As the most decorated American Olympian of all time with 28 medals, there was hardly anyone who could surpass Michael Phelps until he retired in 2016. But now, there’s someone who consistently outshines him or, you could say, Phelps lets her outshine him. We all know that over the past 20 years, Phelps has battled the ebbs and flows of depression. He once believed, ‘My depression and anxiety are never going to just disappear,’ but with time, he has learned strategies to manage these challenges.

Much credit for this goes to his furry friends, particularly his dogs. They say that pets are the biggest conduits to ward away mental health woes and it’s not just Phelps but pretty much everyone who finds it a pawsome experience with their pets frolicking about.

However, one of Phelps’s darker moments occurred in February 2024 when his beloved dog Legend passed away while battling a tumor on his forehead. Before Legend, other cherished pets such as Bella, Bruce, and Herm had also passed away years ago, leaving behind a lacuna only Onyx could fill. Legend was indeed legendary, pun intended, and was a mainstay in Phelps’ not so sleepy post-retirement life.

Despite these losses, Phelps found solace in his newest addition, Dane Onyx, who has been a crucial support for his mental health. In a recent interview with People, Phelps shared how Dane Onyx continues to play a vital role in his well-being.

Michael Phelps spoke fondly of his dog, Onyx, describing how their runs together are marked by Onyx’s incessant urge to run faster than him. Despite Phelps’ own strength, he often allows Onyx to take the lead due to her impressive speed. Phelps emphasized that this competitive spirit is a constant source of motivation and inspiration for him to maintain a competitive edge even after retiring from swimming, eight years ago. But apart from this, Onyx plays a crucial role in his mental well-being.

According to Phelps, Onyx has a unique ability to perceive his emotions and understand when he’s feeling positive or struggling. Phelps shares. “She’s somebody that can sense my feelings and emotions and understand when I’m having a good or bad day”. Phelps emphasized the significance of Onyx’s simple yet profound gestures, like coming over to offer affection or gently nudging him. He adds, “It’s her telling me she’s there to support and help me. Those small things mean so much.”

Apart from Onyx, Phelps has another dog named Juno. But do you know when depression began in Phelps’ life? Well, at one point, he had suicidal thoughts for years due to it.

Michael Phelps’ battle with post-Olympic depression

In 2004, after winning six gold and two bronze medals at the Athens Olympics, Michael Phelps faced what he described as “post-Olympic depression” for the first time. Feeling adrift after achieving immense success, he took a brief break before resuming training for the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Despite his efforts to compartmentalize, Phelps struggled with recurring bouts of depression until a pivotal moment in 2014, following his second DUI.

During this difficult period, Phelps contemplated suicide and felt overwhelmed by feelings of burden on those around him. After spending several days secluded, he sought help and checked into an in-patient treatment center for 45 days. Emerging from treatment, Phelps continued therapy, which he initially found daunting but ultimately transformative, helping him to reconnect with himself and manage his mental health challenges more effectively. However, if you’ve experienced a similar bond with your furry friend, we’d love to hear about it! Share your experiences in the comments below.