Sports

ESPN Reveals Just How Dark Michael Phelps’ Life Had Gotten [VIDEO]

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

David Hookstead Sports And Entertainment Editor
Font Size:

Details about Michael Phelps’ struggles in life outside of the pool have been revealed in a eye-opening report from ESPN.

The report indicates that, by 2014, the Olympic champion had spiraled downward without many people knowing.

“I didn’t give a shit. I had no self-esteem. No self-worth. I thought the world would just be better off without me. I figured that was the best thing to do — just end my life,” he told ESPN. (SLIDESHOW: This Gorgeous Olympian Loves To Show Off Lots Of Skin)

One of the biggest problems that likely caused some of Phelps’ problems was the fact that he felt abandoned by his father after his parents divorced, according to ESPN.

However, the gold medal winner seems to be turning things around, and will be ready to compete in the 2016 Olympics. (SLIDESHOW: This Gorgeous Olympian Prepares For Competition — In Her Bikini)

“People kind of built me up as the all-American boy. Perfect, no mistakes, this and that. But that wasn’t me, you know? I wanted people to get to know the real me.”

The report says that Phelps has been sober for almost two years.

Follow David on Twitter and Facebook