‘I’ve Been Really Fortunate’: When Jordan Spieth Detailed His Mental Health Learnings From Michael Phelps

Golf is an individual sport. But apart from its dozen perks, it makes for an isolated game. However, outside the sport, Jordan Spieth was lucky enough to find a friend in former Olympian Michael Phelps.

Michael Phelps is a world-renowned swimmer who has won 28 medals in the Olympic games; 23 out of the 28 medals are gold. Hence, Phelps is considered the greatest swimmer of all time.

Notably, Jordan Spieth himself was once regarded as the best golfer in the world. However, the champion saw his performance derail soon. Albeit, at the beginning of 2021, he ranked at number 92 in the world’s rankings list; But, by the end of the year, Spieth made his way to the top 10 rankings.

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However, this was not easy for Spieth. If not for Phelps and his kinder words, the pro golfer might still be battling his mental struggles.

How did Phelps help Jordan Spieth to recover from mental struggles?

Phelps and Spieth met each other through Kevin Plank, founder of Under Armour. Both the athletes were part of the company as they endorsed Under Armour for years. Although it started as a work relationship, Phelps soon turned into Jordan’s guardian angel.

“He’s getting very involved in mental health, and it’s been something that I’ve actually worked on a lot in the last few years,” said Jordan. As a person who has experienced anxiety issues himself, Phelps could empathize with Jordan.  

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While Spieth was struggling, it was Michael who helped him cope with it all. “I’ve been really fortunate that he’s lent an ear and also bounced ideas off me,” Jordan said about Phelps. 

Although the swimmer acknowledged the fact that he indeed helped Spieth, Phelps said that he is proud of Spieth and what he accomplished despite his health issues. 

Undoubtedly, mental health is of utmost importance. While the topic gets rid of its taboo status, it certainly helps the cause when such renowned athletes support each other through it all and, more so, be vocal about their struggles.

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What do you think of this special bond that these two professional athletes share? Let us know in the comments below.