Michael Phelps.... Deserving of the hype?

[--Pete]

Hi,

Watching the fishman swim made me think that he could possibly be the most dominant athlete in a solo played sport. The only person in my mind is Tiger Woods, but even he wins less than 50% of the 'major' events that he plays. Is anyone this dominant?

You hear, and will hear, of Tiger Woods year in and year out. Lots of people play golf and there's a ton of money to be made for Ping and MacGregor and Titlist and so forth. You'll hear of Phelps for a few weeks (unless you're in the competitive swimming field in some capacity) and then very seldom afterward. Consider how often you hear of Mark Spitz except in Olympic years. Let him have his glory and his millions for endorsements, he'll be forgotten too soon as is.

On the other side of this, Does Phelps deserve the accolades, the praise, and the status?

Only from those whom he can out swim. The rest can consider him second rate.

He thinks it's overblown, because it's swimming (and not a sport to him).

Remind me never to consult your father's opinion on anything. What medals does he hold? What's his idea of a 'sport' and where and when did he compete? Or is he an arm chair jackass?

--Pete