Michael Phelps and Allison Schmitt have the most adorable, respectable friendship
Michael Phelps often refers to fellow Olympic gold medalist Allison Schmitt as his sister.
Between calling her "Aunt Schmitty" to his son, happily "third-wheeling" with Phelps and his fiancé and professionally carpool karaoke-ing, one thing remains constant – Schmitt's longtime, admirable friendship with the 23-time gold medalist.
After training together for more than 12 years, the two swimming stars have developed a rare relationship – one that's open to feedback and frustration, but definitely more fun.
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"Allison's like my little sister and I love her to death," Phelps said in an interview with NBC. "We're in this together. We're both going through the same thing, and we're supportive through it all."
"I try to help her as much as I can through anything she's going through," Phelps said, as Schmitt interrupted.
"He's seen a lot of tears," she said.
"I've seen a lot of tears, but I've seen a lot of smiles. A lot more smiles than tears."
Photo: Getty
Both athletes have faced their fair share of frustrations throughout their careers. Those are inevitable – but they said that having each other through it all makes it a better transition back to the top.
"I look up to him so much," Schmitt said. "Anything he says to me, whether it's outside the pool or inside the pool, I take that advice to heart.
READ MORE: Michael Phelps is no longer throwing back 12,000 calories of pizza and Red Bull a day
Phelps echoed those sentiments.
"I wouldn't be here where I am today without having her every day."
Check out their friendship as told through both of their social media accounts:
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