The Olympics isn’t something that interests me very much and I’ve barely paid any attention to it except for when I’m being forced to hear about the greatness known as Michael Phelps. In case you haven’t heard, Phelps is trying to win an Olympic record 8 gold medals which would break Mark Spitz’s record of 7. Currently Phelps is at 6 gold’s and has set new world records in every one of those races, his next 2 races to medal are Friday and Saturday and right now I don’t think anyone can beat him… as much as I hate to say it.
No, I’m not going to hate on Michael Phelps because what he is doing is truly amazing; however, hearing about it every second is becoming a little too much. I’m aware it’s important to support our countries athletes but let’s let this guy focus on what he’s trying to accomplish and then let it totally consume what we read, watch and listen to. With every medal he wins he becomes closer to his goal and his record, Michael Phelps has put enough pressure on himself without us contributing to it.
Also, can we get over all the doping accusations that come along anytime someone starts winning a lot? The guy has worked his ass off to get in to the shape that he is to dominate the field. Yes, he’s murdering world records, but it is no secret that the conditions he is swimming in are helping him. The pool is apparently deeper than average pools which can help an individual swim faster, and it’s also been said the pool was designed for fast swimming in general. I don’t know the specifics of all this because I’m not a scientist or an architect but even without the design of the pool it’s not like Phelps came out of nowhere to dominate the games, he was the favorite in all his events from the beginning.
Sure, it’s easy to put a doping speculation out there but is it fair when the guy has gone out of his way to do extra drug testing and when his training schedule is so well documented and talked about? I don’t think so. Furthermore, if he is doping, it will be proven at some point. It may be a couple weeks but it would come down on him at some point for sure. Plus usually other athletes can sense when someone they’re competing against has an unfair advantage and I haven’t heard any mention of that from the swimmers he competes against.
So let’s lay off Michael Phelps. Let’s lay off praising him and let’s lay off speculating about him until he wins his 8 gold medals or tests positive for something. Regardless if he actually wins 8 gold medals or not this is one of the most incredible performances ever at the Olympics. Initially when he said his goal was to break Spitz’s record and win 8 gold’s I thought it was a cocky move, but after watching him compete I have come to realize he is just that good and wants to be the best. So my appeal to everyone is to let Michael Phelps do his thing and focus without having to listen to what people are saying about him until he breaks history or falls short.
