Publications
Publications
- June 2021
- HBS Case Collection
Michael Phelps: 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'
By: Boris Groysberg, Carin-Isabel Knoop and Michael Norris
Abstract
Teaching Note for HBS Case No. 421-044. In 2020, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, with 28 medals in various swimming events, was now retired. As he looked back on his 20+ year athletic career, he considered what had gone into making him the greatest of all time—the highs and lows, successes and struggles. He had lived with mental health issues for much of his life, going public with his struggles in 2015, when he talked about his depression and suicidal thoughts. Mental health was a major focus for Phelps in 2020. He was working on removing the stigma associated with mental health issues, improving access to care, and preventing suicides. But as a professional athlete who was used to the rigor and routine of daily workouts and measurable goals, how could he ensure he was having the greatest possible impact in this new mission?
Keywords
Mental Health; Talent and Talent Management; Training; Health; Success; Performance Improvement; Personal Development and Career; Family and Family Relationships; Sports; Competition; Sports Industry; United States; Baltimore; Arizona; Sydney; Athens; Beijing; London
Citation
Groysberg, Boris, Carin-Isabel Knoop, and Michael Norris. "Michael Phelps: 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 421-095, June 2021.