“USA Swimming Had Suspended Me”: Retired Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Pens Down Mental Health Struggles

Michael Phelps, the swimming legend, has enjoyed his fair share of fame and glory. However, he has a few demons that have haunted him throughout his career. In a candid and brave move, Phelps opened up about his mental health struggles in a Podcast hosted by Lisa Cornwell and Karen Crouse. A snippet of the podcast was uploaded on her Instagram account by host Lisa Cornwell. Here, he revealed his reasons for going public about his mental health struggles in 2015. He also talked about his days in a rehab facility and his upcoming tell-all memoir.

The legend had previously bared his soul in a 2015 issue of Sports Illustrated magazine. Tim Layden wrote the article, which chronicled Phelps’ battle with depression and anxiety, shedding light on the immense pressure he faced as an Olympic athlete. This pressure led him to alcoholism and two arrests for DUIs. Shortly after he was released from prison, he checked into rehab. Phelps described this period as “the most afraid I’ve ever felt in my life.” The swimmer discussed these problems at length, reliving the darkest moments in his life.

Michael Phelps Talks About The Darkest Phase of His Life

On the podcast, the retired Olympic gold medalist was asked why he revealed his drinking problem in 2015. Phelps answered that he felt vulnerable, yet he wanted to speak his truth. So, when Tim Layden approached him for the interview, Phelps decided to be candid. He resolved never to allow any stereotype about mental health to dictate his narrative. The star also was not shy to mention how he sought treatment after the second DUI.

Phelps stayed at the Meadows Rehabilitation Center in Arizona for eight weeks. During that summer, Phelps got another bad news. He was surprised when he heard that “USA swimming had suspended” him. At this point, the ace swimmer decided just to be himself.

Michael Phelps On Being His True Self

Phelps let go of all his inhibitions and started to portray his true self from then on. His time at the Meadows rehab was a time of rediscovery where he met his real self. He thanked the facility for giving him the tools and the ability to see himself more clearly. He also learned to accept and love himself unconditionally without needing validation from others.

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Now he can look beyond his identity as a swimmer and live his “authentic self everyday”. In an exclusive interview with Insider.com, Phelps revealed that he “considered myself a swimmer, not a human being.” He further added, “The work that I’ve done has allowed me to look in the mirror and like who I see, good, bad, and ugly.” This attitude could also be seen in the podcast, where Phelps proclaimed with unparalleled confidence, saying he would not change himself for anybody’s sake. The swimmer is definitely on the mend, and with this self-awareness, he is sure to bring more attention to the mental issues plaguing other athletes.

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