Mayor’s Inconsiderate Gift to Michael Phelps, Who Suffered Alcohol Addiction During His Career, Led to a Major Backlash Back in 2016

With 28 Olympic medals, the “Flying Fish” remains one of the world’s most decorated athletes. With his exceptional swimming skills, Michael Phelps is a household name. A rather rare achievement. But things were not all bright as they might have looked. What came as a jolt in the swimmer’s career was the news of his “struggle” with alcohol.

Though he never uses the term “addict” for himself, the struggles are known! In 2016, when the news of Phelps’ encounter with alcohol was doing the rounds, the Windsor Mayor got backlash for his unusual gift.

Whisky for Phelps

In 2016, Phelps was recognized as the “Top Male Swimmer.” During the ceremony, Mayor Drew Dilkens decided to present the legend with a special “gold-colored bottle.” However, the fans were outraged over the Mayor’s choice of a ‘whisky’ bottle as a gift.

Mr. Drew had his defense ready. Speaking of Phelps, the Mayor said, “If he did classify himself as an alcoholic, I would have made a different choice.” He further adds that the swimming GOAT had himself said that he would display the bottle “with his gold medals.”

Read More: Michael Phelps’ Insane 10,000 Calorie Diet That Fueled Him to Secure 23 Olympic Gold Medals Revealed- Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Whether Phelps displayed the bottle with his medals is still a mystery. But for Mayor Drew to gift Phelps a bottle of “whisky,” that too, at such time, was not one of his best decisions.

Michael Phelps walked past his tough days

The image of Phelps adoring 28 Olympic medals with a bare body is still fresh in everyone’s mind. But life for Phelps was never that easy. In 2014, things took a drastic turn when the ‘Baltimore Bullet’ entered ‘The Meadows.’ The psychological trauma and addiction treatment center.

After his second DUI arrest, Phelps knew that his “Olympic medals” would not help him ease his pain this time. Walking towards a positive change, the professional swimmer pledged not to drink until after the Rio Olympics. Having retired from the sport officially, Phelps now devotes his time to family and kids.

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Despite all the hardships, Phelps never stopped believing in himself. Perhaps his indomitable spirit makes him the best of the rest!