Alexander Nipp News Today

For young people who want to make new friends, discover their purpose and make a difference in their communities, Interact Club of Coeur d'Alene is ready to help them accomplish those goals.

“I wanted to do something no one else has ever done — no matter how hard it would be.” That’s how Michael Phelps started his intimate talk at the May 21 evening event, “Swimming Against Stigma” at the Kroc. He was outstanding. His many Olympic swimming awards were explained and we understood why Michael is the greatest athlete of all time. He and wife, Nicole, explained the journey Michael had been on with depression, anxiety, suicide.

For years, Michael Phelps didn’t recognize himself. "For a long time I looked in the mirror and saw a swimmer, not a human," Phelps said Monday. About 2004 is when he began experiencing an emotional roller coaster of depression.