Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever? Is he a Superhero of America?
Beijing Olympics 2008 Revealed: Michael Phelps just completed the greatest Olympic performance in history. That is (or should be) without debate. But does Phelps’ dominance in Athens and Beijing put him atop the list of greatest Olympians ever?
It’s too early to tell, since Phelps likely isn’t finished winning Olympic medals. If he returns in 2012 at the London Games and wins, say, five more medals, then there will be no question that he should be hailed as the top Olympian of all-time. If Phelps retired tomorrow though, one could still make a compelling case on his behalf.
The naysayers claim that because Phelps is a swimmer, somehow his accomplishments aren’t as impressive. (One column, ridiculously, even goes so far as to say that it’s “easy to win multiple medals in swimming.”) Because swimming has so many racing opportunities, they say, medals are cheapened. Rubbish.
Of the 20 men who have won the most Olympic medals, only three (Phelps, Mark Spitz and Matt Biondi) were swimmers. Gymnasts dominate the top 20. If winning swimming medals was so easy, swimmers should theoretically be all over that list.
Even if they did, though, Phelps’ versatility renders that argument moot. Just because all swimming strokes take place in a pool doesn’t mean they’re the same. Phelps won at three different distances – 100, 200 and 400 meters — in Beijing. It’s the swimming equivalent of a runner pulling the 200, 400 and 800 triple. That’s never been attempted in any Olympics, let alone accomplished.
Phelps also won golds in three different strokes, a feat made even more impressive considering he was competing in those events with stroke specialists who gear their entire training toward that one discipline. That he had to swim a staggering 17 races in eight days is also not to be overlooked.
After his extraordinary performance in Beijing, Michael Phelps earned a spot on the list of all-time Olympic greats. Four years from now, he’ll likely sit alone at the top.
Self absorbed? Wow, Michael Phelps did not write this article; he’s so not self-absorbed. Michael is a great person, along with being a great athlete. People should just shut up and get over the fact that he’s indeed the greatest Olympian. Proof? Check out all the records he broke and the amount of GOLD medals he has.
Michael Phelps is a great athlete. Comments about the Chinese and so called racial superiority have no place here (or anywhere). The Chinese are great as well no matter their age.
Asfar as Phelps goes, what a great disply of heart. The only thing that needs to be remembered is that when Mark Spits competed 36 years ago and won 7 Golds that was because the men’s 50 meter was not an event then or I am sure he would have gotten number 8 as well. They are both fantastic role models.
Sketchy at best, all world records are being broken across the board, blood doping?? Roids?? who knows, the’s athlete’s chemists are ahead of the IOC chemists. Sadly, the Olympics isn’t what it used to be. I would say the Decathlon or Pentathlon winner would be the greatest athlete, but with NBC in charge we will never see who they are. I’m sick of seeing Phelps mother and Misty May all F^%$#$%^ week, Painful. Worst coverage ever, I have turned to BBC and CBC for some decent coverage. Hoping and praying NBC loses the bid for Vancouver.
Michael Phelps is a great athlete. Comments about the Chinese and so called racial superiority have no place here (or anywhere). The Chinese are great as well no matter their age.
Asfar as Phelps goes, what a great disply of heart. The only thing that needs to be remembered is that when Mark Spits competed 36 years ago and won 7 Golds that was because the men’s 50 meter was not an event then or I am sure he would have gotten number 8 as well. They are both fantastic role models.
Michael Phelps is an awesome athletic. Congrats to you. Mark Spitz is also a great athlete, who showed much class in the interview with Costas. Lets not forget History was made and it can not be erased. Mark Spitz made history in Munich and that will not be erased because it was a moment in time
The best are in the Olympics regardless of their race.
Mr. Smith you are ignorant your comments should be placed under a rock.
How do you define the best athlete in the world? It is define by determination,character and class to be the best in all that you do regardless of the outcome..
How did race get in this topic? Whites are superior…rubbish…in these games we are all equal and at all times. Sure body and build play a role in each sport but even that can be challenged when you see who won that Bolt won the 100 meter dash running race…he is not built like a sprinter…Phelps competed in the individual medly whereas Spitz did not…perhaps we can just say Phelps is todays greatest swimming athlete-leave it at that!
Why do we feel we need to put a title? The media is scrambling to see what we need to call Phelps…
Phelps is a great athlete. He is the best at HIS SPORT. Can I say the best Olympian swimmer….you bet….can we say he has broken the record of most medals at one Olympic Event, you sure can!
There are so many top athletes in the world and they play different sports, which you really cannot compare. Look at all of the amazing performances for the runners, gymnastics, tennis, wrestling, etc….you cannot lump it all together. Each sport has their best athlete.Phelps has swimming
Phelps is a GREAT athelete, a GREAT swimmer, a GREAT Olympian…..
RICH you are so correct…I found Dara Torres a wonderful example of an athlete not because of her age but her gesture in the semi of asking the official to wait while the other swimmer changed suits. She showed al the character and class of the best!
I must agree with some who suggest that it is much easier to amass multiple medals in a sport, such as swimming, where an athelete can compete in multiple races where ones skills are used repetitively. You will never hear about the greatest olympian who was a shot put star or a roman grecco wrestler. I also agree that we need blood and urine on this dude. I’m sick of all these juicers.
Also, who is this smith loser with all the white supremacy crap? Sounds like the childish rantings of a small pe_is bearing idiot. Who screens this stuff anyway?
For the mystery solved section… what did Ryan Lochte say to Michael Phelps on 8/12 during the metal ceremony when they were playing the national anthem that was so funny?
I am thrilled for the entire US swim team, especially Michael, however, i was saddened that during the last medal ceremony for the RELAY team, during the national anthem they stayed on a close up of Mike and totally ignored the other 3 guys who were also awesome!!!! Whoever was directing, is a twit….
I’m sure everyone who has watched the Olympic must agree that this has been a great games. When we thought new World Records were not easy and here comes a Bolt out of the blues to show us that suddenly a 9.5 sec 100 M is a possibility. And who is to deny that Phelps has made our Olympics viewing a pleasure and an excitement. This is the Olympics, let’s not make cheap shots at politics and bring in racism. The Olympics was born out of a love for Peace and Harmony which was this years theme. Let’s make the future a better place together for everyone. Hurray for the Olympic!!!!!
Michael Phelps kept every swimsuit, every cap, every pair of goggles he wore during nine magical days at the Water Cube. Every memory will be savored, too, from goofing off with his U.S. teammates to bowing his head not one, not two, but eight times to receive a gold medal at the Beijing Games.
Beijing Olympics 2008 Revealed: Michael Phelps just completed the greatest Olympic performance in history. That is (or should be) without debate. But does Phelps’ dominance in Athens and Beijing put him atop the list of greatest Olympians ever?
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