USOC must do more to help retiring athletes - Phelps

FILE PHOTO: Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps arrives at the 2017 Kids Choice Sport Awards in Los Angeles, California, U.S., July 13, 2017. REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon/File Photo

(Reuters) - American swimmer Michael Phelps says the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) should do more to help Olympians transitioning into retirement, saying they are all too often "brushed aside" as the focus shifts to the next generation of talent.

The retired 33-year-old, who won a record 23 Olympic gold medals across five Games, said elite athletes need assistance navigating the tricky period that follows their Olympic careers, when depression can set in.