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“I Wish I Could Be ’Johnny Johnson”: Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Once Revealed He Would Happily Trade Identity With a Random Person

Published 09/24/2022, 11:15 AM EDT

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Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever. He had a career which no one could have ever imagined. Phelps retired after the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, after achieving so much, the pandemic made him have so many questions that it became very difficult for the G.O.A.T. swimmer.

In an online interview during the pandemic, Phelps talked about how difficult the pandemic has been for him. In addition, he talked about how his routine has changed and everything affecting him.

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Michael Phelps’ struggle during the pandemic

Like anyone else, the COVID pandemic was an unexpected challenge in Phelps’ life. However, for an active person like Phelps, it is arduous to get trapped in one place. In addition, this challenge brought lots of questions to his mind, which made him more emotionally vulnerable. Phelps said“More than once I’ve just screamed out loud, ‘I wish I wasn’t me!'”

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He even said, “This is the most overwhelmed I’ve ever felt in my life. That’s why I have times where I don’t want to be me. I wish I could just be “Johnny Johnson,” some random person.”

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Michael Phelps Once Revealed He Took Help From $600 Million Worth Self-Help Coach’s Podcast to Learn About Himself

As a person, who is used to travelling, meeting new people, and competing, it was indeed a tough time, as he was not able to do any of those. He had many questions about the safety of his family, and how things will end after this pandemic. These questions disturbed Phelps and the worst thing for him was that he did not have any answers. 

Sometimes a blowup might help

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Phelps said, “The other night, I had a blowup with Nicole, my wife. It wasn’t good. But at the same time, I was able to let out all those pent-up emotions”. Furthermore, he added, “Sometimes you need that. It was hard. But I feel so much better today. Sometimes that’s just part of the process for me”.

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The interviewer asked, “So how do you fight this? How do you manage it?” Phelps answered he has a routine of spending 90 minutes in the gym early in the morning. The gym was his escape room, where he gets mentally and physically restored with positive energy. 

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Watch this story: Swimming G.O.A.T Michael Phelps Dazzled His Fans by Sharing His Stunning Workout on Instagram 

Michael Phelps is one of the celebrities who promote mental health to be a priority. He knows how important mental health is to be in a good position. After his retirement, he has been working to spread mental health awareness. The pandemic was surely a tough time but it is over now and the legend looks in a good state of mind.

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Written by:

Kaivalya R Pillai

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Dr. Kaivalya R Pillai is a US Sports author working at EssentiallySports. An accomplished academician, he recently completed his doctorate degree in pharmacy.
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Edited by:

Vibhanshu Kumar