By now, we are all well aware of the legend that is Michael Phelps. Not only is the American a champion swimmer, but he is also one of the primary advocates for mental health issues among athletes. Having been fighting anxiety and depression himself, Phelps has been very outspoken about the topic.

Phelps has been very active in lending support to fellow athletes undergoing similar issues. Notably, when Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka came forward to speak about their mental health, Michael was a primary entity to show support.

Michael Phelps admired Osaka and Biles’ initiative

During a recent interview, the most decorated Olympian of all time talked about many topics relating to mental health. A topic amongst the ones he touched on was how the course has progressed since his retirement.

Phelps mentioned athletes like Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka. He got inspired by how they could speak about the steps they needed to take to preserve their mental well-being.

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“When Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka spoke publicly about their mental health challenges, I was so inspired,” said Phelps. “It really brought me joy because, for anybody who opens up and talks about struggles like this, it’s so freeing,” he added.

He mentioned he loved when Naomi opened up as she did it powerfully. Naomi showed vulnerability on a public stage, which appealed to Michael the most. Naomi did it on her terms and in her own words, which is very scary to many people.

Talking about Simone, Phelps said it was wild to see what happened. When he saw Simone go through that phase, he realized something important. He learned that mental health can creep up at any time. It doesn’t matter if one is at the Olympics or on their birthday.

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Opening up about his problems helped Michael

The swimming legend once revealed how opening up about his problems helped him. He said it was crazy. He remembers the 2014 Sports Illustrated cover story interview. Tim Layden asked him questions, and Michael just dropped his shoulders to let it all out.

Talking about the experience, Phelps further added he was at the end of the road and had to get help. He was in a scary place for a very long time. Although he did not know how to ask for help, once he did, everything became easy.
It’s rather interesting how a journalist changed the life of the most decorated Olympian forever.

Watch this Story: Simone Biles’ Mother Advises Her to Prioritize Mental Health at Tokyo Olympics 2020