Michael Phelps on whether he's an alcoholic: 'I honestly don't know'

Michael Phelps questions his relationship with alcohol.

(Image credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

published 28 April 2016

As 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps prepares for his fifth Olympic Games at Rio 2016, he's grappling with more than a tough training regimen. In an interview with CNN published Thursday, Phelps, 30, admitted that he isn't sure whether he's an alcoholic. When asked, he responded, "I don't know. I honestly don't know. I know I probably have moments where I have gone off the deep end where I shouldn't."

Phelps has been in the public eye for his drug and alcohol use for nearly as long as he has been for his athleticism. In 2009, a year after the Beijing Olympics, photos surfaced of him smoking marijuana. Then, in 2014, Phelps found himself suspended by USA Swimming for six months and left off the U.S. team for the 2015 World Championships after he was arrested for a DUI. The incident prompted him to check into a six-week, in-patient program.

But, he says, he still wants to end his career on a high note. "I want to retire how I want to retire," he said, looking ahead to Rio, "and I have a great opportunity to do that."