OLYMPICS

Michael Phelps secretly married months ago in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

Kaila White and Madison Alder
USA TODAY NETWORK

The secret is out — swimming legend Michael Phelps quietly married Nicole Johnson months ago and has kept it under wraps since, even while he was competing at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and wife Nicole Johnson pose for a selfie with their son Boomer next to a giant version of the Ryder Cup trophy at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

They married in Paradise Valley, Ariz., where Phelps bought a posh $2.53 million home late last year. Its backyard faces Camelback Mountain.

The couple has never publicly acknowledged that they are married, but their record of marriage shows they were wed June 13, both at the age of 30. Phelps' agent, Peter Carlisle, officiated the ceremony, according to the record.

A local TV station tried to surprise Michael Phelps. It didn't go well.

Johnson posted an Instagram photo on their wedding day, June 13, of her, Phelps and their infant son, Boomer Robert Phelps, standing by a pool at night wearing casual clothes, captioned "Such a memorable night with my lil fambam."

TMZ Sports broke the story Wednesday afternoon. Attempts by The Arizona Republic to reach Phelps' agent were unsuccessful.

The marriage certificate for Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson.

The couple met in Los Angeles in 2007 — Johnson won the title of Miss California USA in 2010 — and have had an on-again, off-again relationship ever since. They got engaged in February and became parents May 5.

Johnson told Access Hollywood in August, "We have a date. It’ll be small and intimate for the wedding, and then we’re throwing a massive bash for everyone in the States. We’re kind of getting things rolling. I’ve been planning as we’ve been leading up to this. I think I have the wedding in order and now it’s on to the party for the fun!”

White and Alder write for the The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK.