Olympic Legend, Son, Father, and a Human: A Tribute to Michael Phelps on His 37th Birthday

As years go by, the swimming fraternity remembers Michael Phelps and his road to success. Born in Baltimore, his passion for swimming never goes unnoticed. From fearing water to becoming a swimming monster, he conquered peaks with every step. Setting milestones at every step, Phelps is a role model for all. 

Winning 28 Olympic medals describes as an achievement for some. For others, Phelps had a telling influence on people who coped with mental health struggles. Turning 37 today, the life and journey of Phelps is an insight into the champion he is, both inside and outside the pool. But the pathway to success wasn’t an easy ride. 

Michael Phelps overcoming problems

Early life struggles started when he was nine as his parents went through a divorce. “For me, not having a father always there was hard,” said Phelps, as coach Bob Bowman mentored him. Once Phelps started swimming, the rapport with his father crumbled, as he failed to keep in contact. Overcoming a period in life when he had no father to look up to must have been hard for the iconic swimmer. Hence, Bowman arrived in the picture. 

He started training Phelps, and the duo had a father-son relationship rather than a trainer-swimmer relationship. Bowman put him through tough challenges in swimming, like filling his goggles with water and training him hard to become successful. Phelps learned his trade and ended up winning multiple Olympic gold medals. 

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However, the effects of training hard caught up to him as he committed major offenses after getting into depression. During that time, mental health struggles were a taboo. Despite that, Phelps stepped up to the plate and opened up about his struggles. That was an eye-opening experience for all. For a person to achieve unparalleled success and then fall into depression showcased the vulnerability of a professional athlete. Considered a superhuman, everyone understood he was just another human being like us. 

Family man throughout his life

It is difficult to see the pain and struggles he went through. Married to the graceful Nicole Johnson, his wife opened up the conflicts they faced as a couple. Arguments occurred around the clock as Phelps drowned inside a dark world. “You do contemplate suicide,” mentioned Phelps during his lowest period. Devoid of emotions for a long time, Bowman trained him to be a swimming machine. Win medals, rest, sleep, repeat! That was his mantra. 

However, the way he changed his life deserves special mention. In 2014, Bob Bowman and Phelps re-united after going separate ways after the 2012 London Olympics. During that time, Phelps served probation for getting arrested for DUI. Bowman wanted assurances. That day, Phelps transformed for good, leaving behind his miseries and ready to reign supreme at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He retired in style and won five gold medals. It was a moment of redemption for a swimmer, loved by all but not loving himself for a brief point in time. 

Retired with three kids and a lovely wife, Phelps is happy now. From wanting to kill himself to saving lives, Phelps’ life changed for the better. He loves his family and cannot stop talking about his handsome boys. In addition to being a legendary swimmer and winner of 23 gold medals, Phelps’ legacy goes far beyond that. He is much more than the weight of the gold that he has won. Inspiring millions through his brand, he fought for his life when he was struggling to live with his own. 

Now that cements his place as a superhuman! Happy birthday Michael Phelps!

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