Michael Phelps Vows To Never Drink Alcohol Until After The Rio Olympics: ‘I Will Make That Sacrifice’
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, has vowed not to touch alcohol again until after the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The 30-year-old swimmer found himself in trouble after being arrested twice for a DUI and spending time in treatment while on a six-month suspension. In the most recent DUI arrest, as reported by the Inquisitr, Phelps was able to avoid jail time and instead was suspended.
It seems that Michael Phelps experienced a wake up call with everything that happened, since he is now making a true effort to clean up his act just so he can participate in the Olympics. Phelps said that the idea came to him even before his court appearance, according to Breitbart.
“Before I even went to court, I said to myself that I’m not going to drink until after Rio [2016 Olympics] — if I ever drink again. That was a decision I made for myself. I’m being honest with myself. Going into 2008 and 2012, I didn’t do that. I didn’t say I was going to take a year off from drinking and not have a drink.”
Phelps is missing all the action in Kazan, Russia, for the World Championships because of his bad decisions, but he is now determined to get back in shape to be ready for the U.S. championships in San Antonio, which are happening this week. It will also be a good preparation for him for the Olympics.
Michael said that there are so many advantages to not drinking, but admits that there are times when he longs for a beer. However, he pushes himself to resist the temptation.
“I have a year left in my career. If I really want it bad enough, I will make that sacrifice.”
According to People, Michael is also attending therapy to help him cope. In addition, Phelps got engaged to girlfriend Nicole Johnson, which may be one of the reasons why he’s making the effort to be the best he can be.
Michael Phelps doesn’t have future plansregarding his career after competing at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Though he said that he has a year left in his swimming career, he also stated that doesn’t know when he will stop swimming competitively.
We’ll just have to wait and see if Phelps sticks to his word and stay away from alcohol.
There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work… THERE ARE NO LIMITS. -Michael Phelps
— Athlete Motivation (@LV_Sports) August 5, 2015
You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get. -Michael Phelps
— Inspower.co (@Inspowerco) July 28, 2015
“[People] will tell you it can’t be done…But all it takes is #imagination. You dream. You plan. You reach.” – Michael Phelps
— Aqua Blue Pools (@AquaBluePoolSpa) July 28, 2015
[Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images]
