Is Michael Phelps Sick? What Illness Does Michael Phelps Have?
by Kavitha | Updated Jan 24, 2024
Who is Michael Phelps?
Michael Fred Phelps II, born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, is an American former competitive swimmer. Renowned as the most successful and decorated Olympian of all time, Phelps has an impressive total of 28 Olympic medals, including a record-breaking 23 gold medals. Throughout his illustrious career, he showcased versatility in various swimming strokes like butterfly, individual medley, freestyle, and backstroke.
Phelps, nicknamed "The Baltimore Bullet" and "Flying Fish," began his swimming journey with the North Baltimore Aquatic Club under the guidance of coach Bob Bowman. His outstanding achievements include tying the record for eight medals at the 2004 Athens Olympics and surpassing Mark Spitz's seven-gold record at the 2008 Beijing Games with eight gold medals.
Retiring after the 2012 Olympics, Phelps made a comeback in 2014 and continued to add to his medal count at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he secured five gold and one silver medal. Beyond his swimming prowess, Phelps founded the Michael Phelps Foundation, focusing on swimming promotion and healthier lifestyles. Widely regarded as the greatest swimmer and one of the greatest athletes of all time, Phelps's impact extends beyond the pool, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of sports.
Full Name
Michael Fred Phelps II
Nickname(s)
"The Baltimore Bullet," "Flying Fish"
Nationality
United States
Born
June 30, 1985 (age 38) in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Height
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight
194 lb (88 kg)
Spouse
Nicole Johnson (m. 2016)
Children
4
Sport
Swimming
Olympic Medals
28 (23 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze)
Is Michael Phelps Sick?
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history with 28 medals, faced internal struggles despite his swimming success. Phelps, now 37, revealed that he battled depression, anxiety, and even contemplated suicide due to societal stigma around mental health. During his swimming career, he saw acknowledging mental health as a "sign of weakness."
Phelps emphasized the importance of treating mental health with the same attention as physical well-being. He advocated for creating mental health support structures, similar to weight rooms for athletes, to help individuals succeed in various aspects of life. He acknowledged the evolving landscape where athletes like Simone Biles and Tyrell Terry openly discuss mental health challenges, breaking down stigmas.
Phelps transformed his life through therapy, daily routines, and small habits. Journaling became a key strategy for expressing his emotions, and avoiding electronic devices at night contributed to better sleep. Phelps encouraged everyone to prioritize mental health by developing daily routines and focusing on controllable aspects of life.
Despite Phelps' past struggles, he now sees mental health as a crucial part of his daily routine, allowing him to become a better version of himself. His story highlights the importance of seeking help and addressing mental health, even for those who may appear successful on the surface.
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Michael Phelps Career
Michael Fred Phelps II, born on June 30, 1985, in Baltimore, Maryland, is an American former competitive swimmer widely regarded as one of the greatest Olympians of all time. Phelps made a significant comeback from retirement in 2014, announcing his return to competitive swimming.
In the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships, Phelps displayed his exceptional skills, winning gold in the 100m butterfly, 4x200m freestyle, and 4x100m medley. He also secured silver in the 200m medley and 4x100m freestyle. Motivated by the national team's relay challenges, Phelps worked with coach Bob Bowman to focus on personal enjoyment and self-fulfillment in swimming.
His comeback continued with a strong performance at the 2015 US Nationals, winning gold in the 100m butterfly, 200m butterfly, and 200m individual medley. Phelps faced a temporary setback when dropped from the 2015 World Aquatics Championships due to a DUI, but he rebounded with victories at the Winter Nationals later that year.
The pinnacle of Phelps's comeback was the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. At age 31, he secured gold in the 200m butterfly, 200m medley, 4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle, and 4x100m medley. He also earned silver in the 100m butterfly. Phelps retired again after these Olympics, leaving an indelible mark on swimming history with a total of 28 Olympic medals, including 23 golds. His career is celebrated not just for records but for the resilience and dedication that defined his journey in the pool.
Michael Phelps Children
Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and his wife, Nicole Johnson Phelps, recently welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Nico Michael Phelps, born on January 16. The couple expressed their joy in a heartwarming Instagram post, sharing their gratitude for being blessed with another child and officially becoming a family of six.
The Phelps family includes three older brothers for Nico, all under the age of 10: Boomer Phelps, 7, Beckett Richard Phelps, 5, and Maverick Phelps, 4. Despite initially expressing interest in having a daughter, Nicole is thrilled to have another boy, emphasizing that they are given what they are meant to have. The couple, married since 2016, radiates happiness in embracing their expanding family and the joy of raising a house full of boys.
Michael Phelps Net Worth
Michael Phelps, the retired American Olympic swimmer, boasts a net worth of $100 million. As the most decorated Olympic athlete with 28 medals, including 23 golds, he is hailed as the greatest swimmer of all time. Phelps earned numerous accolades, such as World Swimmer of the Year (8 times), American Swimmer of the Year (11 times), and the "Sports Illustrated" Sportsman of the Year in 2008. His remarkable success in the pool, coupled with corporate endorsements, has contributed to his substantial net worth, solidifying his legacy both in and out of the water.
What Illness Does Michael Phelps Have?
Michael Phelps has struggled with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. The most decorated American Olympian of all time faced post-Olympic depression after the 2004 Athens Games and later dealt with profound challenges, leading to his decision to seek therapy. Phelps emphasizes that mental health management is an ongoing journey, comparing it to his dedication to becoming a top swimmer. Through therapy, exercise, and self-care measures, he continues to learn and grow. Phelps actively works to erase the stigma around mental health, partnering with Talkspace for campaigns like Permission Slip to inspire others to prioritize their mental well-being.
Is Michael Phelps Sick - FAQs
Michael Phelps is an American former competitive swimmer, the most decorated Olympian with 28 medals, including 23 golds.
Phelps faced depression and anxiety struggles but transformed his life through therapy, routines, and mental health advocacy.
Michael Phelps has a net worth of $100 million, earned through his swimming achievements and corporate endorsements.
Michael and his wife, Nicole, have four sons: Boomer, Beckett, Maverick, and the youngest, Nico Michael Phelps.
Michael Phelps has battled depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, emphasizing that mental health is an ongoing journey.