Michael Phelps' Mom: "Bullying and Adversity Made Him Be Stronger"

Swimmer Michael Phelps just scored eight gold medals , set seven world records and was crowned as the greatest Olympian in history, but his road to stardom was filled with challenges, from his struggle with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to school bullies to his largely absent father. "The bullying and adversity made him be stronger and work harder," mom Debbie tells Us Weekly exclusively in its new issue, on newsstands now. See photos of Michael Phelps' Olympic moments . Michael (along with older sister Whitney) found refuge at the local pool to escape the yelling between Debbie and his policeman father Fred, who split in 1994. "Like all mothers, I just wanted the kids to be happy," Debbie told Us upon landing home in Baltimore from her whirlwind trip to the Beijing Olympics. "Michael may not have been able to focus in school, but I saw a passion for swimming at such a young age," she said. "He could be at a swim meet or practice for hours. It was a great outlet."  ... (link)