The ladies in Olympic legend Michael Phelps' life

: USA swimming sensation Michael Phelps is now the most decorated Olympian of all time. Phelps has always acknowledged and emphasised the importance of his mother Debbie and his sisters Whitney and Hillary. Phelps began swimming at the age of seven, partly because of the influence of his sisters and partly to provide him with an outlet for his energy.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Debbie Phelps (C) the mother of Michael Phelps of the United States and his sisters Whitney Phelps (L) and Hilary Phelps (2nd L), snowboarder Shaun White of the United States and model Bar Refaeli (top C) pose on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Debbie Phelps (C) the mother of Michael Phelps of the United States and his sisters Whitney Phelps (L) and Hilary Phelps (2nd L), snowboarder Shaun White of the United States and model Bar Refaeli (top C) pose on Day 4 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 31, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)