Michael Phelps recently won an award for raising awareness about mental health. The former swimming legend won the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award instituted by the Sports Illustrated Magazine.
Phelps’s spouse, Nicole Michael Phelps [nee Johnson], congratulated him on this unique achievement. She also revealed her consistent support for him during the tough phase.
Nicole Phelps Shows Support for Michael Phelps’ Cause
Nicole expressed her feelings in a short but important post she shared on her Instagram story. The former model wrote in the caption of her Instagram story,
“Everyday I wake grateful to be next to you. Standing by your side, supporting you in your side ups and downs. Loving every part of who you are. I’m so proud of the work you have outside of the swimming pool. I Love You.”
READ MORE: Michael Phelps Stands by Ryan Lochte and Says Medals Don’t Define an Athlete
For the uninitiated, Nicole Johnson [now Phelps] was an aspiring model who aimed to be Miss USA. She had also reached the Top 10 of the Miss USA competition in 2010. She met Michael Phelps at the ESPY awards in 2007, when he was emerging as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
The couple were attracted to each other and began dating in 2009. They broke up in 2012 ahead of the London Olympics, only to reunite in 2014. They secretly married in a private ceremony ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics, and announced their wedding only after Phelps retired on a high note.
Phelps Opens Up on His Mental Health
As previously discussed, Phelps struggled a lot in terms of mental health after the sky-high success at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. However, it was only in 2015 when he opened up about his struggles with depression.
In his recent interview after being awarded by the Sports Illustrated magazine, Phelps remarked,
“I never thought that story from 2015 would catapult me into this world. I never thought it would put me in a position to maybe save a life. But I’ve looked at suicide, thought about it. I know people are going through that. I want to be an example of that vulnerability, and for what asking for help is about. I want people to know it’s OK. to not be O.K.”
Ever since he retired from competitive swimming, Phelps has devoted himself to three major causes: raising awareness about athletes’ mental health, spending time with family, and pursuing golf on a semi-professional basis.