I don't know if anyone here has been made proud or encouraged by all of Michael Phelps Gold Medals, but he certainly is a welcome sight to America and it's citizens.
He walks around in his own bubble, almost oblivious to his surroundings as he competes. He was fascinating to watch.
Not only was I rooting for him like hundreds of thousands of other people, but I may have annoyed the local neighbours and animals with some foot stomping and hollering as he approached the finish line a time or two.

We all have our trials in different areas of our lives, but his drive to succeed against many odds was truly inspirational for me.
Watching the cameras capture his mother's worry and exhaltation was a joy to see. She was a single Mom (as I was) who would do anything for her son, and the bonds between them are strong. There aren't enough families these days that give their kids unconditional support. I haven't had much time to watch the Olympics, but I made a point to catch all his swim competitions and interviews. I hope he inspired thousands of children across the US to not listen to the bullies that surround them and to to truly go after their dreams.
It shows you CAN succeed.