Stand Up: Michael Phelps Shares How He Overcomes Negativity & Adversity

Stand Up: Michael Phelps Shares How He Overcomes Negativity & Adversity

The Players' Tribune gathered prominent figures in the sporting world such as Michael Phelps, Derek Jeter, Danica Patrick, & Karl-Anthony Towns to promote a new campaign called Stand Up. The campaign shows the power of unity, togetherness, and love.

Feb 6, 2017 by Maclin Simpson
Stand Up: Michael Phelps Shares How He Overcomes Negativity & Adversity
The Players' Tribune has launched an inspiring campaign titled Stand Up​​ that channels the power of major influencers in the sporting world in support of the ideals of unity, togetherness, and love. In the first video below, retired MLB superstar Derek Jeter​, NFL Pro Bowler Von Miller, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, former NBA No. 1 draft pick Karl-Anthony Towns​, and 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps​ speak out against hate and bigotry while also sharing personal stories of how they have dealt with their most severe critics.

"I know if somebody is going to say something mean or negative, I just don't even give them the time of day," Phelps mentions in the video. 

The most decorated Olympian of all time, Phelps ended his swimming career in August after medaling six times in Rio, including five gold medals. But before he could add a final chapter to his Olympic legacy, Phelps had to face a highly publicized DUI arrest in September 2014. After checking into a treatment facility for 45 days, Phelps emerged with a renewed, healthy mindset.

"A couple years ago, my life changed significantly because I reached for help," he said. "It is OK to reach for help. I think a lot of people don't think it is. But it's hard to go through life alone and do things by yourself."

[facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/theplayerstribune/videos/1586641914686194/"]

Phelps was also featured in a video of his own shown below, in which he discussed the power of affirmation. "When you walk through a doorway say an affirmation," he said. Those words were shared to Phelps by a fan, and he said they helped build himself up when he through challenging times.

[facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/theplayerstribune/videos/1586719904678395/"]
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