“You Triggered Me”: Swimming Legend Michael Phelps’ Recalls an Old Man’s Uncomfortable Comments That Still Bothers Him at Nights

Michael Phelps, aka the Flying Fish, became a household name after winning back-to-back medals in the Olympics. The internationally renowned swimmer who made the world aware of his talent didn’t hesitate to talk about his struggles.

Phelps has faced his share of ebbs and flows in his personal and professional life. He was diagnosed with anxiety issues and depression and has since been a mental health advocate. Michael Phelps, recently, opened up about an incident related to mental health awareness that still keeps him up at night.

Michael Phelps talked about when he got triggered

In a Sports Illustrated interview, Phelps was asked if he had any qualms about the evolution of mental health conversations. Phelps revealed an incident related to conversations about mental health that still keeps him up at night.

Michael Phelps met a 65-70 years old guy on a plane who believed that talking about mental health was a sign of weakness. Phelps got highly agitated and replied, “Sir, I’m going to stop this conversation right now because you triggered me and I’m not really sure what’s going to come out of my mouth next.”

READ MORE: “Looked at Myself as an Athlete Not a Human”- Michael Phelps Struggled With Finding Self Love During His Legendary Olympic Career

Phelps believed that talking about mental health was something that fuels him with passion. He could not bear the man’s conventional views on mental health even in today’s time. These things, which keep Phelps awake at night, also motivate him to wake up every morning and bring a change.

Phelps talked about the need of the hour for Olympics committees

Michael Phelps later revealed that there was not much regard for the athletes’ mental health when competing. Even in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, Phelps didn’t notice much change in the mental health attention given to the contenders.

Michael Phelps mentioned that the committee had provided them with sports psychologists, but the players didn’t feel connected to them. “We don’t feel safe and comfortable going to them. So we don’t go to them, and then they still don’t understand why we don’t go to them. So there’s some kind of disconnect,” said Phelps.

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Phelps stressed the need to bring about changes in dealing with athletes’ mental health and mental health in general. He expressed his worry over the possibility of losing members of the Olympic family if the issue is not dealt with.