How ADHD Fueled Michael Phelps’ Journey to Olympic Greatness

Written By Aspen Dyer

How ADHD Fueled Michael Phelps' Journey to Olympic Greatness: A Mother's Perspective

While we are in the midst of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, here is what Michael Phelps’ mom has to say about how ADHD helped shape her son, history’s most decorated Olympian.

Debbie Phelps shared in an interview that ADHD saved her son Michael. Early on, she was told that Michael could not focus on anything in school and it forced him to work harder. Debbie, a teacher herself, proved to be Michael’s greatest advocate. She worked tirelessly with the schools to make sure Michael was getting the help he needed.

Debbie was able to realize what Michael was good at and maximize those skills. This helped Michael build his confidence in working on tasks he was not so excited about. Debbie worked tirelessly to help her son feel successful in school and in the pool. This hard work and advocacy paid off as Michael Phelps now has 28 Olympic medals.

 

Written By: Minzi Jones, ACSW

Aspen Dyer

Aspen is currently serving as the Program Manager for CYS Alternative to Suspension Programs. She graduated with her Master’s in Sociology from CSU Fullerton in 2022 and her Master’s in Social Work from CSU Long Beach in 2024. Aspen has a passion for community education and enjoys working closely with clients on a clinical level.

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