August 19, 2004
Hyping Phelps
Swimmer Michael Phelps didn't hype himself -- the media did. Phelps never claimed he would break Spitz's record of seven gold medals, but he's got four already. The 19-year old has proven to be a tremendous athlete and, more importantly, a great sportsman.
As former IM olympian Tom Dolan writes in Sports Illustrated:
You have to respect a young kid who bypasses the 200 backstroke, where he could potentially win the gold and was a lock for the silver, in order to swim an event where the two best in the world are swimming. In that respect, Michael risked not getting a medal but did it because he wanted to race the best.
Phelps Has Far Exceeded Expectations [SI.com ]. Right on, Tom. The gracious, unassuming attitude of this athlete, coupled with his unfailing drive to win and non-ostentatious patriotism, is a fine antidote to the lazy professional dolts currently populating the US basketball team.
Posted by glenn
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