Olympics Legend Michael Phelps Opens Up About the ‘Hardest Thing’ in His Life: Mental Health Struggles After the Games
Baltimore, Maryland – August 31, 2025
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals, has candidly shared what he considers the “hardest thing” he’s ever faced—not the grueling training regimens or high-stakes races, but the profound mental health battles that followed his illustrious career. In a recent interview on the podcast The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, the 39-year-old swimming icon revealed how the pressure of competing at the highest level led to severe depression and suicidal ideation, emphasizing that “the hardest thing is maintaining your mental health after the spotlight fades.” Phelps’ raw admission, timed with the Paris Olympics’ afterglow and Mental Health Awareness Month, underscores the often-overlooked toll on athletes and has sparked renewed conversations about support systems in sports, reminding the world that even legends are human.
Phelps’ Revelations: The Mental Toll Beyond the Medals
Phelps, who dominated the Olympics from 2000 to 2016, winning 23 gold medals across five Games, opened up about the “void” that hit after his final race in Rio 2016. “The hardest thing was the transition out of swimming,” he said, describing how the structure of daily training and competition gave way to emptiness. He revealed contemplating suicide multiple times, including in 2018 when he “drove to the edge of a cliff” during a depressive episode. Phelps credited his wife, Nicole Johnson, and therapy for pulling him back, but stressed that the “win-at-all-costs” mentality in elite sports often ignores emotional well-being.
In the interview, Phelps detailed his diagnoses of ADHD and depression, which he managed with medication and counseling but struggled to balance with fame’s demands. “People see the medals, but they don’t see the nights I cried myself to sleep or felt like I was drowning on dry land,” he shared. This isn’t Phelps’ first time speaking out; in 2018, he partnered with Talkspace for a mental health campaign, and in 2021, he testified before Congress on athlete suicide prevention. His story aligns with a surge in athlete disclosures post-Paris 2024, where 15% of Olympians reported mental health declines due to pressure.
The podcast episode, released August 28, 2025, has garnered over 5 million views on YouTube, with fans praising Phelps’ vulnerability. It coincides with the launch of his foundation’s expanded mental health initiatives, including a $10 million grant for sports psychology programs.
Quotes from Phelps and Experts
Phelps reflected on his lowest points: “The hardest thing in my life has been my mental health. Swimming was easy compared to fighting those demons. I want other athletes to know it’s okay to ask for help—it’s not weakness; it’s strength.”
Dr. Roberta Kraus, a sports psychologist with the U.S. Olympic Committee, commended Phelps: “Michael’s openness is revolutionary. The ‘hardest thing’ for many Olympians is the post-career void—depression rates are 2-3 times higher than the general population. His story can save lives.”
Steven Bartlett, the host, added: “Phelps shared things he’s never said publicly before. The hardest part of being a legend is the isolation after the glory—it’s a universal struggle for high achievers.”
Background: Phelps’ Career and Mental Health Advocacy
Michael Phelps burst onto the scene at the 2000 Sydney Olympics at age 15, but it was the 2004 Athens Games where he won 8 medals (6 gold), surpassing Mark Spitz’s record. Over his career, he collected 28 medals, including 23 gold, retiring after Rio 2016 as the most successful Olympian ever. Post-retirement, Phelps founded the Michael Phelps Foundation in 2008, focusing on water safety and now mental health.
His struggles peaked in 2014 after a DUI arrest and relapse into depression, leading to a six-month suspension. Phelps sought treatment, emerging as an advocate; in 2017, he appeared in a PSA for depression, and in 2021, he spoke at the Tokyo Olympics opening on mental health. The Paris 2024 Games saw increased focus on athlete well-being, with 20% seeking counseling, per IOC reports. Phelps’ revelations align with a broader trend: Simone Biles’ 2021 withdrawal and Naomi Osaka’s 2022 hiatus highlighted the issue.
Potential Impacts and Next Steps
Phelps’ interview could destigmatize mental health in sports, potentially increasing funding for programs—his foundation aims to reach 1 million athletes by 2030. It may influence IOC policies, like mandatory mental health screenings for future Games.
Next, Phelps plans a book tour for his upcoming memoir Beneath the Surface: The Hardest Strokes (October 2025) and collaborations with Talkspace. The podcast episode is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with a foundation webinar on September 10.
In conclusion, Michael Phelps’ revelation that mental health is the “hardest thing” in his life sheds light on the unseen struggles of Olympic legends, advocating for better support in sports. The key takeaway? Success on the podium doesn’t guarantee inner peace—prioritizing mental well-being is the true gold medal, inspiring athletes and fans alike to seek help without shame.