“Lost Way Too Many Olympic Athletes to Suicide”: Michael Phelps Doesn’t Want to Make a Comeback to His Sport

The amount of dedication that Michael Phelps has displayed for his swimming career is truly inspirational. From training non-stop to consuming 10k+ calories a day, Phelps was the “shark” in the pool. In a professional career that ran over five Olympic games, Phelps gave his heart and soul.

Having won 60+ gold medals across various events, including 23 in Olympics, he is undeniably the Swimming GOAT. However, having retired professionally, he has found himself a post-swimming career that keeps him busy!

Phelps works for a good cause

When ‘The Flying Fish’ sat down for an interview with “Demain le sport,” he discussed and elaborated on something very close to his heart. And that is- ‘mental health and well-being.’ An ardent supporter of mental health and positivity, Phelps knows the pressure!

He may have won countless invaluable medals, but for him, nothing is as important as a healthy mental state. Emphasizing its importance, the legend said, “I’d rather have the opportunity to save a life than win another gold medal because this is way more important.” 

Read More: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ex-Wife Maria Shriver Once Gave Michael Phelps the Ultimate 3 Word Compliment for His Contribution to Mental Health

Knowing how it feels to be under constant mental agony, Phelps quotes, “we have lost way too many Olympic athletes to suicide.” Determined to bring in a positive change, Phelps adds, “I don’t want to lose any more of my Olympic family members.“

Michael Phelps understands the importance of mental health

Michael leaves no chance to raise his voice to promote mental health. A tough competitor, he once said that competing was his favorite thing. However, for him, everything was not that easy. For the first time, Phelps understood the “weight of gold” during the Athens Olympics.

Though he secured six gold medals that year, he was not in the best mental state. He confessed that he feared ‘opening up.’ For him, ‘opening up’ was a sign of weakness and was like giving the competitors an edge.

WATCH THIS STORY: Resurfaced video shows Michael Phelps Race of the century with Ian Thorpe, Pieter Van Den Hoogenband’s at 2004 Athens Olympics

However, Phelps has grown past his competitive days and now very well understands the importance of a healthy mind. Thus, he now devotes his time to advocating the same!