Michael Phelps opened up about a “dark time” in his life following his Olympic successes during an exclusive interview with
Sports Illustrated writer Tim Layden in a story published on Tuesday.
During the interview, the 30-year-old Olympic swimmer talked about his September 2014 arrest on DUI charges in which he was pulled over in Maryland while going 84 miles per hour in a
45-mph speed zone, according to USA Today. After the charges, Phelps did not leave his townhouse in Baltimore for four days as reporters and the paparazzi camped outside his front door.
“I was in a really dark place,” Phelps told SI. “Not wanting to be alive anymore.”
After discussing his problems and options with close family members and friends, Phelps decided to check himself into an
alcohol-treatment facility in Arizona, The Washington Post reported. After spending 45 days in treatment, Phelps emerged with a renewed commitment to swimming and a vow to refrain from alcohol consumption until after next year’s Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, which will be his fourth and final Games.
“Haven’t had a single sip and will not have a sip,” Phelps told Sports Illustrated. “My body fat has dropped significantly, and I’m leaner than I’ve ever been. The performances were there because I worked, recovered, slept and took care of myself more than I ever had.”
Although Phelps’ record-shattering 22 Olympic medals — including eight gold — that he won during the 2008 Beijing Olympics were not enough to satisfy him and keep him out of trouble, the swimmer feels that he has been able to turn his life around with the unfailing help and support of his friends, family, and devoted coach Bob Bowman. He also recently got engaged to Nicole Johnson, the 2010 Miss California USA, when he convinced her that his life had turned a corner for the better.
“I’m back to being the little kid who once said anything is possible,” Phelps said. “You’re going to see a different me than you saw in any of the other Olympics.”
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