Watch Michael Phelps' run-in with a pushy television crew

Medal count | Olympic schedule | Olympic news

Before, during, and just after his time in Rio for the Olympics, Michael Phelps was everywhere, seemingly granting every interview. He knows he’s the face of American swimming – heck, he’s one of the faces of the entire American team at the Games – and let’s be honest, it doesn’t hurt his brand to be in front of the cameras.

But now his time at the Olympics are over, and Phelps, rightfully, just wants a little downtime with his young family.

Too bad one Phoenix television station had other plans.

KTVK’s program “Good Morning Arizona” decided to show up at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Wednesday morning and surprise Phelps, his fiancee Nicole Johnson and their infant son, Boomer, with a reporter and cameraman as they were walking through the terminal.

It was a little … awkward.

Here’s the full “interview”:

In our opinion, Phelps handled things as well as he could have, calmly saying thanks, but not right now. And can you blame him? He’s entitled to a little privacy, especially when he’s with his family.

(An aside: Phelps might be the most visible athlete on the planet right now, and we see no sign of an entourage. Props.)

Phelps moved to Phoenix last year after his longtime coach, Bob Bowman, became head coach of the Arizona State swim team. Among Phelps’ retirement plans is serving as a volunteer assistant coach alongside Bowman, whom he says is a “father figure” to him.

On Wednesday afternoon, Phelps posted a photo of himself, Boomer and Johnson on Instagram, writing, “No place like being back home!! Great way to spend my first day in retirement!!” They’re in a pool, because where else would they be?