How 23-Time Gold Medalist, Michael Phelps, Manages Stress & Mental Health
Wed Feb 04 2026
This week, on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder & CEO Will Ahmed sits down with 23-time gold medalist, Michael Phelps. Michael opens up about his experience coming up as a swimmer, reflecting on impactful changes that could benefit the sports future successes. Michael shares personal stories from his career, revealing the areas athletes can improve upon in order to break records on the world’s biggest stage. Beyond competition, Will and Michael dive deep into recovery, sleep, and the power of data, assessing how small biometrics guided Michael’s training at the highest level and how WHOOP is changing how athletes understand their bodies. Michael also reflects on breaking world records, the mindset required to chase the “impossible,” and how preparation quiets pressure on the biggest stages.
Michael opens up about his ongoing mental health journey, discussing his experience with depression and anxiety. He redefines success beyond medals, the importance of community, and what it means to see himself fully as a human, a father, and a role model, not just an athlete.
(00:55) Phelps on His Career In Swimming
(04:49) Funding Sports and Athletes To Succeed
(08:44) Road to 2028: What To Expect in Swimming
(11:52) Who To Watch: The Rise Of The Next Great Record Holders
(14:55) Recovery As A Theme For Greatness
(18:20) What Mental Success Looks Like
(24:35) Physical Modalities To Aid Mental Health
(25:45) WHOOP As An Accountability Provider
(31:33) Understanding Blood Biomarkers with WHOOP Advanced Labs
(36:13) Phelps on Parenting Young Athletes
(38:02) Phelps’ Advice For Athletes: Nerves and Preparation
(42:54) What’s Next: Mental Health Advocacy & Parenthood
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This week, on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder & CEO Will Ahmed sits down with 23-time gold medalist, Michael Phelps. Michael opens up about his experience coming up as a swimmer, reflecting on impactful changes that could benefit the sports future successes. Michael shares personal stories from his career, revealing the areas athletes can improve upon in order to break records on the world’s biggest stage. Beyond competition, Will and Michael dive deep into recovery, sleep, and the power of data, assessing how small biometrics guided Michael’s training at the highest level and how WHOOP is changing how athletes understand their bodies. Michael also reflects on breaking world records, the mindset required to chase the “impossible,” and how preparation quiets pressure on the biggest stages. Michael opens up about his ongoing mental health journey, discussing his experience with depression and anxiety. He redefines success beyond medals, the importance of community, and what it means to see himself fully as a human, a father, and a role model, not just an athlete. (00:55) Phelps on His Career In Swimming (04:49) Funding Sports and Athletes To Succeed (08:44) Road to 2028: What To Expect in Swimming (11:52) Who To Watch: The Rise Of The Next Great Record Holders (14:55) Recovery As A Theme For Greatness (18:20) What Mental Success Looks Like (24:35) Physical Modalities To Aid Mental Health (25:45) WHOOP As An Accountability Provider (31:33) Understanding Blood Biomarkers with WHOOP Advanced Labs (36:13) Phelps on Parenting Young Athletes (38:02) Phelps’ Advice For Athletes: Nerves and Preparation (42:54) What’s Next: Mental Health Advocacy & Parenthood Follow Michael Phelps: Instagram Facebook X Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn