. This wasn't just a significant event for Simone, but also minorities across the world.
Her mother Sharron spoke to a Houston news outlet about this very topic. "Afterwards, of course, when we reflect on it, and we look back at it, and we realize how significant it was for America as well as for minorities, it meant that much more for a different reason."
Cutest Olympic baby, because we all need a daily dose of CUTE!
