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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps testifies during a hearing before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee February 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The subcommittee held a hearing on “Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 28: American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps testifies during a hearing before the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee of House Energy and Commerce Committee February 28, 2017 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. The subcommittee held a hearing on “Ways to Improve and Strengthen the International Anti-Doping System.” (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
The training periods, strict diets, and a disciplined life ever since they were kids, an athlete faces a lot of pressure. They set goals for themselves and burden a country’s pressure on their backs. Although tasting success is a unique feeling, in the end, the steps to success are tough. The 2020 documentary ‘The Weight of Gold’ showcases some of the best athletes in the world, including legendary swimmer Michael Phelps.
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A robotic life from his young days, Phelps felt immense pressure growing up as an athlete. With the ultimate focus being an Olympic gold medalist, the process was strenuous. As a result of immense focus, he fell into depression post the Olympics. However, what surprised him was that other athletes also faced the same problems.
Michael Phelps stunned to see the outcome
Preparing for the Olympics is a tough task for every athlete. In a matter of moments, they can understand if their dreams will become a reality. Some of them achieve it while others can’t. Hence, preparations are tough for most of them. In the weight of those expectations, athletes remain focused on the task ahead, rather than on other moments in their lives. This is where the problem arises.
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CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 10: Michael Phelps prepares to swim ahead of the 2012 Charlotte UltraSwim Grand Prix at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center on May 10, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Every single time, Phelps spoke about falling into depression after the Olympics. Hence, he was amazed to see what other athletes felt, and that they did not have anyone besides them during their tough moments. “I was shocked at just how similar our answers were. We were all saying, like, nobody helps us, and we’re just products. And our stories are pretty much the same.” said Phelps.
READ MORE- Does Michael Phelps Consume 10,000 Calories Even Post-Retirement?
It is just disappointing to see these athletes striving hard to bring glory to themselves and the nation while not being able to open up about their feeling. The documentary showcases the troubles these athletes faced during their careers. It brings us fans, a perspective on the struggles they went through.
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Struggled with depression
Just like Phelps, stars like Shaun White, Apolo Ohno, and many more spoke about their feelings. It was a collective feeling altogether and fans could know the struggles they went through. He had talked about falling into depression after every Olympic Games and his first depression came after the 2004 Athens Olympics. The hardest it hit him was after the 2012 London Olympics. Phelps couldn’t take it anymore and retired from swimming.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 14: Michael Phelps of the United States wipes his eyes during a press conference at the Main Press Centre on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
However, the aqua gladiator returned to his pool to showcase his stunning talents. He returned to the 2016 Rio Olympics and bid goodbye after a sensational performance.
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WATCH THIS STORY- Heres A Quick Look At The 5 Gold Medals Of Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps at Beijing Olympics 2008
It is just an outstanding achievement from the greatest swimmer of all time, although his path to redemption was hard.
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