Michael Phelps has announced that he is engaged to Nicole Johnson. The American swimmer, who is the most decorated Olympian of all time, broke the happy news in a sweet Instagram post on Saturday evening. "She said yes @nicole.m.johnson," Michael wrote alongside a photo of the couple playing in the snow with Nicole's new glittering diamond clearly visible on her ring finger. Former beauty queen Nicole shared a similar charming photo of herself and her fiancé, with the caption: "I'm gonna be a Mrs. @m_phelps00."
Michael announced the news in an Instagram post on Saturday evening
Several of Michael's fellow Olympic swimmers sent messages of congratulations to the 29-year-old and his model love. "Could not be happier for @MichaelPhelps and @MissNicoleJ on their engagement!!!" wrote Missy Franklin. "So so excited for you guys!" Allison Schmitt also shared her joy on Twitter, writing: "CAN NOT BE MORE EXCITED FOR THE SOON TO BE MR & MRS PHELPS #beautifullove #itsreal #truelove #congrats @m_phelps00 @nicole.m.johnson" The 24-year-old swimmer also posted a photo of herself with the newly-engaged couple, once again showing off Nicole's sparkling new ring.
Swimmer Allison Schmitt shared a photo of herself with the happy couple
Maryland-born Michael first started dating 2010's Miss California USA winner Nicole in 2007 and while the pair have had an on-off relationship over the past eight years they are now clearly keen to make their union official. Michael, who is currently banned form swimming following his second DUI arrest, last split with Nicole around 2012, when the gold medallist was struggling with addiction. The duo rekindled their romance in November, however, when Michael finished a rehabilitation programme.
"I'm going to be a Mrs"
The couple recently celebrated Valentine's Day together, with athlete writing on Instagram how privileged he felt to be with Nicole. "Happy Valentines Day!!!" he captioned a photo of the pair standing arm-in-arm. "So lucky to have an amazing valentine."