Keynote speaker, fireside chat guest, and moderated Q&A participant.
Business leaders, performance-driven teams, educators, youth organizations, healthcare and wellness groups, nonprofits, and global events seeking world-class inspiration.
Michael Phelps is widely recognized as the greatest swimmer—and one of the greatest athletes—of all time. Over an extraordinary career, he earned 28 Olympic medals, including an unprecedented 23 golds, and set 39 world records. His dominance in the sport redefined what is possible in human performance, making him a global icon of discipline, focus, and relentless improvement.
Following his historic eight-gold-medal run in 2008, Michael used his performance bonus to launch the Michael Phelps Foundation, dedicated to promoting water safety, healthy living, and goal-setting for youth and families worldwide. The Foundation’s signature IM program—rooted in the same principles and training philosophies that guided his own career—is offered through the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International, helping young people build confidence, well-being, and essential life skills.
Beyond athletics, Michael has become one of the world’s leading advocates for mental health. His openness about his own struggles has shifted global conversations, earning recognition from major organizations including SAMHSA, the Ruderman Family Foundation, PR Week, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the American Image Awards.
Michael Phelps is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time. He captured 28 medals, including a record-setting 23 gold medals, and set 39 world records over the course of his career.
Phelps utilized his performance bonus for winning eight gold medals in 2008 to establish the Michael Phelps Foundation, which promotes water safety, healthy living, and the pursuit of dreams.
The Foundation’s signature program – IM – is a learn to swim, healthy living and goal-setting curriculum based on the principles and tools Phelps utilized in his swimming career, which is available through the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Special Olympics International.
His advocacy for water safety and mental health have earned the recognition of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Champion of Youth), American Image Awards (Humanitarian Award), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (Special Recognition Award), The Ruderman Family Foundation (Morton E. Ruderman Award in Inclusion) and PR Week (Health Influencer 50) among others.
Michael Phelps has published two autobiographies – No Limits: The Will to Succeed and Beneath the Surface – that were New York Times and USA Today bestsellers, as well as published one children’s book – How to Train with a T-Rex and Win Eight Gold Medals.
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A candid 5 minute and 38 second interview where Michael Phelps discusses depression, vulnerability, and why sharing his story helps others seek support.
Michael Phelps speaks openly about his long-standing battle with depression and the moments in his career when he felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure how to cope. He explains that while the world saw an unbeatable champion, he carried emotional weight that often went unnoticed. Michael details the breaking point that pushed him to seek help and the transformative impact therapy, honesty, and support had on his life.
He stresses that mental health struggles don’t discriminate—even the most accomplished people face internal challenges—and he hopes that being vulnerable publicly will encourage others to speak up rather than suffer in silence. Michael also reflects on how becoming a father reshaped his perspective and deepened his commitment to mental health advocacy. The clip reinforces his mission: normalize these conversations, reduce stigma, and remind people that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
00:42 Describing the emotional low point that led him to seek help
01:50 How therapy and vulnerability changed his outlook
03:05 Why speaking publicly about mental health matters
04:20 The impact of fatherhood and renewed purpose
A 5 minute and 58 second keynote where Michael Phelps shares his personal journey with mental health, resilience, and why open conversations save lives.
In this 5:58 keynote from WISH 2018, Michael Phelps delivers a direct, personal message about the realities of depression and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being. He begins by explaining that despite his historic success in the pool, he spent years hiding emotional struggles that intensified after each Olympic cycle. He describes how reaching a breaking point finally pushed him to seek treatment—an experience that not only saved his life but reshaped his mission long after retiring from competition.
Michael reflects on how vulnerability transformed his understanding of strength. He emphasizes that mental health challenges affect people in every industry, at every age, and at every level of achievement. By sharing his story publicly, he hopes to normalize honest conversations and encourage people to ask for help before they hit crisis moments. He also underscores the importance of community, support systems, and practical resources for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or overwhelming pressure.
He closes by urging leaders, parents, and institutions to create environments where people feel seen, heard, and able to speak openly. His message is simple but powerful: talking about mental health saves lives, and nobody should fight their battles alone.
00:38 How post-Olympic lows led to severe depression
01:52 The turning point that pushed him to seek help
03:10 Why vulnerability redefined his understanding of strength
04:22 The importance of open dialogue and supportive communities
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