Is Phelps the Greatest Olympian?

18-time gold medalist Michael Phelps is considered as one of the greatest Olympians of all-time. He is also known as a shark in the pool. I can say that Phelps has done so much for his sport that he will be missed for years to come by many. Phelps is more than great, he is transcendent. At the age of 27 he has accomplished so much and he feels that he can conquer more things in life. Phelps has told many reporters that he is going to retire from Olympic play and this will be the last swim. I can tell you guys, he definitely went out in style.

Before we place Phelps as the greatest Olympian of all-time, we have to remember the greats that came before him. To start it off, America’s own gold medalist Jesse Owens; becoming the first African American to win a record of 4 gold medals in track and field in 1936 (Fanbay, 2004). The Olympics was held in Germany at that time and this was the time of Hitler. Whoa! Larisa Semyonovna Latynina from the Soviet Union was arguably the best of the best when it came to Olympians. Latynina won a grand total of 18 medals in gymnastics. I don’t want you guys to try to pronounce that name. I had a hard time myself. So you see, giving praise and respect to your history can make you appreciate the present and Phelps is that.

I can truly tell you that watching Phelps in this 2012 Olympics in London has really showed us how we want our American athlete to be. When Phelps is in that water he is competitive and fierce. That’s what it takes to be the best in your sport. I’m happy for him and hope that he will be in Brazil in 2016. Maybe a comeback?