
via Getty
ROME – JULY 28: Michael Phelps of the United States is dejected after coming second in the Men’s 200m Freestyle Final during the 13th FINA World Championships at the Stadio del Nuoto on July 28, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

via Getty
ROME – JULY 28: Michael Phelps of the United States is dejected after coming second in the Men’s 200m Freestyle Final during the 13th FINA World Championships at the Stadio del Nuoto on July 28, 2009 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Michael Phelps grasped the game’s rules early. Thanks to his dominance in the pool. Michael Phelps accomplished many milestones during his career of legendary swimming career. He is the most decorated athlete, with 28 Olympic medals. However, his hard work during the beginning of his career is unmatched. Recently, he revealed how being in the pool helped him divert his mind from the problems.
Phelps developed a passion for swimming when he was young, while he followed in his sister’s footsteps.
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Phelps: From failing tests to dumping his girlfriend
During an episode of Bama Cuts Season 4, Phelps visited the show as a guest. There he talked about his sacrifices to create his legacy in swimming history. In addition, he pointed out how he has to forget daily life problems to indulge in swimming completely.

While talking about his mother’s support, Michael said, “I had people that helped support me through that process. Before I could drive, my mom always driving me to the practice but like I think for me it was, when I’m at the pool for those two hours, those three hours, whatever it might be everything else is checked at the door right like if just fail to a test, if I just come, dump girlfriend, whatever just happened like whatever that’s out.”
Further, he added, “I can’t think about that when I’m here because this is my time to take one step forward. And that’s even on the days where I don’t feel great mentally, physically, emotionally, whatever it might be right. How can I take one step forward that like.” While Phelps excelled in everything he did, there was a time when he struggled with depression during his life.
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Michael Phelps’ success from struggles
In the 2016 Olympics, he won gold medals, achieving what he left unaccomplished in 2012. However, during that time, he also faced anxiety due to the burden of winning. But depression can strike anyone at any time, regardless of how many medals you have won. After an accomplished career, Michael Phelps discovered how challenging it is to regain control of oneself.

via Imago
RIO DE JANERIO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 12: Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates after winning gold medal in the Men’s 200m Individual Medley within the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on August 12, 2016.
(Photo by Salih Zeki Fazlioglu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
He couldn’t handle it because he suffered from sadness almost every time an Olympic Games ended. Even after his retirement, his anxiety kept shaking him from time to time. However, with time, he healed by surrounding himself with his loved ones.
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WATCH THE STORY: After David Popovici broke the 100-meter freestyle world record, here’s how Michael Phelps performed at that age.
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