What was Michael Phelps' realization?

Michael Phelps had a significant realization about embracing authenticity and being true to himself. Despite his accomplishments and the immense pressure to perform, he recognized that trying to be someone else or meet unrealistic expectations was counterproductive. He shared that he often felt like he was just a swimmer and struggled with the external perceptions tied to his identity. Phelps found peace and simplicity in the notion of just being himself, understanding that this approach could simplify many aspects of his life 1 .