“Michael needs to smell the flowers after having such a competitive career.”

That’s how the mother of Michael Phelps‘ ex-girlfriend, Megan Rossee, described the split between her model daughter and the most decorated Olympian of all time.

But Susan Rossee insisted to Celebuzz the split is far from acrimonious.

“They remain friendly,” Susan said, adding: “They were too young.”

Phelps, 27, who has a record 22 Olympic medals, reportedly called time-out on the relationship after nine months of dating.

After two failed romances — Phelps previously dated reality star Brittny Gastineau and model Nicole Johnson — it was thought this relationship was more serious, after the pretty blonde was spotted cheering him on at the London Summer Olympic Games in July.

It has been reported that the record-breaking champ broke it off because he believed it was not going anywhere, according to TMZ.

“Things happen for a reason. #notme,” the champ wrote on Twitter.

Rossee, 25, later posted a missive of her own — a photo with the saying: “A woman’s loyalty is tested when her man has nothing. A man’s loyalty is tested when he has everything.”

“Yup,” she added.

Then on New Year’s Eve, Rossee posted a photo of her girls-only celebration along with the message that the “love of my life is the love between friends.”

But her mom insisted it was the right decision because both were not ready to settle down.

“Michael is a great guy and they still talk… there are no hard feelings between them,” Susan Rossee added.

“He is a really great guy and is very close to his sisters and his mother as well. Both Michael and Megan have to live a little just now and have some fun.”

Although he has retired from swimming, Michael will not be staying idle in 2013 after he signed up to appear on the Golf Channel’s Haney Project in February.

The newly-single athlete will get golf tips from host Hank Haney on the show as he attempts to improve his game.

The Maryland-born swimmer — who was dubbed ‘The Flying Fish’ because of his exploits in the pool — has suggested that he is ready to experience life more after years of devoting himself to the sport.

“I have traveled the world through swimming, but really haven’t had an opportunity to experience the world through my travels,”  he revealed in an AP interview.

“As I enter this next chapter of my life, I think I will be able to shift my competitiveness to anything I put my mind to and golf is one of the things I want to focus on.”