Debbie Phelps texted her son, Michael, after Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Olympics in an International Olympic Committe vote Oct. 2, 2009.
“Rio does make sense, in every category,” Debbie Phelps told Ryan Seacrest in an NBC features that aired on the first night of competition during the London 2012 Olympics. “Come on, I want to go to Rio. When they announced Rio, I texted him, I’m like, Michael, 2016, Rio, 50 free, 100 free, just a relay. … No, mother. I will send you there.”
Of course, Michael Phelps went into the London Olympics saying he would retire after the Games.