Podcast 361: How 23-Time Gold Medalist Michael Phelps Manages Stress and Mental Health

On this episode of 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 and reflects on impactful changes that could benefit the sport's future success.

Michael shares personal stories from his career, reflecting on where athletes can focus 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 opens up about his ongoing mental health journey, discussing his experience with depression and anxiety. He explains how he finds success beyond medals, the importance of community, and what it means to see himself as a human, a father, and a role model.

Episode chapters

00:55 - Phelps on swimming

04:49 - Funding sports and athletes to succeed

08:44 - Road to 2028: What to expect in swimming

11:52 - 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

42:54 - What’s next for Phelps: Mental health advocacy and parenthood