Triple Olympic champion swimmer Anthony Ervin says ‘Winning can be terrible’

Swimmer Anthony Ervin won Olympic gold aged 19.
His life then fell apart. He was homeless for a time, attempted
suicide, and drank heavily. By 2016, he had completely turned his
life around and won the 50m freestyle at the Olympics.


Aged 35, he was the oldest individual Olympic gold medal winner
in swimming.


This time though - he was ready.


“Winning can be a terrible thing that happens to you. It can
completely intoxicate you… Winning is a test.”


We spoke about Ryan Lochte, growing up with Tourette’s, and how
he wants to compete at Tokyo 2020.


LINKS:


Anthony winning gold in Rio


Anthony's book


The other book he recommended


Andre Agassi's book


The myth of Icarus


If any of the topics in this episode distressed you, please talk
to some one! Or let us know... In the UK, the charity
Samaritans are very helpful.