Michael Phelps Advocates for Athlete Mental Health Ahead of Utah's 2034 Olympics

Olympic swimming legend shares personal struggles and calls for more support as Utah prepares to host the Winter Games.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:51am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, expressionist painting featuring a silhouetted Olympic swimmer dissolving into vibrant, neon-colored brushstrokes, capturing the raw emotional intensity and mental health struggles of high-level competition.An artistic interpretation of the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes, inspired by Olympic legend Michael Phelps' advocacy for more support.Salt Lake City Today

In a visit to Utah, 28-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps spoke about the importance of addressing mental health challenges for athletes. Phelps toured the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center at the University of Utah, which he said should be a model for every state. He emphasized the need to reduce the stigma around mental health and provide more resources to support athletes, especially during major competitions like the Olympics. Phelps also offered advice to organizers of Utah's 2034 Winter Games, urging them to prioritize athlete mental health.

Why it matters

As Utah prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, Phelps' advocacy for improved mental health support for athletes is timely and important. His personal experiences with post-Olympic depression highlight the unique challenges faced by elite competitors, and his call for more resources can help shape the planning and legacy of the upcoming Games.

The details

Phelps, considered one of the greatest Olympians of all time with 28 total medals, spoke to reporters ahead of the annual Utah Governor's State of Sport Awards ceremony. He praised the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center, a 24/7 walk-in facility for emergency mental health needs, as a model that should be replicated nationwide. Phelps said the center is the type of resource he wished he had access to during his competitive career, when he often felt 'all alone' in dealing with mental health struggles.

  • Phelps visited the Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • The Utah Governor's State of Sport Awards ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Michael Phelps

An American former competitive swimmer who is considered one of the greatest Olympians of all time, having won a record 28 medals, including 23 gold, across four Summer Games from 2000 to 2016.

Huntsman Mental Health Institute

A mental health institute at the University of Utah that opened a 24/7 crisis care center in 2021, which Phelps praised as a model for providing emergency mental health support.

Utah Olympic Organizing Committee

The committee responsible for planning and hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I speak a lot about my own mental health struggles and I try to advocate for it as much as I possibly can. For me, lowering the stigma around mental health is something I'm very passionate about doing.”

— Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimmer

“I'm somebody who won't stop struggling with my own mental health journey. I think everybody needs a chance to be able to get the help and care they need and deserve.”

— Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimmer

“For me as an athlete, if I'd had something like that [Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Care Center] growing up, I think I would utilize it. I was always an athlete who always wanted answers to questions.”

— Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimmer

What’s next

Organizers of the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah will need to continue working with mental health experts and advocates like Michael Phelps to ensure that comprehensive support systems are in place to address the unique challenges faced by elite athletes competing on the world stage.

The takeaway

Michael Phelps' visit to Utah and his advocacy for improved mental health resources for athletes underscores the critical importance of prioritizing mental wellness as part of the planning and legacy of major sporting events like the Olympics. His personal experiences can help shape a more holistic approach to supporting the overall wellbeing of competitors.