Phelps Keeps Winning Gold

Runner Paavo Nurmi of Finland, Gymnast Larissa Latynina of the Soviet Union, Swimmer Mark Spitz and Track Star Carl Lewis of the United States all won 9 Olympic gold medals during their careers. By any measure, their achievements are monumental. Then, there is American aquaman Michael Phelps, who has just one his 11th overall. In Beijing, he’s won five golds in five events in five world record times. And he’s only 23.

Swimmers, of course, have a bit of an advantage in the Olympics. Unlike boxers, weightlifters or pole vaulters, there are numerous events that rely on the skill. In this, they are like runners and gymnasts (as the above list shows). A talented swimmer simply has more chances of pulling off a win. There is also a basic swimming body (lean, muscular and long) that distinguishes them from runners (powerful legs on sprinters, lengthy muscles on distance runners). It is more likely that a swimmer who can win the 100 meters can also win the 400 meters than the comparable races would be on land.

On the other hand, swimming requires a human being to spend the race in the water. That is a substance the species doesn’t breathe well, and it provides far more resistance than air. Running 100 meters will leave one short of breath. Swimming 100 meters is even more tiring and demanding.

Yet, Mr. Phelps’ performance is in a class by itself. He said. “Growing up I always wanted to be an Olympian. Now to be the most decorated Olympian of all time, it just sounds weird saying.” British swimmer Simon Burnett doesn’t but that, “aw shucks,” American humility. He said, “I think I've figured out Michael Phelps. He is not from another planet; he is from the future. His father made him and made a time machine. Sixty years from now he is an average swimmer, but he has come back here to mop up.”

The NBA greats that compose the US men’s basketball team are a bunch of competitive egomaniacs. Yet Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were among those cheering on Phelps from poolside seats. Mr. James went as far as posing for pictures with Mr. Phelps’ mom. He’s that impressive.

There is but one more milestone to achieve. Mark Spitz won 7 golds at Munich all in world record time. Mr. Phelps has 5 golds in world record time in Beijing with 3 more events to swim. This is part of the beauty of the Olympics.

© Copyright 2008 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

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