Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. He collected a record of 23 gold medals, three silver medals and two bronze medals in a span of four Olympics. Phelps has more, though: 26 gold, six silver and one bronze medal from world championships. His success is evident. But what has made him so successful?
Throughout his life, Michael has had many circumstances to overcome. Being a sibling to two older sisters who also had an interest in competitive swimming, his single mother had a very interesting time with the three. Michael's parents divorced when he was nine years old and they remained in contact up until a few years later when Phelps' swimming became more competitive than ever. As time continued to pass, Michael was haunted with a growing resentment for not having a father figure around, which then led him to lean on swimming coaches as role models in his life. He struggled for many years with not having a father, and it was very hard for him to express his anguish, even to his closest friend, his mother. He and his mother became very close as his father grew further away. He leaned on his mom for every support possible, and she had a very interesting time as she had two other children involved in swimming at all different times and different pools. She stated one time that she was always keeping things moving because she knew she had great support from friends and family, so things remained exciting always.
Phelps' life came to an eye-opening turn when he got a DUI in 2014 and he was required to go to a 45-day rehab visit. Even though this may seem as a downfall from a forefront, Phelps had to confront his issues with his father during his visit. He told "Sports Illustrated," "I felt abandoned. I have an amazing mother and two amazing sisters. But I would like to have a father in my life, and I've been carrying that around for 20 years. That's a long time. It does something to you. To a kid, especially." During this rehab visit, Phelps reached out to his father and Fred Phelps didn't take a minute to respond. They met in the Arizona facility where they discussed matters and even shared a hug and since then they have tried to build their relationship back up from the ground.
Phelps is now a father to a baby boy, Boomer, who was born just a few months before the Rio games began. Fred expresses in an interview how proud he is of his son for his many achievements and his becoming a father, he says he has now found himself. This relationship has grown much since meeting in 2014, but Fred said it was best if he sat this trip out to 2016 games to let his son have his glory in the spotlight.
Why is any of this relevant? Well, leaning on other men for father-like guidance has made Phelps a strong and dedicated man. He has been strong for his mother and two sisters and now his fiancé and new son. Phelps has had his rough moments, but who hasn't? He has found his path back and now knows himself and is in touch with his faith and trust in God more than ever. He believes he is the best and he has the good Lord to thank for it. I believe the most defining quote for Phelps is from this trip to the Olympics: "Winners focus on winning. Losers focus on winners." This quote could not be more true because you will never see past the finish line if you are only focusing on the person in front of you or the greatest record holder of all time. To be successful you have to push yourself to be your best and no one else's.
I can truly say I admire Phelps for his dedication, charisma, attitude, sportsmanship and nearly every quality he holds. Just as you think someone has hit rock bottom, or they are too old and cannot compete at their highest level anymore, think about the greatest swimmer of all time and possibly the greatest athlete. At age 31, Michael Phelps competed his best at the Rio 2016 Olympics and has yet to be a disappointment. He is faster, stronger and better than ever and that is because of his perseverance and winning attitude. If you feel you're at your all-time low in your sports career or career in general, think of this man and what it has taken for him to be the best. It has taken many defeats (at a young age and into adulthood) and many successes as well. Anything is possible. If you want to be the best, "Don't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get." That is straight from the most successful man himself.
