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Michael Phelps: Son Boomer made Rio Olympics 'different'

The 3-month-old was often spotted in the stands during Phelps' events at the Olympics.

By Annie Martin
Michael Phelps with his 23rd gold medal after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay at the Rio Summer Olympics on August 13. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI
1 of 3 | Michael Phelps with his 23rd gold medal after the men's 4 x 100m medley relay at the Rio Summer Olympics on August 13. File Photo by Matthew Healey/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- New dad Michael Phelps says his son changed his experience at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The 31-year-old former competitive swimmer discussed 3-month-old Boomer and the impact fatherhood had on his final Olympic games while appearing on Wednesday's episode of America's Got Talent.

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"That moment was when all the emotions came out," Phelps said of his 23rd gold medal win on Aug. 13. "I was finally happy with everything I did in my career and I was able to retire how I wanted to."

"But most importantly, I had our first child in the stands, watching the race," he added. "He wasn't always awake, but it's a completely different experience being able to look up and see your baby boy up there after a race."

Phelps' fiancée, Nicole Johnson, and Boomer were in the audience for the athlete's AGT appearance. The trio had posed for a family photo in their pool on Phelps' first day of retirement last week.

"There's nothing like being back home! Great way to spend my first day in retirement! @boomerrphelps @nicole.m.johnson," the Olympian captioned the picture.

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Boomer had stolen the show during Phelps' gold medal swim Aug. 7 in Rio. Phelps won a total of five gold medals at this year's games, but announced his retirement the same day as his 23rd gold medal win.

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