SWIMMING INTO SCANDAL: How Michael Phelps Maintained His  Image 

The iconic cinematic music, the five interlaced primary-colored rings, the opening and closing ceremony and the whole world coming together for three weeks. Now, that was my dramatic way of introducing the complexity and beauty that is the Olympics. As a child, and even as an adult, I loved the excitement that came from an event that brought the world together. The constant stream of television content left me one happy entertainment crazed little girl. The TVs were never off in my house, and now my apartment, as the drama and emotions made every second worth watching.

 

It was the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China that first introduced me to a true Olympian – Michael Phelps. I was only 9 years old at the time, but I knew Phelps was special and boy was I right. From the moment he won eight medals in Athens to eight gold medals in Beijing to six medals in London and six medals in Rio, he was quickly deemed the nation’s golden boy. But this title would come at a cost, being in the public eye always does it seems.

 

We have discussed the nine lives and reincarnation of celebrity reputation, but what about the overflowing pool of a reputation built on good will and honesty. If you are only known to the world as a golden boy, then one or maybe two mess ups can’t tarnish that… right? Let’s find out!

 

In February of 2009, our golden boy began to show some tarnish as photos surfaced of him engaging in a recreational activity that did not involve a pool but a bong. At the time, America only associated Phelps with success not a “youthful and inappropriate 23-year-old”, he was not living up to his reputation. However, cancel culture was not a thing then and thus our golden boy gave the public an apology and received minimal consequences with a three-month suspension from USA swimming and removal from the infamous Kellogg’s cereal box. In Phelps’ apology he promised the nation he would not let anything like this happen again. Note to self, do not make promises, especially ones directly related to your reputation, that you can’t keep.

 

Our golden boy became mostly silver after receiving his second DUI charge in 2014, his actions outside of the pool began to affect the perceptions of him inside of the pool. This mistake came two years after Phelps “retired” from swimming and two years before he would go on to win six medals in the 2016 Olympic Games.

 

“I will be the first one to admit a mistake when it’s made. That’s the only way you are able to move on and learn from that mistake.” – Michael Phelps in a CNBC interview

 

So, does owning your mistakes really put you back in the good graces of an entire nation? How did Phelps go from handcuffs to more gold medals? Five words: reputation good will and honesty. Phelps had the ability to pull from his medals, years of bringing glory back to the nation and his image of success to smooth over his hand full of mistakes. Through every mistake and scandal Phelps stayed afloat through having unrelenting honesty a pretty great flotation device. A nation chose to not forget Phelps’ faults, but to also remember his triumphs and ultimately revel at his honesty no matter how difficult the conversation.

Phelps, like many celebrities and professional athletes, has a big reputation that has generated him good will over the years. His reputation acts as a flotation device for when the waters get a bit too rocky, and the news cycle becomes overflowing with scandal. Our golden boy has continued to fluff his reputation with good will by becoming an activist for mental health. Phelps has had his own struggles with mental health and chooses to be an advocate for others on improving their mental state. He was one of the first Olympic athletes to speak out in support of Simone Biles this summer when she chose her mental health over the games.

 

Life for Phelps looks a lot different than it used to, his social media channels are flooded with photos of his three beautiful boys, partnerships with big names like Reese’s and Silk and quotes such as “it’s ok to not be ok.” He has maintained his status and reputation through all the mistakes and mess ups by reminding the public of the success he has brought and the honesty he puts forth.

 

Unlike our past celebrity reputation deep dives, Phelps did not come from wealth like Olivia Jade and Robert Downey Jr. – this means his reputation was built from blood, sweat, tears and Olympic medals. This also means that while mine and your reputation do not have nine lives or the magical ability to reincarnate, we do have the ability to build our reputation on good will and honesty.

 

A reputation is only as good as the work you choose to put into it. The next time you think “ugh I wish my reputation was better” remember these five tips:

1. Keep your promises

2. Act with integrity

3. Be authentic

4. Ask others what they think of you    

5. Smile

 

“Take care of your reputation. It’s your most valuable asset.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.