Jump directly to the content
MENTAL STRUGGLES

How old is Michael Phelps, how many Olympic gold medals has he won, and what has he said about depression?

The American ex-swimmer has spoken about considering suicide in a bid to raise awareness around mental health

MICHAEL PHELPS is the most decorated Olympian of all-time - but has spoken out about going through depression and considering suicide.

The Baltimore Bullet has been hailed as the best ever swimmer, but the American tweeted to his millions of followers about the issues during Mental Health Awareness Month.

 Michael Phelps has spoken out about suffering from depression during Mental Health Awareness Month
1
Michael Phelps has spoken out about suffering from depression during Mental Health Awareness MonthCredit: Reuters

How old is Michael Phelps?

The Baltimore native was born June 30, 1985 - that makes him 33-years-old.

Phelps started swimming at the age of seven, quickly rising to prominence and breaking several age group records.

He took part in five Olympic Games before retiring at the end of the Rio 2016.

How many Olympic gold medals does he have?

Despite not winning anything at Sydney 2000, Phelps still finished his career with an incredible 23 gold medals.

He won six in Athens, before breaking Mark Spitz's 36-year record in Beijing four years later.

Phelps claimed eight golds at that Olympics, overtaking his fellow American swimmer for the record of most at a single games by one.

The Baltimore Bullet added a further four in London in 2012 before finishing with five in Rio de Janeiro.

Alongside his golds, he also collected three silver medals and two bronze medals.

The person with the second most golds is Larisa Latynina, a gymnast for the Soviet Union, who won nine Olympic events - while Phelps sits ten ahead of her in terms of medals in total.

The American has also set world record times in the pool on 39 occasions during his career.

What has he said about depression?

Despite his huge success in the Olympics and swimming, Phelps revealed that he has suffered depression and even considered suicide.

Speaking on Twitter to his more than two million followers, the American said: "Did you know that one in four people around the world experience a mental health issue?

“I was one of them. That’s why I’ve teamed up with @Talkspace this #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth –– to let you know that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

“I struggled with anxiety and depression and questioned whether or not I wanted to be alive anymore.

“It was when I hit this low that I decided to reach out and ask for the help of a licensed therapist. This decision ultimately helped save my life. You don’t have to wait for things.”

Topics