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Michael Phelps, the swimming G.O.A.T, shook the world of sports with the number of Olympic medals he earned in his career. The 28-time-Olympic medalist was undoubtedly a medal hoarder, a swimmer with exceptional skills and competency.

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The most decorated Olympian ever made five Olympic appearances, starting at 15. From 2000 to 2016, he made it to the Games only to script a record without giving in to haters’ and naysayers? comments. In a 2021 interview, he shared how he dealt with criticism to rise to stardom.

Michael Phelps turned every adversity into an opportunity

As much as a word of cheer or appreciation can boost one?s confidence multi-fold, a denigrating remark or doubt in one?s caliber can lower one’s morale. Well,?Phelps?chose to take every stone hurled at him to become stronger.

via Imago

?It’s always fueled me,??the swimming legend?stated, regarding comments of negativity and doubt. He said that throughout his career, he always had people who doubted him.??I’ve always jammed their word to write down their throat every time, and honestly, there’s nothing more rewarding than doing that.,? the swimming legend added.??

READ MORE: ?Make Me Feel Like a Superhero?- Michael Phelps Once Discussed the Complete Package That Made Him Immortal

In 2008, when a person commented that it was impossible to win eight Olympic gold medals, Phelps highlighted the comment and posted it in the back of his locker. And every day when he went into practice and saw the comment, he thought, “Alright, dude.??

Phelps believed in mental strength?

In the interview, Phelps revealed that he was picked on all the time. Furthermore, he shared, ?My teachers in middle school, I was told that I would never amount to anything.? Recounting those incidents, he said it doesn?t matter how hard something is.??If we put our mind to something we can accomplish truly everything,? he added.

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Back in 2008, when Phelps announced he aimed to win eight medals, people thought he was crazy. ?People publicly said it, I didn’t care because I wanted it, and I knew it was possible,? he added. And he did it. Phelps retired in 2016 with a splash of 6 Olympic medals.?

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