“Barely Emerging from My Coma”: Michael Phelps Opened Up on Not Being a Hyperactive Child in His Biography

Published 08/21/2022, 9:00 AM EDT

In his two-decade-long illustrious swimming career, Michael Phelps went on to achieve multiple feats. The GOAT of swimming, also known as the “Flying Fish,” Phelps’ achievements stand taller than his height. With 28 Olympic medals, Phelps is one of the most decorated athletes.

Phelps fell in love with swimming at a young age. Following his sister’s footsteps, Phelps’ started his swimming journey young. He went on to join the North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Since then, he has never looked back.

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Phelps’ journey as a young brother

Michael braved all his setbacks despite being diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. In his book, “Beneath The Surface,” sharing his story, Michael Phelps highlighted on how he shared a close bond with his sisters, Hilary and Whitney. Addressing Whitney as his “best pals,” Michael said, “Every morning, she’d come back from swim practice with the unenviable task of waking me up.“

Giving him some worldly advice, the sister would add, “Don’t let the hyperactivity fool you.” However, poor Phelps could hardly wake up; he adds, “At 7 a.m., I was a zombie, barely emerging from my coma.”

The Phelps’ sister stood thick and thin with Michael. Taking care of his needs and helping him stay motivated, both Hilary and Whitney played a crucial role in Michaels’ formative years.

Phelps narrates further that after his mother would leave for her job, Whitney would always make him a sandwich. Speaking fondly, he iterated, “She knew I ate everything; she would throw almost anything on that sandwich, from cinnamon to peppers, and I wouldn’t notice because I’d smother the bread in heaps of mayonnaise.”

Michael Phelps Braved ADHD

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Michael’s childhood was not a bed of roses. Having been diagnosed with the chronic disorder of ADHD, he did face challenges. But his challenges were not strong enough to make him kneel.

ADHD, aka Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, impacts one’s cognitive ability to focus. However, Phelps, with his mother’s constant support and help, turned his weakness into his strength. To retain his focus, Phelps concentrated on perfecting his swimming skills.

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Watch This Story: After David Popovici broke the 100-meter freestyle world record, here’s how Michael Phelps performed at that age.

It is noteworthy to say that Phelps’ family played a crucial role in shaping him as a person. Be it his sister’s guidance or his mother’s compassion for young Phelps, they were his backbone and support system. Now, a married man with three young sons, Phelps is always there for his family.

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Written by:

Mubhaswara Ahamed is working as a US Sports Author for Essentially Sports. Having completed a Grad degree in English Literature from Calcutta University, Mubhaswara was introduced to the world of sports by her father. She always had a passion for games.

Edited by:

Vibhanshu Kumar

“Barely Emerging from My Coma”: Michael Phelps Opened Up on Not Being a Hyperactive Child in His Biography

Phelps’ journey as a young brother

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Michael Phelps Braved ADHD