The world's greatest ever Olympic gold medal winner Michael Phelps has been appointed to the Board of Australian medical technology company Medibio (ASX:MEB).
Medibio has developed a test to help with the diagnosis of depression, chronic stress and other mental health disorders. Involving more than 15 years of research at University of Western Australia, the test uses panel circadian, sleep and autonomic system biomarkers to quantify and characterise mental illness.
Retired US swimmer Michael Phelps won 23 gold medals across five Olympic games.
He has sought to raise awareness of mental health since retiring and worked with Medibio's team of doctors and medical experts to explore ways the company's technology could address the challenges associated with the identification and treatment of various mental health issues.
Mr Phelps has used the company’s technology to analyse his own personal datasets and experienced first-hand how it can help address the challenges associated with mental health diagnosis.
“I am honoured to accept this appointment because I have personally experienced Medibio’s technology and believe it can help make a profound impact in diagnosing mental health and empowering people to seek the help and support they may need," said Mr Phelps.
“In sports, there is so much focus on the physical aspects of performance, and athletes are analysed from head to toe. But for many athletes, mental health has not been a topic of focus, and the data analysis aspect of it has been missing up until now.
“I personally suffered from mental health challenges from my teenage years on, and only fairly recently – after reaching a point of desperation – did I acquire the understanding, treatment, and support I needed, which has truly changed my life.
“For me, self-awareness, from a mental health standpoint, is empowerment. But I’ve seen first hand – in sports and beyond – how difficult it is for people to understand, discuss, and confront stress, anxiety, and mental health concerns, all of which can seem like an insurmountable barrier to getting the help and support that is needed,” he added.
According to Medibio managing Director and CEO, Mr Jack Cosentino, “We are thrilled to have Michael join our Board of Directors as a true champion of the mental health community. His joining the Board of Directors brings recognition and validates the great need for objective mental health diagnosis that we offer through our industry-leading technology.
“His lifelong dedication to excellence in the pool, his advocacy for mental health, and his understanding of data-driven solutions will provide a great addition to our Board
“Michael’s significant public profile will raise substantial awareness of mental health challenges and the real, tangible solutions that Medibio’s diagnostics can provide,” added Mr Cosentino.