The Online Reflector

In the wake of the Olympics, many people have turned to the future of the most decorated Olympian in history, swimmer Michael Phelps.

Phelps has publicly asserted that he officially has retired from competitive swimming, which has ignited a media frenzy of speculation, controversy and heated opinions regarding his decision. Many people insist that Phelps will not be able to retire on top and will succumb to the challenge of competing in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Think about it, though. For what would Phelps be competing? Another collection of medals? I mean, he only has 22, more than anyone ever has earned in an Olympic career. Phelps is the best of the best; he has reached the pinnacle of any athletic career. He has, by his own admission, accomplished every goal he set for himself.

There is literally no other landmark in competitive or Olympic swimming for which Phelps could strive. He doesn’t need any more medals. More importantly, Phelps simply doesn’t want any more medals. And that is perfectly okay.

Instead of sticking our heads in his business and making bets that he will not stand by what he adamantly has insisted, we should commend Phelps on a job well done. Can America applaud an Olympic hero for reaching the climax of his athletic career and respect his decision to start a new chapter in his life? We seem so caught up in individualism and competitiveness that we have forgotten that Phelps has a life. He is a human being before he is a swimmer.

A mere 27 years old, Phelps has a life to live, and he has made it clear that he wants to begin living it, outside of the water, for the first time in his life. We can’t read into his decision any more than that. It’s not that he is scared to lose to new competitors like Ryan Lochte or that he has no passion for the sport of swimming.

Although many of us would like to believe that Phelps is a god-like Olympian legend who could and should continue to splash away his competition in the pool, he’s not. Swimming so competitively for so long has likely taken a harsh toll on his body. If he were to compete in the next Summer Olympic Games, that would mean another four years of intense training. It’s not a surprise that Phelps wants a break, and a long-term one at that.

As a college athlete myself, I can only begin to understand the stress that Phelps has put his body through in his training for the Olympics. Even the most dedicated athletes appreciate a break, and Phelps clearly has reached that point in his life. I cannot fathom the intensity of his training, but I can imagine how great he must feel to begin to be a “normal” person. He deserves time out of the water, after all that he has accomplished, and he should not be criticized for his decision.

Much of the heat and the unending, prying questions that Phelps has taken following his announcement that he was retiring is simply unwarranted. It is a shame that so much attention has focused on the controversy of his retirement, rather than on the celebration of his successes and incredible career.

Phelps has accomplished one set of dreams through swimming, but the man clearly has more dreams. As driven and dedicated as Phelps is, we likely will see many more great things from him. Let the man pursue his dreams, and while you’re at it, go pursue yours.