Michael Phelps, who has won numerous Olympic titles, is considered the best Olympian. In his career, he conquered 39 world records. He also won 23 Olympic gold medals. Undoubtedly, this legend is a spectacular swimmer, having taken eight gold medals in a single Olympic competition in 2008.

Despite his years of success, he battled depression. Since 2004, he has mentioned how challenging it was to deal with mental health issues. Once, he also stated how he was ready to leave the Olympics to save any other athlete’s life.

Michael Phelps being a savior

Phelps revealed to AFP in an interview at the Demain le sports convention in Paris that his post-swimming career was even busier than his strenuous schedule in the water. It is because his years of masking his sadness burst out at once after his retirement in 2016.

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Michael stated, “I’d rather have the opportunity to save a life than win another gold medal because this is way more important.” The Baltimore bullet also added, “We have lost way too many Olympic athletes to suicide. I don’t want to lose any more of my Olympic family members.”

“These Feelings Were Scary”: Michael Phelps Admits He Still Struggles With Depression and Anxiety

Calling himself the shark, Phelps said, “Competing was one of my favorite things. I was a shark and smelt blood in the water and kept going.” However, between the year of being successful, there was a time when he didn’t want to be alive. Michael said, “I went through a period where I didn’t want to be alive.”

Phelps encourages everyone to achieve their goals

People typically don’t talk openly about their mental health issues. But times have changed now, and more people are opening up. It is an excellent method to move forward as more and more individuals are eradicating the stigma associated with depression. Once, the legend also offers life-saving tips for others to fight depression.

In a depression, losing hope is the biggest thing that pushes you down. Meanwhile, Michael added it is essential for a person to have dreams to overcome all the obstacles. The flying fish also added, “I had these dreams of being an Olympic swimmer, a world record holder.”

The world witnessed Michael conquering his long-standing dream in 2016, adding five more Olympics gold medals to his belt.

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