Michael Phelps.... Deserving of the hype?

[ShadowHM]

Of course the different disciplines are different but you must agree that somebody that can do breast stroke can also do another stroke well. And when you have size 14 feet, relative short legs, enormously wide arm span...you will be able to do all swimming events.

I have been lurking in this conversation, but I have to comment on this one. I am the mother of a former competitive swimmer. I have watched more workouts and worked at more competitions than I care to recall.

You are mistaken. The ability to do the breast stroke well is not any indicator of ability to do the backstroke or any other stroke well - or rather, well enough to win in competition.

I will agree that Phelps is uniquely suited, by his physical make-up, to be a swimmer. But 'doing all events' and winning at all events are very different things.