Michael Phelps resonates with Olympic success. Creating giant splashes in the water, the American legend racked up a whopping 23 Olympic gold medals. It is generally expected that someone like Phelps will always be happy and gleeful. After all, with so much success, there cannot be room for darkness. Unfortunately, there is. The legendary Olympic swimmer has been battling depression and ADHD for a long time.
Opening up on the same, Phelps detailed all about his complications in a May 2024 interview with NBC News. The 5x Olympian stated that he developed depression right after the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The owner of 28 swimming medals stated that his first thoughts after the Olympics was “What’s next?” Surely, after taking the chlorine-soaked pool by storm, it was natural for Phelps to wonder what else was left for him to achieve. Unfortunately, the feeling always stayed. After the 2008 Beijing Olympics too, the Olympic legend felt a similar kind of mental low.
Thankfully, Phelps currently seems to be dealing with his mental demons in a much-controlled manner. In an interview with NBC News uploaded on YouTube 6 days back, the 23x Olympic gold medalist got candid. When asked about his mental state, the iconic swimmer mentioned that he has more tools with him to tackle his issues than before. Phelps stated that his anxiety attacks and depression will not be going away magically. Rather, it will come back to haunt him every day. “Yeah I mean there are times I mean there are you know 10day spells where everyday is a struggle um but for me it’s what can I control in that moment,” said Phelps.
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The legend also stated that throughout his life, these issues have come back repeatedly to haunt him. Thus, he has started to find the best possible way to tackle the adversities. This way, Phelps will be able to attain the best possible version of himself, devoid of any negatives. The 5x Olympian also mentioned how his own perspective towards himself has changed over the course of time.
via Getty NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – SEPTEMBER 06: Michael Phelps attends quarterfinal round match between Daniil Medvedev of Russia and Andrey Rublev of Russia at the US Open Championships at Billie Jean King Tennis Center in New York, United States on September 6, 2023. Medvedev won in straight grueling sets under very hot and humid weather conditions. (Photo by Lev Radin/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
As per Phelps, during his glory days, he only used to perceive himself as a swimmer and an Olympian. Such perception created a sense of unwanted pressure. However, since the time he has been experiencing these symptoms, the Olympic legend decided to be a human being first. Now then, despite such struggles inside his head, Phelps never really let these demons take over him. In fact, according to Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps had a lot of fire in him that made him a star.
Bob Bowman heaps praises on Michael Phelps
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Bob Bowman has been coaching Phelps for a long time. Much of the credit for his incredible Olympic accolades goes to Bowman for his exceptional tactical skills. However, having been in close proximity to Phelps for all these years, Coach Bowman is reluctant to make a comparison with Phelps. So much so that Bowman kept the American at the helm despite his other star pupil, Leon Marchand breaking the glass ceiling.
via Getty Michael Phelps (R) and coach Bob Bowman (USA), are seen during the Swimming Press Conference of team USA at the MPC (Main Press Centre) at Olympic Park Barra prior to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 3 August 2016. Rio 2016 Olympic Games take place from 05 to 21 August. Photo: Michael Kappeler/dpa | usage worldwide (Photo by Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images)
And there’s some solid reason behind Bowman going gaga over Phelps. Speaking on an episode of ‘The Exponential Athlete’ podcast back in December 19, 2024, Bowman detailed his stance on Phelps. “Michael is this massive, strong, prototypical, you know, swimming machine,” said Bowman. The coach further stated, “Michael is very Tiger Woods, incredibly intense about everything he does, and to do his job, he has to kind of get intense.”
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Bowman also opined that while training the 28x Olympic medalist, Phelps used to challenge Bowman’s tactics often. Thus, it was a thrilling experience to get Phelps to believe in his coach and ultimately make him into a legend. So, with the depression likely to longer, Michael Phelps is now gearing up for the years to come ahead.
Vulnerable Michael Phelps Drops Major Update on Mental Health Struggles:
