Michael Phelps Graces Sports Illustrated Cover: “I Was In a Really Dark Place”

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Jose Alberto Cano Mayte Cano

I just see the best swimmer ever.

Still one of the best athletes on the planet and to speak up about his struggles makes him that much better!

Immediate grooming required. ..

The psychology behind what happens when supreme athletes reach their goals? Where do you go when up is gone? How do you deal with it?

Wes Kochheiser

I am completely empathetic at the difficulty in making a transition from elite-athlete to success in the professional world. 1) an expectation that the athlete will be as successful in the new endeavor as they were in athletics. Lightning should strike twice. 2) the elite athlete is in a time-deficit in the new endeavor, as compared with peers. It takes humility. 3) Finding another endeavor that is worth putting your whole Self into. It was hard for me to find a new endeavor that was worth that level of commitment; the sacrifices necessary.
Phelp’s struggles are amplified, but not unique. I feel for him, but it is doable. Go Michael!

Heard you were doing some rehab? Heal quickly!! Love.
UBill & Sandy

I’m glad he’s got some insight as to why he developed a drinking problem, and I sincerely hope he can use that insight to stay sober throughout his life. Even after the competitive years are over for him, he has a lot to contribute to the world, and I really would like to see him do it.

Nancy Hogshead’s a greet example of an Olympic (co) gold-medalist 30-plus years ago who has become a prominent professional in an entirely different field, i.e., an attorney specializing I believe in gender equity issues, among other areas. she also opted to swim collegiately at a rather lis- key program (Duke) when she could have easily written her ticket to any major program in the country.

As forbthe GOAT, all he did last summer in San Antonio wasn’t swim the fastest 100-200 flys/ 200 IM since he set the world- record in the former two @ the Rome World Championships six years ago and swam the second- fastest 200 IM all- time too.
Were I a betting man (which of course I’m not’) I mite be tempted to visit Sin City and wager a few “Bob” on him to win that trio plus perhaps the 200 free @ a certain ” minor” meet in some obscure South Anerican nation next summer. No names need be mentioned of course.

Learn from your mistakes and move on. Lesson learned know an realize that you will choose not to be in that same dark place again.

Keep up the good work Michael.

Ariel Braathen

The secret to true happiness is in giving at least equally to receiving, something Phelps has never done. Every USA swimmer knows that, unlike most Olympians, Phelps was never gracious to them. Until he learns to be humble and kind, he will not be happy.