The GOAT Michael Phelps appeared on the Today Show with Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb this week to discuss his work erasing the stigma around mental health. The Olympian also fielded questions about his son’s own swimming while also shutting down the possibility of a 2020 Olympic comeback.
Phelps recounts his own struggles with his mental health, including a low point in October of 2014 where he wouldn’t leave his room for days after his arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol while speeding.
“I was so down on myself,” says the 28-time Olympic medalist in the below video clip tweeted out by the Today Show. “I didn’t have any self-love, and quite honestly I just didn’t want to be alive.”
“I was so down on myself. I didn’t have any self-love, and quite honestly I just didn’t want to be alive.” @MichaelPhelps talks about the difficult time in his life in Oct. 2014 pic.twitter.com/ky2gXOXHev
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
Phelps went on to say it was hitting rock bottom that made him realize that it was “okay to not be okay,” and take the step to ask for help.
And now, Phelps wants to help others do the same.
“Being able to open up the conversation about it I think is something that’s something that’s so important. You know, really trying to take the stigma away.”
Today shared several of the interview clips on social media, including some of Phelps answering questions about his son Boomer and if there was any possibility of a comeback that would put the Olympian back in the competition pool:
“Being able to open up the conversation about it I think is something that’s something that’s so important. You know, really trying to take the stigma away.” @MichaelPhelps talks mental health pic.twitter.com/WBrJacyJt3
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
“His kick is unbelievable. It truly is insane to watch how fearless he is in the water. If he wants to swim, cool. If not, whatever makes him happy.” @MichaelPhelps talks about his son, Boomer. pic.twitter.com/SCfcNwyofD
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
“I can never see myself getting back in. I could, but why? I don’t want to.” @MichaelPhelps talks swimming pic.twitter.com/bWGMperbGZ
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2018
The Today Show contributed to this report.
Kim Pfarrer DiJoseph
I’m still hoping he’s secretively training ?
Kim Pfarrer DiJoseph …..I still think he’ll be going for Tokyo……like mayb 200IM and relays…….
200IM and relays…….that’s my suspicion….
Faren Henao