Michael Phelps stands as one of the world’s greatest Olympic athletes. He shined in swimming in an impressive way. However, his life took a dark turn that led him into an intense inner battle, one he overcame thanks to his spirit and strength.
Phelps’ testimony reflects the reality of many successful athletes. That’s why he spoke openly about his experience, aiming to prevent future generations from going through the same bitter struggle—one in which he even thought about ending his own life.
A powerful story of resilience
According to Mundo Deportivo, after the Athens 2004 Olympics (where he won six gold and two bronze medals), his life began to fall apart. He experienced what is known as post-Olympic depression.
In an interview with NBC, Michael Phelps explained:
“I’d probably say in 2004. 2004 was my first post-Olympic depression, you know, after being so excited. Basically… you come to the edge of the cliff, like: ‘Great, now what? I guess I have to wait four more years to get another chance to do it again.’”
He repeated this struggle every Olympic cycle. “2008 was my second post-Olympic depression, because I came down from that euphoria after achieving something I had worked for all my life,” Phelps said.
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
Hitting rock bottom
In 2014, he hit rock bottom: he isolated himself, became deeply depressed, and developed suicidal thoughts. He entered rehab because, in his own words, “I didn’t want to be alive. I wasn’t eating, I wasn’t drinking, I went to a recovery center. I was fighting for my life more than people could imagine. When I was in a bad place, I hurt myself because I thought ‘I’m not doing my job.’”
That moment was his most fragile one—but also his turning point.
A comeback and a mission
Afterward, he rebuilt himself emotionally, personally, and athletically. In 2016, he staged a comeback at the Rio Olympics, where he won five gold medals and one silver. This time, he felt no pressure to be perfect, and it became a farewell on his own terms.
Since retiring from swimming, Phelps has become a mental health advocate. “One in four people has a mental health issue, and they don’t talk about it. If we all spoke up, it would become normal. With the pandemic, this issue has evolved. If someone feels lonely, like many did during the pandemic, it’s good to share emotions. Nothing in life is perfect, but opening up helps,” said the Olympic legend.
He even founded the Michael Phelps Foundation, dedicated to providing people with depression the tools they need to move forward. Overcoming it is possible with the right help and the will to succeed.
