Michael Phelps recently backed UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett over his views on athletes’ mental health awareness. The MMA artist had recently lost to American Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
Phelps has been a vocal advocate for athletes’ mental health for more than a decade. He has been supported by several athletes in this initiative, from sprinting sensation Usain Bolt to gymnastics legend Simone Biles.
Michael Phelps Supports Paddy Pimblett’s Message
After losing to Justin Gaethje in the UFC 324 men’s lightweight bout, Pimblett stressed the need to raise awareness of athletes’ mental health. The MMA artist mentioned in a post-match interview,
“Men speak up. Don’t bottle your feelings. Talk to someone. Don’t k*ll yourself.”
Phelps responded to the same by sharing the post on his Instagram story. The swimming sensation also sent three praying hand emojis to show his support for Pimblett,
Michael Phelps has been strongly advocating for awareness of athletes’ mental health since 2015. In a previous podcast with Indian podcaster Raj Shamani, the Olympic champion opened up about why he didn’t feel exactly great about his achievements at the Beijing Olympics, despite breaking Mark Spitz’s record to become the most decorated Olympian of all time.
Phelps struggled with mental health issues from 2010 to 2012, which also impacted his performance at the 2012 London Olympics. Phelps temporarily retired in 2012 before making a comeback in 2014 to compete one last time at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Phelps won six medals at the quadrennial event held in Rio de Janeiro before bidding farewell to international swimming.
Since then, the former swimming legend has divided his time between spending time with his lovely family, raising awareness about athletes’ mental health through the Michael Phelps Foundation, and cheering for the local baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles.
Apart from the above, Phelps is also extremely fond of golf and plays it on a semi-professional basis.
