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Ringling College Library Association brings Michael Phelps to Sarasota

The Olympic athlete spoke to his journey during a Town Hall lecture series event on Feb. 6.


  • By Harry Sayer
  • | 9:49 a.m. February 7, 2023
  • Black Tie
  • Share

Michael Phelps had a message for those in the audience at the latest Ringling College Library Association Town Hall lecture — that it's OK to not be OK. 

The Olympic athlete headlined the latest in the lecture series with a pair of speaking events on Feb. 6. 

Hundreds of guests met at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall to hear from the renowned figure, who spoke with swimmer and fellow Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines about his career and his own battles with mental health challenges.

Rowdy Gaines speaks with Michael Phelps.
Rowdy Gaines speaks with Michael Phelps.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Ringling College Library Association Executive Director Lauren Kurnov opens the program.
Ringling College Library Association Executive Director Lauren Kurnov opens the program.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Tidewell Foundation Executive Director Delesa Morris is welcomed to the stage.
Tidewell Foundation Executive Director Delesa Morris is welcomed to the stage.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Executive Director Delesa Morris addresses the crowd.
Executive Director Delesa Morris addresses the crowd.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Michael Phelps tells his story.
Michael Phelps tells his story.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Michael Phelps tells his story.
Michael Phelps tells his story.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Rowdy Gaines speaks with Michael Phelps.
Rowdy Gaines speaks with Michael Phelps.
Photo by Harry Sayer
Chris Cremer and Lisa Beckstein
Chris Cremer and Lisa Beckstein
Photo by Harry Sayer
Lora Wey and Lauren Levine
Lora Wey and Lauren Levine
Photo by Harry Sayer
Jim and Marla Doss
Jim and Marla Doss
Photo by Harry Sayer
David Shule and Leah Morris
David Shule and Leah Morris
Photo by Harry Sayer
Jay and Linda Riley with Mischa Kirby and Shelby Connery
Jay and Linda Riley with Mischa Kirby and Shelby Connery
Photo by Harry Sayer
Chris Cremer and Miqui Lora
Chris Cremer and Miqui Lora
Photo by Harry Sayer
Dana Dalpra with Kathryn and Mark Swintek
Dana Dalpra with Kathryn and Mark Swintek
Photo by Harry Sayer
Michael Phelps and Town Hall chair Brinda Pola
Michael Phelps and Town Hall chair Brinda Pola
Photo by Harry Sayer
Reilly Kleinhen, Michael Phelps and Jason Harary
Reilly Kleinhen, Michael Phelps and Jason Harary
Photo by Harry Sayer
Jay Riley, Rowdy Gaines and Linda Riley
Jay Riley, Rowdy Gaines and Linda Riley
Photo by Harry Sayer
Town Hall chair Brinda Pola with Cheryl Munday
Town Hall chair Brinda Pola with Cheryl Munday
Photo by Harry Sayer
David Kasprzyk and Michelle Frau
David Kasprzyk and Michelle Frau
Photo by Harry Sayer
Julie Osbourne chats with Michael Phelps.
Julie Osbourne chats with Michael Phelps.
Photo by Harry Sayer

 

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