Debbie Phelps, the mother of Michael Phelps of the United States stands during the night session of swimming on Day 3 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre on July 30, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
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A special level of pride is reserved for the parents of Olympians, who get to watch as their child represents their country and competes in the biggest sports event in the world. -- By Carla Thorpe, Yahoo! Sports