With all eyes on the 2024 Paris Olympics, Olympic champions michael phelps He appeared on NBC's “Meet the Press” to talk about his experiences at the pinnacle of swimming.
The full interview will be broadcast on NBC on Sunday.
Phelps has won 23 Olympic gold medals and 28 gold medals in all Olympic sports, setting a record with eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games.
From the pool deck, Phelps opened up about his struggles with mental health issues, including depression.
He talks about all that and more in this candid interview with Meet the Press. See the first look here.
Video provided by: NBC/Meet the Press: Michael Phelps reflects on depression and mental health: 'I thought it was a sign of weakness'
Kristen Welker: When did you first realize that you were really suffering from depression?
Michael Phelps: Probably 2004. 2004 was my first taste of post-Olympic depression. When you come down from a high place, you basically start liking the edge of the cliff and think, “That's cool.'' So? Well, it looks like I'll have to wait another four years before I get a chance to do it again. ” right? And for someone who didn't make it at the Olympics, those four years can feel like an absolute eternity. So for me, 2004 was his first Olympics and 2008 was his second post-Olympic depression experience. Because once you've done something and you come off that high, you try to get on with your whole life. My goal was to do something no one had ever done before. I did it by the time I was 19 or 20 years old.
Kristen Welker: Did you know it was depression, or did you just think, “I just don't feel right?”
Michael Phelps: I think at that point, as a male athlete, I knew something was wrong. But I see it as a sign of weakness, and that if I share something about it, I'll be giving an edge to my competitors. And I'm not trying to do that, right? You don't want to give your competitors an advantage. I'm trying to be better than anyone before me. So, for me, I considered that a weakness. So, for me, I had to learn that vulnerability is a good thing. It was scary at first, but I learned that vulnerability means change. And for me, that was a big change.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics amid conflict and global division: “No matter what's going on, whether it's in the United States or around the world, the Olympics are about bringing everyone together. I always think so.”
Kristen Welker: There's so much pain around the world right now as we all prepare to watch the Olympics. Do you think the Olympics are an opportunity to bring people together?
Michael Phelps: Yeah, that's the question. That was something I always saw as a competitor. There is a presidential election every four years. And it's always a bit of a crazy time. But I always think that no matter what's going on, whether it's in the United States or around the world, the Olympics are what brings everyone together. The Olympic spirit is very mysterious. And for me, I can't imagine life without it. This summer will be a great opportunity to see what Paris is really like. With these iconic venues, stunning pools, volleyball courts, and more, you'll be spoiled for choice. last. These iconic landmarks in Paris, and being able to play beach volleyball under the Eiffel Tower, all these things, I have these visions in my head about this summer's games and I'm nothing but happy. there is no. For me, that's what I feel before and after the Olympics, and I can't wait to get to Paris.
