This is the portrait of total victory, a living breathing expression of athletic supremacy. Michael Phelps has been phenomenal thus far in the Olympics, making us proud at every turn. As a former athlete, I enjoy watching the Olympics and the many sports, in part because when athletes win the gold, I can relate to the thrill of victory. I understand the sacrifice, the hours of practice, the pain, the commitment required to become an Olympian, let alone win a medal.So I am completely impressed with the dominance of Michael Phelps, the unparalleled prowess that is on display each and every time he slips his 6 foot four inch frame beneath the waves.
I am equally impressed if not more so by his demeanor and carriage. It is clear he commands the respect of his teammates and fellow swimmers. He is a team player, cheering on his teammates in the 4x100 relay with tremendous fervor, celebrating triumph with them when they won. His comments to reporters after winning are modest, confidently humble. He's clear that talking smack is unnecessary. He does all his talking in the water. When they won the relay and he roared in triumph, I roared with him. Phelps is an obviously determined individual with a laser focus on what he has come to the Olympics to do. He is supplying thrills and inspiration to Americans back home on his road to a history making 8 gold medal performance. Even more inspirational is watching him do it with class, humility and true Olympic spirit.
Hey guys.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say I agree with you wholeheartedly on both Cullen Jones and Brian Phelps. I'm a former ( as in long ago and far away) athlete as well, so I too love the Olympics for the same reasons you stated. The commitment and dedication of these young people is simply incredible and awe-inspiring.
Its been a blast to watch this guy do his thing and do it with a demeanor that is confident and in the spirit of an Olympian. I've enjoyed it and Phelps deserves every accolade for an outstanding performance.
ReplyDeletePhelps is a fish. I wonder who will ever be better then him. He has Shattered just about every record there is and is ready to go again within the Hour just to break that too. And Phelps is great with his team mates
ReplyDeleteThe guy is awesome. And when I think about it, I think its worth noting that he was at his most exultant and celebratory in victory when he and his teammates won the relay, as opposed to when he has won the individual events. He seemed to have taken perhaps even greater joy, or at least more demonstrative joy in that shared victory than his own. He was totally pumped to accomplish something spectacular as a contributor to the effort. I just think the guy demonstrates a lot of class and sportsmanship. He is Olympian spirit personified.
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