?So Powerful?: Michael Phelps Lauded Tennis Icon Naomi Osaka After Her Emotional French Open Exit in 2021

Michael Phelps, the king of the pool, and a proponent of mental health commended Naomi Osaka’s resolve to exit the French Open in 2021. Phelps handled mental health issues for a long time with temporary solutions until there came a point it was inevitable to seek intervention. Spending time in rehab brought immense change and a sense of purpose to his life.

Ever since he realized the power of dealing with mental health and the changes it can bring to one?s life, he became a powerful advocate of mental health. Besides, he extends support to those doing the same. In a 2021 interview, the 23-time Olympic gold medalist expressed his appreciation for Osaka?s decision to exit the French Open, citing mental health issues.

Michael Phelps wondered whether he could have done such a thing

Speaking about the days he battled several challenges with mental health while competing, Phelps said, “I don’t know if I would have been able to take my own words and put them on a platform for everybody to see like she’s putting herself out there.? Besides, he added that if one?s mental health is off, one can?t feel complete in themselves.

In sheer awe at Osaka?s resolve to put her mental health above her career, Phelps joined her supporters and shared his thoughts. He appreciated her choice to take time for herself and make herself better. He remarked, ?I can’t say it enough ? I think this is incredible; I think it’s awesome. It’s so powerful what she did and I wish her the best.”

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Naomi Osaka, an ace tennis player hailing from Japan, had announced that she wouldn?t attend press conferences on the grounds of mental health issues. Her announcement led to the organizers warning her of serious consequences. Following this, Osaka took to social media to share her decision on withdrawing from the French Open, stating, “Suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a hard time coping with that”.

Phelps empathized with her as a human more than as a sports celebrity

Phelps shared his thoughts on the message Osaka posted. He stated she loves playing tennis and probably that helps her feel like her authentic self. Furthermore, the swimming legend added that he was ecstatic to see her taking a bold step, but the backlash saddened him. He said, ?This is a human being that’s sharing her feelings and emotions.?

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Currently, the swimming legend through his collaboration with Talkspace is creating awareness of how therapy saved his life. He also appeals to people to open up about their mental health issues and deal with them.