Watch the video “Evolution of Michael Phelps”
Michael Phelps’ success has made his name, popularity and fan-base stretch far and wide. But even the greatest success has a way of destroying things.
In September of 2014, Phelps had reached a point of no return.
“I was a train wreck,” Phelps told ESPN. “I was like a time bomb, waiting to go off. I had no self-esteem, no self-worth. There were times where I didn’t want to be here. It was not good. I felt lost.” That’s when God stepped in. Through his Christian friend and NFL star, Ray Lewis, Phelps’ life took a dramatic turn. Lewis gave him a call and told him, “This is when we fight. This is when real character shows up. Don’t shut down. If you shut down we all lose.”
Through their conversation, Lewis was able to convince Phelps to seek help at the Meadows, a behavioral rehab facility outside of Phoenix. He also gave him a copy of Pastor Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life.
In his final race in Rio before retirement, the most decorated Olympian in history led the U.S. to victory in the 400-meter medley relay at the Olympic Aquatics Stadium on Saturday. Phelps finished a career that spanned five Olympics with 28 medals, 23 of them gold. No other athlete in any sport has more than nine gold medals.
