Why did michael phelps retire

ByAcacia Deadrick

Michael Phelps was asked at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games what he does for a living.

"Nothing anymore," he said. "I used to do a lot in this space, the Olympic space. Now I just have a couple kids and talk about mental health, and I'm a dad." While Phelps does a little more than just hang out with his kids and spark discussions about the importance of mental health, no one would blame him if that's all he did heading into his later years.

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For decades of his life, Phelps was a dedicated swimmer, spending hours and hours in and out of the pool to become the best athlete possible.

Michael phelps medals

And it worked. Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history, and he's widely considered the best swimmer of all time. But life has changed a bit for Phelps since his retirement after the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. He is indeed busy being a father and advocating for mental wellness, but he does