Besides Phelps athletic ability, something really impressive is how he has handled life. We've read in recent articles about how his father left the family when Michael was young and how his dad has not had much communication with him. In many young men, this could seriously result in self-doubt. Isn't it impressive how Michael has maintained a belief in himself yet been so humble?
He also has ADHD, at least he did as a child, so is it not extremely impressive how he has been able to overcome this and keep his focus? I read somewhere that he asked his mom to take him off his medication when he was only 11.
Michael has had to overcome things in life that some people might use as an excuse for their misbehavior or as an explaination for their failure to succeed. In light of all of this, aren't the 8 golds all the more impressive?
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Former Member
Interesting you mention that. The one impression I get from watching Phelps on TV swimming and the occasional interview is his extreme awkwardness. He seems shy, introspective and humble... That outburst after the free relay was amazing to me. Maybe swimming was one way to hide himself from any psychological traumas he might have. I can swim if I am sad or depressed because it is mechanical and I don't concentrate on thinking so much. But running or jogging is another story. While running feeling down you sometimes get more depressed as you think things over. Better get back to the TV or internet where you have can take solace. Cielo, although extremely good looking comes on TV as being very shy, and I've seen plenty of his interviews on Brazilian TV. He is also a child prodigy training seriously since 11. He spent three years at Auburn only training, training, with breaks for some classes. He said he was not allowed to date or anything related to girls. No boozing, no parties, no nothing. He seems sincere and he says he followed the rules set by his coaches.
Interesting you mention that. The one impression I get from watching Phelps on TV swimming and the occasional interview is his extreme awkwardness. He seems shy, introspective and humble... That outburst after the free relay was amazing to me. Maybe swimming was one way to hide himself from any psychological traumas he might have. I can swim if I am sad or depressed because it is mechanical and I don't concentrate on thinking so much. But running or jogging is another story. While running feeling down you sometimes get more depressed as you think things over. Better get back to the TV or internet where you have can take solace. Cielo, although extremely good looking comes on TV as being very shy, and I've seen plenty of his interviews on Brazilian TV. He is also a child prodigy training seriously since 11. He spent three years at Auburn only training, training, with breaks for some classes. He said he was not allowed to date or anything related to girls. No boozing, no parties, no nothing. He seems sincere and he says he followed the rules set by his coaches.
