In 2020, when the entire world fell under the grip of the dreaded mutating Coronavirus, the major economic sectors and the sporting industry felt its effect. Speaking with Wayne Drehs, multi-time world champion Michael Phelps talked about how missing a workout affected him mentally.

Michael Phelps is one entity that needs no introduction and is one of the best athletes in the sporting world, let alone swimming. Phelps is a retired swimmer and holds the record for winning the highest number of golds in the sport. The champion has a total of 28 Olympic medals to his name, the most successful male athlete in the Olympics.

Michale Phelps speaks about the effects of missing a workout.

In a conversation with Wayne Drehs of ESPN in 2020, Phelps talked about how the pandemic affected him and how missing a workout impacted him mentally.

Phelps?said,?“I get into a negative pattern of thinking in my own head. And when that happens, I’m the only one who can stop it. And it typically doesn’t stop very fast”.?

The anger would eventually hamper the swimmer’s mental peace and create a sense of guilt. Also, this would subsequently lead the swimmer to blame himself, which, in a way, is punishment.

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However, when not in quarantine, the champion would opt for swimming as an escape, which was impossible during lockdown.?

Michael Phelps on the effects of the pandemic on mental health

Talking about mental health, Michael Phelps went on to highlight when he completely felt worthless. Not only this, he referred to a scene in “The Last Dance“, the Netflix documentary series on Michael Jordan, where the legend, while lying on his couch and a cigar in his hands, said, “Done. Break.”

According to a?survey by Kaiser Family Foundation, a record 45% of adults in The United States reported that the pandemic severely affected their mental state.

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Michael Phelps also brought up how he dealt with his anger issues. For example, the champion would write motivational quotes on his mirror, which acts as motivation. Phelps would seek a quiet place to reset and refocus if things still go haywire.?

What are your thoughts on Michael Phelps’s methods of dealing with mental health issues? What challenges did you face during the pandemic?