American swimmer Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all-time, said it was more important to him to save a life than win a gold medal as he detailed his struggles with depression.
Phelps, winner of 23 gold medals from five Olympics, said in an interview with CNN there had been times when he didn't want to be alive and he is now focused on his battle with depression and helping others suffering from the disease.
“I'd like to make a difference, I’d like to be able to save a life if I can,” Phelps said on Friday. “For me, that’s more important than winning a gold medal.
“I was able to do some pretty incredible things in the swimming pool and I struggled outside as well. There was a part of my life I didn't want to be alive.”
Following the 2012 London Olympics Phelps hit a new low, saying he did not want to be alive, and he had what he described as a “scary” moment recently to confirm his struggle with depression is an ongoing one that is likely to continue throughout his life.
“Two to three weeks ago I went through a pretty scary depression spell,” Phelps told CNN. “This is something that's going to continue to happen in my life, but the more I can learn about myself and understand why I'm going through these things.
“It’s going to make my life better and I can teach other people or help other people and that is something that’s so important to me and I’m very proud and honoured to be able to do.”
The 33-year-old Phelps, who retired from swimming after the 2016 Rio Olympics, has found stability in his family life having married Nicole Johnson in 2016 and in February the couple announced the birth of their second child.
“(My wife) is my everything and my rock and helps me through everyday life,” Phelps said. “I definitely wouldn't be who I am without her. “She was somebody who really helped me through my most recent time.
“I do like who I am and I'm comfortable with who I am. I couldn't say that a few years ago.
“So I'm in a very good place and just living life one day at a time.”

Saving a life more important than medals, says Phelps

Michael Phelps (L) kisses his son Boomer next to his partner Nicole Johnson (R) and mother Deborah (C) after he won the Men's 200m Butterfly Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on August 9, 2016. (AFP)
Reuters
Friday 17 August 2018
Last Update: Wednesday, 20 May 2020 KSA 09:53 - GMT 06:53
DAY | WEEK |
-
1839 Views India self-reliant on coronavirus vaccines, says PM Modi, as 1 mln inoculated
-
1223 Views UAE confirms signing $23 bln deal to buy F-35 jets, drones from US
-
1124 Views Top Iran leader Khamenei posts Trump-like golfer image, vows revenge for Soleimani
-
1038 Views Israel shoots down drone in Israeli airspace from Lebanon: Army
-
916 Views WHO, Pfizer in deal for 40mln doses of coronavirus vaccine
-
804 Views New UK variant of COVID-19 may carry higher risk of death, says PM Johnson
-
21422 Views Coronavirus: Doctor in Saudi Arabia leaves hospital after battling virus for 139 days
-
19015 Views Coronavirus: Number of new UAE COVID-19 cases reaches record high
-
16716 Views Airstrikes pound Iran-backed militias south of Iraq’s Baghdad: Reports
-
10625 Views Coronavirus: Dubai orders hospitals to cancel surgeries amid surge in COVID-19 cases
-
7756 Views Coronavirus: Dubai suspends live entertainment permits as COVID-19 cases surge
-
7702 Views Dubai to test launch iconic London Taxi vehicles using hybrid cabs
SHOW MORE