“I Don’t Want to Be Me Anymore”- Michael Jordan Might Have Impacted Michael Phelps’ Retirement

After a dazzling career that spanned nearly two decades, Michael Phelps retired with his heart fulfilled. Winning 28 Olympic medals is a testament to his hard work and passion. To achieve that level of dominance, one must go through rigorous training methods. Phelps did it. Thus, he retired in peace, but felt the urge to stop after a point of time. When athletes work hard for years, they lose motivation. 

Take the example of the legendary sprinter, Usain Bolt, retiring from the track and field when he was just 30. Similarly, the GOAT of basketball, Michael Jordan, retired on a high after winning six NBA titles. ‘The Last Dance’ is an incredible documentary focusing on his life and career. Hence, many people get inspired by the documentary, which also had a convincing effect on Phelps. 

Michael Phelps took notes from MJ!

Michael Phelps had a hard time convincing himself. Suffering from depression after every Olympic Games, finding reality became a monumental struggle for him. However, after various battles in life, he started getting help and opened up to people. Struggling with his mental health for long periods, Phelps found it hard to cope with pressure. A fan of the great Michael Jordan, he spoke about the scene where Jordan sat on a couch, tired and relaxing from the fruits of his labor. 

“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,” mentioned Phelps, who had similar experiences. 

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It is incredible to see two legends having similar thoughts as Phelps knew what Jordan thought. For MJ, he retired from the NBA after his first three championships. But he returned to win three more on the bounce and created an unparalleled legacy. Likewise, Phelps experienced similar success. 

Dominant swimmer for years

In the same vein as Michael Jordan, Phelps won 23 Olympic gold medals from his total of 28, and he is a legend in the swimming pool. He is the greatest Olympian of all time, but all that had a knock-on effect on his life. Struggling with depression for a long time, he had a tough time after the 2012 London Olympics, as he, like Jordan, retired from swimming for a brief period. 

However, you just can’t keep these legends under the roof for a long time. They achieved greatness, and Phelps retired in style after the 2016 Rio Olympics, winning five gold medals. The iconic careers of the two Michaels are an inspiration to all, and probably, we may see no one come close to these individuals again!

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