Part of being the world’s greatest swimmer ― with 23 Olympic gold medals ― involves dealing with the media, even when you don’t want to.
On his return from the Rio Games several days ago, Phelps was approached at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by reporter Marc Liverman from “Good Morning Arizona.”
But Phelps, who had fiancee Nicole Johnson and young son Boomer in tow, wasn’t interested in conducting an interview after a long flight home. He firmly and politely shut down the journalist about as effectively as he did butterfly rival Chad le Clos during the competition.
“I’m not answering questions,” Phelps said. “...If you could give me my space.”
“I appreciate you guys coming but I’m trying to get my family home safe and that’s what matters the most,” he added.
To his credit, the reporter backed off. The anchors in the studio also cut Phelps some slack, but even an Olympic legend can’t please everyone.
@brennansomers @MarcLiverman It wouldn't have killed him to have given him even 2 minutes.
— S Liebman (@njellafromaz) August 17, 2016
h/t For The Win
*For more Olympics coverage:*
· An Olympian Barely Missed Out On Gold And Gave A Gut-Wrenching Interview· Brazil Finally Wins Olympic Soccer Gold And Everybody Is In Tears· Simone Biles Fangirls Over Serena Williams Just Like You Do
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 9 hours ago.
On his return from the Rio Games several days ago, Phelps was approached at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by reporter Marc Liverman from “Good Morning Arizona.”
But Phelps, who had fiancee Nicole Johnson and young son Boomer in tow, wasn’t interested in conducting an interview after a long flight home. He firmly and politely shut down the journalist about as effectively as he did butterfly rival Chad le Clos during the competition.
“I’m not answering questions,” Phelps said. “...If you could give me my space.”
“I appreciate you guys coming but I’m trying to get my family home safe and that’s what matters the most,” he added.
To his credit, the reporter backed off. The anchors in the studio also cut Phelps some slack, but even an Olympic legend can’t please everyone.
@brennansomers @MarcLiverman It wouldn't have killed him to have given him even 2 minutes.
— S Liebman (@njellafromaz) August 17, 2016
h/t For The Win
*For more Olympics coverage:*
· An Olympian Barely Missed Out On Gold And Gave A Gut-Wrenching Interview· Brazil Finally Wins Olympic Soccer Gold And Everybody Is In Tears· Simone Biles Fangirls Over Serena Williams Just Like You Do
-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 9 hours ago.