Michael Phelps Reflects On Year Following DUI Arrest In Instagram Post

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

It’s been one year since Michael Phelps was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving nearly 40 miles over the speed limit in Baltimore. A lot has happened for the Greatest Olympian Of All Time since then.

Phelps received a suspended sentence for the DUI. He went into rehab. He withdrew from the world championship team and was banned from competition for six months. He got engaged. He relocated to Arizona. He posted the world’s fastest times in three events and was nominated for three Golden Goggles awards. He’s launched a line of swimwear under the “MP” brand in conjunction with Aquasphere.

To mark the “anniversary” of his arrest, Phelps posted a quote from the poet Rumi today on Instagram that reads:

Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world.
Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.

Phelps followed it with this comment:

This day a year ago I found myself in a dark hole. At this point in my life today I can’t be happier !!! My life today with my fiancée and my career is better than I could ever imagined. Going through the [things] I have gone through in the last year have changed my outlook on life.

Phelps’ new view on life has manifested itself inwardly and outwardly. He’s said he will not drink alcohol until after the Olympics. He’s become more philosophical in interviews and press conferences. He smiles more. At the Arena Pro Swim Series in Mesa last April, his first meet after his suspension, he stayed after a few sessions had ended to sign autographs, a rarity for Phelps.

Phelps’ Instagram account has about 613,000 followers. With half of the day done, his post has received 20,300 likes.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use

Name*

Email*

3 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Shana Larson Interone

8 years ago

The point of learning

Pmaynor310@gmail.com

8 years ago

Michael Phelps, you are an amazing person…and amazing people always continue personal growth and do amazing things!!

John J. Coan

8 years ago

He rocks!