Swimming Legend Michael Phelps’ Real Olympic Experience Was Nowhere Close to His Childhood Dream: “We Don’t See The..”

When Michael Phelps was a little boy, perhaps he wouldn’t have any idea about what the Olympics were. However, after watching his sisters traveling the world for various swimming competitions, he immediately decided that’s what he wants his life to be. As a child, we develop these dreams out of whatever fascinates us. Though little do we know about the fact that the journey to accomplish those dreams isn’t linear. It’s filled with hardships and challenges that may even break the strongest of athletes at times.

Whatever Michael Phelps dreamed as a child, he accomplished every single one of them. He is the living proof that when talent meets hard work and dedication, greatness is inevitable.

How was Phelps’ dream different from reality?

Well, the actual journey is always different from dreams. While dreams are always beautiful and soothing, the journey is filled with constant ups and downs.

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That’s what Phelps highlighted when he said, “As kids growing up, we see this thing of being an Olympian and winning a gold medal, and we don’t see the bumps that you go through or could have as an Olympian.”

The swimming legend further added, “Over the last five years, I’ve really been able to open up and share my experiences, and I’m so thankful that we were able to have a half a dozen athletes, or more, stand up next to us and talk about the same struggles.”

To be Michael Phelps is not easy

To a normal eye, being Michael Phelps might seem very fascinating. However, only he can truly understand the onus he is carrying within himself. It takes incredible strength to be able to live up to everyone’s expectations, including his own. The world only sees a number of gold medals, world records, and titles he has achieved during his career.

However, deep down, Michael Phelps goes through similar everyday life challenges, just like the rest of us. Being the best swimmer in the world doesn’t make you bulletproof to normal day-to-day hardships. Those will always be there because they are an integral part of one’s life.

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