Quote:
Originally Posted by FlamesFanStrandedInEDM
I dont know if someone has already touched on this, but the "Michael Phelps greatest Olympian" crap is wearing thin on me. Yes he has more medals than anyone else in Olympic history, but keep in mind that Swimming has the most events that any one athlete could potentially medal in.
A Tri-Athlete can only medal a maximum of once per olympics, same goes for many other athletes. How is it fair that Phelps is crowned the greatest olympian when he gets far more chances to compete for medals than any other athletes. I'm sure that Usain Bolt would have far more medals if he could compete in the 100m back-pedal, or 100m side shuffle as well.
How about we crown him as "The Greatest Swimmer" instead.
|
I am not sure why this should bother anybody. What he has accomplished is truly remarkable and has put up totals as an individual that make many countries envious. Hyperbole in sports journalism is far from a new thing assuming you feel he is undeserving of an unofficial title.
Putting that aside, you also seem to discount the fact that 4 different disciplines over multiple distances is an extremely difficult thing to do. It could be argued that he could even have more medals if the events were spread out longer but the already demanding workload would be pretty much impossible.
As far as the Bolt comparison, it could be argued that he could compete in more events if he wanted to/had the ability. Why not the 100, 200, 400, and even 800? Add the relays 4x100 and 4x400? Heck why not the 110 and 400 hurdles? It is just a little jump while running - not much different than a back peddle or side shuffle, right?
The guy is amazing to be able to compete at a top level in multi-disciplines for 8 years.