“Michael Jordan Is on the Couch, Smoking…”: Michael Phelps’ Once Recalled the Overwhelming Moment He Felt ‘Worthless’, Finding Similarities With NBA Legends Tough Time

Michael Phelps is a name synonymous with hard work, dedication, and unfathomable success. In the process of achieving greatness, Michael Phelps set multiple world records and even won the most Olympic medals ever to be won by an athlete. Albeit, in doing so, the legendary swimmer had to undergo multiple struggles throughout his career.

Michael was injured a couple of times during his career, which spanned 5 Olympic Games. However, he was going through a struggle silently which was not known to the public. It was before the Rio Olympics that Michael revealed that he was struggling with mental health issues. As far as Michael remembered, it dated back to 2004, during the Athens Olympics.

Michael Phelps struggled during the pandemic 

The COVID-19 pandemic came and jolted everyone all over the world. During the lockdown, many people struggled to get through the uncertainty. Some people had a financial struggle, whereas some were struggling with their mental health. Michael Phelps opened up on the struggles he faced during the pandemic in an interview. According to Michael, it was a challenge that he never expected, and the uncertainty of the situation made him question everything.

Speaking to ESPN, Phelps opened up on how he felt. He said, “Sometimes there’s just this overwhelming feeling that I can’t handle it anymore. I don’t want to be me anymore. It’s almost like that scene in ‘The Last Dance’ where Michael Jordan is on the couch, smoking a cigar and he’s just like, “Done. Break.” He can’t take it anymore.”

DIVE DEEPER: “Swimmer’s Path Isn’t Always an Olympics Path” Michael Phelps’ Mother Always Knew the Risk Involved With Her Children’s Dreams

Furthermore, Michael revealed how people believed that after winning the medals at the Rio Olympics, Michael did not have any other struggles with mental health. However, that was not the case. He stated, “My emotions are all over the place. I’m always defensive. I’m triggered so easily.”

The incredible legacy of the Swimming legend

Michael Phelps set out on a goal to achieve something that has never been achieved before. In the process of achieving his goals, Phelps revealed how he trained for five years straight without a day off. He did not miss training during the Christmas holidays or even his birthday. Throughout his career, he inspired countless people. His comeback in the Rio Olympics gave hope to everyone who was struggling with similar issues.

Swimming – Olympics: Day 8 An emotional Michael Phelps of the United States waves at the crowd after his final swim with the United States winning gold in the Men’s 4 x 100m Medley Relay Final during the swimming competition at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium August 13, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Michael won a record 28 Olympic medals throughout his career. He started his Olympic career when he was just 15 years old. At 19, Michael won his first Olympic medal at the Athens Olympics. He stands as an inspiration to all the young athletes who wanted someone to look up to.

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