The world knows the swimming legend, Michael Phelps as the most decorated Olympic athlete of all time. However, the 28-time Olympic medalist is sensitive, and he too had a dark phase in life. A fighter at heart, he made enormous efforts to overcome the mental turmoil. Unexpectedly, his estranged father, Fred, helped him in his endeavor.

Fred Phelps took his last breath earlier this week. Phelps’ parents divorced in 1994 when he was 9 years old. Ever since then, they were not on good terms and rarely participated in Phelps’ life events. After a reconciliation in 2014, they began to heal their relationship. In a throwback interview, Phelps shared about the therapeutic impact of reunion with his father.

The book that changed Phelps’ life forever

It was a time of overwhelming emotions. In September 2014, Phelps was charged with DUI for going 81 in a 55 zone. He was heavily intoxicated. Phelps wanted to return to the Olympics one last time. But he struggled with different thoughts. Also, he questioned his very existence.

Thoughts of suicide were persistent in his mind. Besides, he was also constantly daunted by the damaging photo of smoking drugs.

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Phelps’ long-time friend and NFL star, Lewis, came to the rescue. He understood his helplessness and despair. He suggested that Phelps took help in a behavioral rehab facility.

Also, Lewis gave him a book, The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. Following Lewis’ advice, he joined the rehab facility with the book in his hand. In the book, Warren wrote, “Relationships are always worth restoring.” 

As an effort to restore his lost relationship with his father, a family week was organized. Fred was surprised when he got the invitation. “I was shocked,” Phelps shared about his father’s acceptance. Also, he said, “I didn’t think he would come.” On seeing each other, they went emotional and opened their arms wide and held on to one another in a big, tight hug.

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Opening up on what Phelps missed as a kid, he said, “I didn’t want to have that what if. I didn’t want to go through life without having the chance to share emotions I wanted to share with him.” Thereafter, the father and son opened a new chapter of healing and accepting each other. 

Michael Phelps wrote a touching message about his father 

Phelps took to Instagram to announce his father’s death and penned a heartfelt message. He wrote, “You’ll always be my dad…And I’ll always be your son…Love you dad and I will miss you❤️❤️ rip dad.”

It is rightly said that hearts are often broken by words left unspoken. Upon realizing he had feelings of abandonment related to his rocky relationship with his father, he made an effort to reunite with his father in 2014. He said that they had the best conversation in over twenty years. 

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