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Michael Phelps, aka The Aquaman, is one of the most dominant swimmers. Phelps has written his history in whole numbers in a sport where decimal points differentiate contenders. Michael Phelps won 28 medals in his career and maintained the record for the highest-ever medals.

The swimming giant decided to retire in 2016 when he was 31 years old. The final Olympics he participated in was the Rio Olympics. His last Olympics served as the perfect farewell to the most excellent swimmer of all time. Phelps revealed his feeling during his last Olympics in a Sports Illustrated interview in 2016.

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How Michael Phelps felt during his final battle

Michael had a scattered mind nearing his penultimate final race. Phelps felt like he was about to break down. He predicted that the breakdown would not simply be a tearful farewell but also crying until his body would start to shake.

 

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Michael said, “The entire time I felt like I was on the edge of breaking down,”. He added, “And not just tearing up, but breaking down to the point where my whole body would be shaking from crying so hard.”

READ MORE: 23x Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps Once Shared the Feeling “Light Years Better Than Winning the Olympic Gold”

In the 2016 Rio Olympics, Phelps won five gold medals and one silver medal, making his lifetime medal count 28. Phelps played a crucial role in making the USA the country to win the highest number of medals in the Olympics that year.

Phelps was a changed man during the 2016 Olympics

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Michael Phelps created a legacy with his performance in his final races. The Rio Olympics differed from other events Phelps had been a part of. Phelps revealed that he wanted the London Olympics to end as he was going through a lot mentally, but on the other hand, he enjoyed every second of the Rio Olympics.

Phelps’s years at rehab after the London Olympics changed his outlook on his life and career. He had abstained from alcohol for two years and had no plans to start drinking again.

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WATCH THIS STORY: From Simone Biles to Michael Phelps US Olympians Who Paid Hefty Tax on their Gold Medal

Phelps was asked how he planned to celebrate after his final Olympics and incredible performance. Michael Phelps said he was not looking forward to boarding a plane and partying at an extravagant place. Instead, he wanted to spend time with his wife, Nicole, and their three-month-old son, Boomer.