Top athletes in any sport hold immense influence—they inspire the next generation while carrying the weight of their words.

Olympic legend Michael Phelps bid an emotional goodbye to his father Michael Fred Phelps Sr. in a heartwarming Instagram post regarding his dad’s recent passing. “You’ll always be my dad ...

He also oversees the Michael Phelps Foundation. The mission of the foundation, which he founded in 2008, is to make the world a healthier and safer place by to helping more people learn to swim.