This summer the world was held captive by Michael Phelps as he won a record-winning 8 gold medals. After the Olympics, Phelps received a hero’s welcome in The United States. Phelps was given the rock star treatment and had adoring fans following his every move. Phelps is being referred to as the greatest swimmer who’s ever lived. I think it’s safe to say he came away from Beijing as the King of the Olympics.

But let’s get real, we all saw the races. Every couple of minutes the camera couldn’t help but zoom in on Mama Phelps sitting in the bleachers, peeing her pants with excitement. She was riveting and radiant in her son’s glory. I think I may have seen about four interviews all about Ms. Debbie Phelps. It’s impossible to deny that she’s a fascinating woman.

In fact I’d go as far as to say that the real star in the Phelps family is Debbie Phelps. The only thing that Michael brings to the table is his swimming. He’s one-dimensional which gets very boring after a while. Debbie has so much more to offer. Even when team U.S.A. was featured on the season premier of the “Oprah Winfrey Show”, one of the first things that Oprah mentioned was that the person she was most looking forward to talking to was Ms. Debbie Phelps. To me, that speaks volumes.

Paul Marshuk ‘11 seems to share my sentiments. He says, “Michael Phelps is a star in his own league, but Deb is in a different galaxy. I think I speak for everybody when I say that she is a strong, beautiful woman. I didn’t see a Mr. Phelps anywhere…”

Well, a boy can dream. Ms. Phelps has a diverse and widespread fan base from young men like Paul to average moms. On the other hand, many Americans can either take Michael Phelps or leave him. To put it short, I think a star was born at the Water Cube in Beijing this year, and it was Debbie Phelps.