Tue. Feb 17th, 2026

Olympian Michael Phelps Was a ‘Train Wreck’ Before God Intervened

Michael Phelps of the U.S. poses with his gold medal after winning the men's 4x100m medley relay final during the London 2012 Olympic Games

The most decorated Olympian in world history hit “rock bottom” when photos surfaced of Michael Phelps taking a hit off a bong.  

“I was like a time bomb, waiting to go off. I had no self-esteem, no self-worth. There were times (when) I didn’t want to be here. It was not good. I felt lost,” Phelps said. 

Now as the 18-time gold medal winner prepares for the Rio Olympics, he tells ESPN what saved his “train wreck” of a life: Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life.  

“It’s turned me into believing there is a power greater than myself,” Phelps says. “And there’s a purpose for me on this planet.” 

Watch the video (begin at minute 9) to see more.

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