Winning gold is ‘way less important than having a chance to save a life’: Michael Phelps on finding purpose beyond the pool
Winning gold is ‘way less important than having a chance to save a life’: Michael Phelps on finding purpose beyond the pool
A Legacy Beyond the Water
Winning gold is way less important – Michael Phelps, the iconic swimmer who dominated the 2016 Rio Olympics, has left an indelible mark on the world of sports with his record-breaking 28 medals. But as the years have passed since he hung up his racing fins, his focus has shifted from the pool to a different kind of impact—one that transcends athletic glory and centers on mental health and safety. At 40, Phelps now sees his role as a champion not just in the water, but in the realm of advocacy, where he aims to help others navigate the challenges of life with resilience and clarity.
“Water safety but also mental health—those two things are who I am,” Phelps shared with CNN Sports’ Coy Wire.
The 23-time Olympic gold medalist has become a vocal voice in the mental wellness movement, emphasizing that his journey in sports has prepared him to address these issues in a unique way. His foundation, which initially focused on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing water-related accidents, has evolved into a powerful platform for fostering emotional resilience and psychological well-being among young people.
The Foundation’s Evolution
Launched in 2008, the Michael Phelps Foundation began as a mission to educate children about the importance of staying safe in the water. The swimmer’s own childhood experiences with fear of the water—due to a traumatic incident at age seven—shaped its early goals. Yet, over time, Phelps recognized the need to expand its reach beyond physical safety to include the mental and emotional dimensions of health. In 2020, this transformation became official, with the foundation formally incorporating mental wellness into its core initiatives.
Phelps’ personal struggles with depression have underscored the urgency of this shift. “Being able to implement mental health into my foundation along with swimming, it kind of gives me that purpose again I had when I was competing,” he explained. This new purpose aligns with his belief that the most profound legacy of an athlete lies not in their medals, but in the lives they influence through their story.
A Defining Moment of Vulnerability
Phelps recalls a pivotal moment that solidified his commitment to mental health advocacy. During a conversation at Microsoft after the 2016 Olympics, a young man approached him and confessed, “I have my dream job. Everything I’ve ever wanted to do has happened. And I don’t want to be alive anymore.” The encounter struck a chord with Phelps, who had once grappled with similar thoughts. “Bro, I hear you. I’ve had those thoughts before,” he said, realizing that sharing his own vulnerabilities could be a lifeline for others.
“And I was like, ‘Bro, I hear you. I’ve had those thoughts before.’ So we had that moment where he was like, ‘You sharing that gave me the power or the confidence to open up and share.’”
This interaction highlighted how athletes, despite their public image of strength and success, often face unseen battles. By openly discussing his mental health journey, Phelps has become a symbol of courage in a world where vulnerability is sometimes seen as a weakness. His advocacy challenges the stigma surrounding emotional struggles, encouraging others to seek help without hesitation.
The Ripple Effect of a Champion’s Voice
Phelps’ influence extends far beyond the pool, as he leverages his platform to address broader societal issues. In 2023, he partnered with Talkspace, an online therapy service, to launch the “Start from the Top” campaign. The initiative promotes five pillars of sustainable mental wellness, including mindfulness, connection, and self-compassion. Through this collaboration, Phelps aims to normalize mental health support and inspire individuals to prioritize their emotional well-being.
His efforts have also taken the form of global keynote speeches, where he shares insights from his own journey. From the pressures of competing at the highest level to the emotional toll of retirement, Phelps has transformed his experiences into tools for empowerment. “The man who spent nearly two decades relentlessly chasing perfection in the pool has now made it his life mission to help others by openly speaking about the treacherous journey it took to achieve it,” he stated.
From Gold to Purpose
For many athletes, retirement marks the end of a long and grueling career, often leading to reflection on past achievements. But for Phelps, it was the beginning of a new chapter. “There was still another race to run,” he noted, describing the shift from competition to advocacy as a natural progression. The emotional resilience he cultivated during his time in the water now fuels his work to support others in their own journeys.
Phelps’ transition from athlete to advocate reflects a deeper understanding of the value of mental health. “For me, winning a gold medal is way less important than having a chance to save a life,” he said, underscoring his belief that the true measure of success lies in the impact one has on others. His message resonates with a generation of athletes who are increasingly open about their mental health struggles, fostering a culture of support and solidarity.
A New Era of Advocacy
Phelps’ foundation serves as a testament to how athletes can channel their experiences into meaningful change. By combining his expertise in swimming with his passion for mental health, he has created a unique space where both physical and emotional wellness are celebrated. “The motivation is no longer gold medals,” he admitted, “but something far more important: the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”
His advocacy has sparked conversations about the role of athletes in promoting mental health awareness. In a society that often measures success by trophies and accolades, Phelps challenges the notion that being a champion is solely about performance. Instead, he highlights the importance of emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to seek help. “I honestly think it’s really when I got to that point of not wanting to be alive,” he reflected, “that something is wrong. I need to ask for help.”
This moment of clarity, he explained, was a turning point that reshaped his priorities. “Once I got to that point, I was like, ‘OK, something is wrong. I need to ask for help.’” The support he received during this time not only helped him regain his footing but also inspired him to share his story with others. “I’m very thankful that I got the help that I needed because I wanted change,” he said, emphasizing the transformative power of vulnerability.
Shaping the Future of Sports
Phelps’ work has also influenced the broader sports community, encouraging leaders to address mental health with greater urgency. He believes that the physical demands of elite competition often come hand in hand with psychological pressures, making it essential for athletes to have resources and support systems in place. “In sports, vulnerability can often be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness,” he observed, “especially in elite athletes who are idolized by millions.”
By speaking candidly about his own challenges, Phelps has helped shift the narrative from one of perfection to one of perseverance. His foundation and public engagements have become a beacon for young athletes navigating the complexities of fame and performance. “The power of sharing our stories,” he said, “can be a catalyst for change, not just for ourselves but for those around us.”
As he continues to champion mental health and water safety, Phelps remains steadfast in his mission. His journey from Olympic legend to advocate is a reminder that success is not just about achieving greatness, but about using that greatness to uplift others. In a world where the pressure to perform can feel insurmountable, Phelps’ voice offers a lifeline, proving that the legacy of a champion can extend far beyond the pool.
