Michael Phelps, the swimming G.O.A.T is making every effort to advocate the importance of mental health. He continues to encourage people to seek intervention when needed. Fair to say, Phelps is empathetic of others? feelings.?
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Having grown up amidst older siblings and a doting mother, Phelps is aware of the joy of being there for one another. When he was faced with a situation to don the role of an older brother, he embraced it with all his heart. In his book, Beneath the Surface, the 28-time Olympic medalist shared an experience of becoming an older sibling to a kid soon to undergo brain surgery.
Michael Phelps spent his Halloween with the seven-year-old
Phelps learned about a kid who swam for one of the local clubs from Bob. Stevie from Maryland was diagnosed with a brain tumor and was due to get a brain surgery called a craniotomy. That Halloween, Phelps went to meet Stevie.
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DALLAS, TX – MAY 13: Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps (R), and his coach, Bob Bowman, answer questions from the media during the United State Olympic Committee Media Summit 2012 at Hilton Anatole on May 13, 2012 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Wade/Getty Images)
The swimming star brought him a flag, some T-shirts, and a poster. Also, he shot some hoops with him in the driveway. Furthermore, they spoke about their favorite sports, TV shows, and junk food. Phelps recounted it felt good to see him laugh.
Taking a philosophical turn, they also spoke about courage and not giving up. Phelps understood that Stevie was worried about his situation, although he didn?t exactly understand the graveness of it. ?I was amazed at how strong he was,? Phelps wrote. He felt a sense of fulfillment spending time with the kid.??It was pretty neat being the older brother for a day and I really hoped I made a difference,??he added.
Phelps was in deep thought about the kid
Fair to say, Phelps went intending to make a difference in the kid?s life. It is not known whether he made the kid feel any better. But, the day he spent with the kid had left Phelps with a multitude of thoughts.?
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ROME – JULY 28: Michael Phelps of the United States is dejected after coming second in the Men’s 200m Freestyle Final during the 13th FINA World Championships at the Stadio del Nuoto on July 28, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
He wrote, ?Stevie?s surgery was on my mind that night and the next day at practice.? He thought about how he would face that sort of thing if he had to. Also, he questioned how bad was a bad day at the pool in comparison with the kid?s illness.?
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Edited by
Pritam Priyedarshi