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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps testifies during a hearing before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee February 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The subcommittee held a hearing on “Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps testifies during a hearing before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee February 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The subcommittee held a hearing on “Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever. He had a career which no one could have ever imagined. Phelps retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, after achieving so much, the pandemic made him have so many questions that it became very difficult for the G.O.A.T. swimmer.
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In an online interview during the pandemic, Phelps talked about how difficult the pandemic has been for him. In addition, he talked about how his routine has changed and everything affecting him.
Michael Phelps’ struggle during the pandemic
Like anyone else, the COVID pandemic was an unexpected challenge in Phelps’ life. However, for an active person like Phelps, it is arduous to get trapped in one place. In addition, this challenge brought lots of questions to his mind, which made him more emotionally vulnerable. Phelps said, “More than once I’ve just screamed out loud, ‘I wish I wasn’t me!'”
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 14: Michael Phelps of the United States wipes his eyes during a press conference at the Main Press Centre on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
He even said, “This is the most overwhelmed I’ve ever felt in my life. That’s why I have times where I don’t want to be me. I wish I could just be “Johnny Johnson,” some random person.”
As a person, who is used to travelling, meeting new people, and competing, it was indeed a tough time, as he was not able to do any of those. He had many questions about the safety of his family, and how things will end after this pandemic. These questions disturbed Phelps and the worst thing for him was that he did not have any answers.
Sometimes a blowup might help
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Phelps said, “The other night, I had a blowup with Nicole, my wife. It wasn’t good. But at the same time, I was able to let out all those pent-up emotions”. Furthermore, he added, “Sometimes you need that. It was hard. But I feel so much better today. Sometimes that’s just part of the process for me”.
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NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 21: Nicole Phelps, Michael Phelps and Boomer Phelps attend the Huggies Little Swimmers #trainingfor2032 Swim Class With The Phelps Foundation on August 21, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images for Huggies)
The interviewer asked, “So how do you fight this? How do you manage it?” Phelps answered he has a routine of spending 90 minutes in the gym early in the morning. The gym was his escape room, where he gets mentally and physically restored with positive energy.
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Watch this story: Swimming G.O.A.T Michael Phelps Dazzled His Fans by Sharing His Stunning Workout on Instagram
Michael Phelps is one of the celebrities who promote mental health to be a priority. He knows how important mental health is to be in a good position. After his retirement, he has been working to spread mental health awareness. The pandemic was surely a tough time but it is over now and the legend looks in a good state of mind.
