Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian, and one of the greatest athletes of all time has lived a career unparalleled. However, as he blazed through the 28-time Olympic medals, the 33 world championships titles, and numerous feats more, the path wasn’t without stumbles. As an athlete on one of the highest podiums or as a human, Phelps has held his share of setbacks to tackle.

The world is no stranger to Michael Phelps’ struggle with depression and suspension as more challenges linger behind the scenes. Carrying on the success entailing these circumstances, the swimming icon today speaks his mindset in facing the unavoidable.

A peek into the swimming icon’s perspective

Michael Phelps recently joined hands with AirWayz to offer exclusive stories, insights into mental strength, training sessions, and learnings more. In one of the clips, the Olympian speaks about his state of mind overcoming a setback. “We are not gonna be handed anything ever,” he begins to widen the receiver’s perspective. “So you are gonna have to go through the ups and downs. The fights and the rocks that you’re gonna cross. The bumps and the walls that you’re gonna hop over. You have to if that’s what you want.” 

Michael Phelps has been arrested on two accounts of DUI and drunk driving. The circumstances led him into a dark pit. Yet the Marca Leyenda awardee ensured to take responsibility for his actions, committing to personal growth. For, stars were what he aimed for.

Trending

Fans Worried About Kyle Busch Facing Prison as NASCAR Eyes Potential Return to International Waters

May 07, 2024 09:06 PM EDT

Hours After Travis Kelce’s Presence, Ex-GF Kayla Nicole Attends Beach Party That Included Patrick Mahomes

May 08, 2024 10:10 AM EDT

Despite Being Shown the Exit Door, Rickie Fowler Becomes the Bigger Person With Latest Gesture for Ex-Sponsor

May 07, 2024 04:04 PM EDT

Gigi Hadid Wore the Most Expensive Outfit, but Simone Biles’ Dress Had Almost Shook Gymnastics and Met Gala Fans

May 07, 2024 06:01 PM EDT

While Celebrities Focused on Fundraising, Simone Biles Had an Exclusive Plan for Her Met Gala Appearance in 2021

May 07, 2024 06:38 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Swimming stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Admitting some of the learnings along the way were brutal as they shaped him to be who he was, Michael Phelps accepted that they were inevitable. “It is what I signed up for. I signed up to be something that no one else has ever done,” he states. As aforementioned, the learnings came the hard way for the 5-time Olympian.

A journey of learning for Michael Phelps

Following his second arrest, the public scrutiny, the six-month suspension, and everything it entailed, Michael Phelps had some of the darkest episodes. He has previously revealed there were days he ‘didn’t want to be here’. He had to seek help at a treatment and addiction center in Arizona. However, these instances, Phelps admits are what let people know that nobody is perfect. Not even the most decorated Olympian.

“Better Than Ever Winning an Olympic Gold Medal”: Michael Phelps Out Picks Historic Achievement With Bold Claim

Though they offered a period hard to sit through, Michael Phelps found a better spirit in admitting his missteps. “That’s the only way you are able to move on and learn from that mistake,” he says according to NBC. Regardless of how the circumstances turned out, each step let the swimmer learn, grow, and embrace a new view. Thus, looking back, Phelps revealed, “I’m just so happy with where I am in life.”

Caeleb Dressel vs Michael Phelps: Who Has the Most Medals?