?I Know How Hard It Is?- Michael Phelps Finds Similarities With Simone Biles, Kevin Love, and Naomi Osaka?s Struggles

Awareness regarding mental health has been on the rise in the sports world in recent years. As such, athletes have started coming forward to share their stories and opinions on the subject. And Michael Phelps has been a vocal participant on the topic since the time it started garnering attention.

However, Phelps is not the only athlete to voice their opinion on the matter. Other prominent Olympians, including Simone Biles, Kevin Love, and Naomi Osaka, have done their bit to raise mental health awareness.

Michael Phelps on athletes raising awareness on mental health

Last year, Biles created a media frenzy after she decided to withdraw from multiple events at the Tokyo Olympics. The GOAT cited mental health concerns as the reason behind her decision. But the issue is not something new and has persisted for quite some time. And most athletes have had to face their struggles with it.

But it has surfaced as a major topic for discussion in sports only in recent years. Previously, athletes were more concerned with the physical aspects of sports. However, they did not put much thought into the psychological pressure weighing them down.

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However, there is a recent shift toward the outlook on mental health as more athletes join the movement on mental health issues. Moreover, other prominent athletes, including Osaka and Kevin Love, have joined in on the conversation stressing the importance of mental health on the well-being of a person.

Phelps has been a forerunner in leading the conversion on the subject. However, the 28-time Olympic medalist has credited a few prominent Olympians who have inspired him on his journey during a recent interview with Yahoo Life?s well-being series, The Unwind.

Naming the athletes behind his inspiration, Phelps said, “I’ve gotten to know Kevin Love and Naomi Osaka. I’ve known Simone Biles for a long time.”

“Some of these athletes and celebrities who have opened up about their own journeys, for me it’s so cool and incredible to watch because number one, I know how hard it is and how challenging it is, and I also know how freeing it is to be able to do it in your own way,” the five-time Olympian added.

Significance of mental health awareness

A lot has changed over the years in the sports world. Although discussions on the issue were not prevalent in sports previously, now it is one of the most heavily discussed topics in sports. However, the need to emphasize the significance of mental health remains crucial.

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Therefore, the sports world could do with some more discussions on the subject. And as athletes become aware of the potential complications associated with it, we can expect more reforms emphasizing the role of mental health in sports.