The Greatest Olympian EVER!
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The Greatest Olympian EVER!
Yes Sir! Truly amazing... :patriot: USA USA USA!!!!
Swimming is definitely grueling, but I think the argument can be made that Carl Lewis excelled in a wider variety of events. Yes, Phelps has medaled in events with a variety of strokes and distances, but it's all still swimming for speed. Lewis on the other hand medaled in running (sprinting only) and the long jump.
Plus Lewis was dominant over a longer period in his best event. He won the gold in long jump in 4 consecutive Olympics.
Either way it's splitting hairs. They're both outstanding Olympians. Phelps accomplishments are amazing, and I don't know if we'll see them surpassed in my lifetime.
I'm not as knowledgeable on Owens or Thorpe so I can't really speak to them.
Am I the only one a bit disappointed about Phelps this year?
Admitting he didn't train as hard...Teammates being critical of his training.
Maybe I am just hating on the guy because he comes off as a dick but he makes it hard to be excited for him this time around.
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It would have been nice to see him be truly dominant again, but he's basically said that he's gotten tired of swimming. I'm not going to hold that against him. IMO he's already accomplished such incredible things that his legacy is untouchable.
Actually I was a bit peeved at the way NBC seemed to center so much of their early Olympic coverage on how Lochte was going to "dethrone" Phelps. Then after Phelps finished 4th in his 1st final they seemed to crank it up even more. I almost felt like they were hoping for the guy to fail so they could drag him through the mud.
Yes, he may come off as a bit of a prick, but he accomplished amazing things while representing our country. I still think that's something to be proud of. Shame on NBC for being so eager to tear down one of our Olympic heroes.
And Lochte may be a better swimmer at this point, but he will never come close to Phelps accomplishment. Phelps was never going to be dethroned no matter what happened at this Olympics.
But why go if he is tired of it? It's not like he's getting a paycheck for being there. Like you said he already made his stamp so why not just walk away?
If he was going to go he still should strive for the gold in every event. Losing sucks! I get 2nd gets the silver but how much sweeter is it to win and have even more Golds?
I'm proud of Phelps but it bugs me a little that he don't have the "I want to dominate" attitude he once had.
Ray Lewis has a Super Bowl ring and has yet to quit and trains harder and harder every year. I guess Phelps ain't built that way.
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You have to compete in 10 events to win a medal for the decathalon. They don't give out extra medals for swinging your arms in a different direction.
Track and field has long been the dominant sport of the olympics. It is the one where you see the best athletes compete.
No one cares about swimming unless their boat is getting ready to sink.