Jockbio michael phelps biography adhd

At age 31, Michael Phelps has had an astonishing career as an Olympic gold medalist swimmer. As flag bearer for the United States team at the Rio Olympics this week, he continues to make America proud.

He now has an unprecedented 23 medals with 19 gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.

Michael phelps biography gold medals

He is the most decorated Olympian athlete of all time. How proud his parents must be as they watch their son win gold after gold.

Struggling with an ADHD diagnosis

But the road to Rio wasn't an easy path for Phelps or for his parents.

When Phelps was in the sixth grade, he was fidgety and had trouble paying attention in the classroom. His pediatrician diagnosed him with ADHD and prescribed Ritalin.

Swimmer michael phelps biography

Phelps took the medication for several years, and it seemed to help. At age 13, however, however, he decided that he was using the drug as a crutch, even though it did help make him less "jumpy" at school. He thought that if he applied his mind to controlling his behavior and focusing, he could help himself