Phelps joins the likes of her swimming star son, Olympic stars Apolo Ohno and Nastia Liukin and NBA player Blake Griffin as Famous Fans of Subway.

Debbie Phelp's involvement with Subway kicked off at Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection Fashion in New York.

The annual event promotes awareness of heart disease among women, and has been running since 2002.

Subway was participating in the Red Dress show for its second successive year.

"We are happy to support the Red Dress event and cause," said Tony Pace, the senior vice-president of Subway's franchisee advertising fund.

"In addition to Debbie's role as a mother and educator, she has been trained and actively worked in the field of nutrition which is, of course, essential to heart health."

Debbie Phelps is the author of A Mother for All Seasons, a philanthropist and school principal.

"As not only a mother, but also an educator, I have been steadfast in making sure that my children and students understand the importance of leading an active and healthy lifestyle," she said.


"My son has been a part of the Subway restaurant Famous Fan family and the work that they do to promote eating fresh is commendable.

"I am thrilled to join the roster and help spread the message, especially tonight at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection Fashion Show."

During the Vancouver Winter Olympics two years ago the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) accused Subway of "ambush marketing practices" regarding a commercial featuring Phelps.

It claimed the sandwich maker was attempting to profit by associating its advert with the Olympics without paying for it.

The advert featured Phelps swimming right through the wall of an indoor pool, smashing through the building, leaving streams of concrete in his wake as he stroked across the street.

As he passed a nearby Subway restaurant, the adver stated "Phelps fuels up ...  so he can get to where the action is this winter."

A map flashed up, appearing to chart the swimmer's route with his final destination seemingly Vancouver.

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