Startups

Michael Phelps dives into tech by joining mental health test company’s board

The Olympic champion joined the board of Medibio, which is being validated at Johns Hopkins.

Michael Phelps in 2009, when he needed a razor. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Michael Phelps made a splash a few months ago when he hinted that he might get involved in tech investing.
On Monday, the all-time Olympic champion revealed at least one of the ventures he is backing.
The Baltimore native is joining the board of Medibio, an Australian company that developed a test for mental health disorders. The test analyzes circadian data, sleep and the nervous system to help diagnose depression, chronic stress and other conditions. It’s being validated in clinical trials at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, among other sites.
With mental health as well as tech, the move combines two of Phelps’ non-Boomer-related passions following his retirement from competitive swimming.
Phelps made it personal in a statement announcing the deal, referencing his own struggles and saying he used the technology. He emerged as a mental health advocate following his 2014 arrest for drunk driving in Baltimore and subsequent comeback to swimming for the 2016 Olympics.
“I feel that the ease and objectivity with which Medibio’s technology can accurately help to diagnose mental health will make a profound difference in people’s lives,” he said. “I want to help others who are dealing with these challenges and make the process for them to take action easier and more understandable.”
According to Australian Business Review, Phelps is expected to help with Medibio’s push into the US market.

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