Sports
Michael Phelps Meets Idol, Michael Jordan, While Taping Ryder Cup Show in Downers Grove
The Olympic swimmer had a surprise meeting with the Chicago Bulls legend Monday during a taping of the Golf Channel's "Feherty Live" at the Tivoli Theater, according to reports.
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps had the surprise of a lifetime Monday—a first-time meeting with his idol, Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan, right here in Downers Grove.
The superstar athletes were both guests on "Feherty Live," a Golf Channel show that taped Monday at the Tivoli Theater, 5021 Highland Ave., as part of the show's Ryder Cup coverage. The episode will air at 8 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, two days before the tournament begins at Medinah Country Club.
Commentater and former pro golfer David Feherty surprised Phelps—a scheduled guest—with a visit from his idol in front of a live audience.
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Phelps was so overwhelmed he could barely talk, according to the Associated Press.
"I froze. That’s the one person in the world who could do that to me,” Phelps told the Associated Press. “I literally have always looked up to him ... He’s the greatest.”
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Feherty and the Michaels joked about Phelps' golf game and retirement plans before turning their attention to this weekend's Ryder Cup, the Chicago RedEye reports. Phelps ended his illustrious swimming career at the London Olympics this summer, breaking the all-time record for medals, with 22.
“I’m truly honored and humbled that he’s looked at me as a motivational figure,” Jordan said.
According to the Associated Press, Jordan and Phelps have been exchanging text messages for a few months, and had planned to meet up during events at Medinah.
"I'm a fan of his," Jordan said of Phelps. "He's met my sons a couple of times, and they were telling me how he is very competitive and looking to play golf and a couple other things. I said, 'You know, anytime he's ready, I'm ready."
For more on "Feherty Live," visit www.golfchannel.com.
More from around the web:
- ‘I don’t know that I’ll be able to sleep now’ — Phelps finally gets to meet Jordan, his idol (Washington Post/Associated Press)
- Jordan vs. Phelps (Chicago RedEye)
- 'Feherty' taping brings Phelps, Jordan together (Chicago Tribune)
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