Aug 21, 2008 6:51 pm US/Eastern
Debbie Phelps Heads Back To Work
RANDALLSTOWN, Md. (WJZ) ―
Debbie Phelps walked back through the doors of Windsor Mill Middle School like dozens of other teachers and administrators preparing for the start of school.
Derek Valcourt reports the mother of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps arrived shortly before 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
For certain it's been a whirlwind adventure for the principal.
"I landed in the states on Monday. I was in New York on Tuesday. I shot a commercial Tuesday afternoon. I did media all day yesterday. I came home around 8 o'clock. I went to bed, woke up this morning at five, and here I am," said Phelps.
When the cameras weren't on her son, they were capturing family pride.
Over and over America watched Debbie Phelps reacting as Michael won eight gold medals in Beijing.
Now, Phelps herself has become a celebrity.
"And yes I am aware of that now, from being in the 'Big Apple' yesterday and being recognized on the streets. That was just really, really, freaky. I was just there as a parent in the stands to celebrate my young man's success and to be able to support him and give him guidance and love all along the way, but never did I fathom that the United States would embrace Michael the way they have and embrace our family," said Phelps.
She's an inspiration to many Windsor Mill parents and teachers alike.
"You know, I just look at Debbie, and I say, 'OK that's a great woman there.' I mean, she's behind him 100 percent, and that's the way I'm going to be for my kids as well," said Kimberly Washington, Windsor Mill parent.
"I was really motivated by watching her and her son and watching them interact on their actions, her reactions on TV. It was really moving," said Dadi Denis, Windsor Mill teacher.
After a few busy weekends, she plans to make things as normal as possible.
"Yes, I have three sitting [suitcases] in my house right now. Now I have to start sorting through. So, the weekend I will be doing a lot of rearranging and sorting, and trying to get myself ready to embrace all my 600 students coming into this school on Monday," said Phelps.
Michael Phelps will be traveling for a time. Soon he'll be back at the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, where he got his start. Coach Bob Bowman will serve as the club's chief executive.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WJZ.COM's Most Popular Slideshows
