Why Did Swimmer Michael Phelps Make The #PhelpsFace? Olympic Gold Medalist Explains The Reason At The 2016 MTV VMAs

Swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps finally solved the mystery behind his #PhelpsFace. During the summer Olympics at Rio, Phelps made a face when he was being taunted by rival Chad Le Clos when he and Clos were warming up before the 200-meter butterfly semifinal. Clos was busy shadow boxing for the race, while Phelps was calmly sitting and making a face.

The #PhelpsFace went viral and quickly became an internet sensation. The angry expression spurred the creation of several memes, vines and GIFs.

The record-breaking medalist revealed at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards that the face was inspired by a song by the Future. “Remember in Rio when I made that face that ended up all over the Internet?” the ace swimmer said, “I was in the zone with Future’s song blaring in my headphones,” Phelps said before introducing Future to the VMAs crowd for his performance.

Nicole Johnson’s fiancé claimed that Future’s 2015 song “Stick Talk” led him to make that super-mad expression.

Future then went on to perform several songs to a packed audience including “F--- Up Some Commas.”

The 31-year-old legendary swimmer announced his retirement after winning a whopping five gold medals and one silver at the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil. He will spend time with his fiancée Nicole Johnson and three-month-old son Boomer. However, Phelps isn’t completely dissing the pool. He will be open to coaching kids and teaching them about water safety. The swimmer also expressed his desire to expand his family in the future.

Phelps wasn’t the only Olympian present at the 2016 MTV VMAs. Four of the final five gymnasts -- Simone Biles, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian and Aly Raisman – were present in Madison Square Garden on Sunday night. The fifth gymnast, Gabby Douglas, was resting at home after getting hospitalized for contracting an infection in her mouth, People reports.