Is Michael Phelps the Greatest Olympian of All Time?

by SodaHead Sports Posted 2012/08/05 18:42:58

Related Topics: Sports, Michael Phelps, Swimming, Olympics, Legend

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	Yes	247 votes	63%
	No	148 votes	37%

It is hard to believe that at just 27 years of age, American swimmer Michael Phelps is a living legend. Already considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time, Phelps cemented his legacy amongst athletes of every sport in this summer's Olympics. With 22 total medals (the most of any Olympian ever), Phelps may very well be the greatest swimmer and Olympian in history.

Phelps is definitely the most popular swimmer ever, appearing in Subway commercials and other forms of media. He is the "it" guy. But don't let his star power overshadow his athletic greatness. Those 22 medals Phelps owns are more than some countries can lay claim to the last decade. If he were a country, he'd rank in the top 60 in the history of the modern Olympics. When it comes to golds, his 18 medals would place him at No. 36 ahead of Argentina. Phelps owns 39 world records, has been named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of The Year, and that's just scratching the surface.

Phelps is also the only swimmer to win the same individual event in three straight Olympics and he set the record for the most gold medals in an Olympic year with eight in 2008 (breaking Mark Spitz's record that was untouched since 1972). Now at 27, Phelps ends his career, with 22 total medals and six alone from this year's Olympics (four gold, two silver).

What do you think SodaHeads? Is Michael Phelps the greatest Olympian of all time?

Is Michael Phelps the Greatest Olympian of All Tim

+16

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Eyes See Wide North 2012/08/05 21:03:48

Yes

+15
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More polls by SodaHead Sports

GaolBlaze 2012/08/19 21:42:56

No

Usain Bolt. He's got the personality. He was absolutely hilarious and adorable to watch in London. He did more laps of honour so he could see his fans rather than do an interview because the people who were there mattered more to him, he'd talk to everyone else later anyway. He had a laugh before the race, and he was talking to the people working there, and he showed respect for the anthem of another country that was playing. He seems like just a great person, really funny, and so nice. And of course, he wins and is famous and things, so yeah, sorry Mr. Phelps, but Usain Bolt already has that title wrapped up for me.

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KD35Serbia 2012/08/13 12:03:26

No

I just hate him because he took Cavic's gold medal in Beijing, when it was obvious that Cavic came first. Even it wasn't his fault...

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Vieuphoria 2012/08/13 07:01:46

No

Maybe the greatest swimmer, but not olympian.

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flrdsgns 2012/08/13 04:45:52

No

Nope, I'll go with Bob Mathias

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Giacomo Skeate 2012/08/12 23:28:25
l 2012/08/12 19:07:16

Yes

I believe he is the greatest swimmer ever! Greatest Olympian!? I don't think so know!

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Red Branch 2012/08/12 17:58:19

Yes

I will say yes for a reason unrelated to his swimming abilities.

In 2004, Athens Olympics, Phelps gave up a spot on a relay that was sure to win a gold medal. He gave his spot to another swimmer who had not won a gold medal

That is the teamwork that the Olympics is supposed to be about.

I do not like to choose the best or the worst of anything because all the variables make it difficult to be fair. But I have never heard of an athlete doing something like that before.

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AvaC 2012/08/12 01:45:07

No

He's the best SWIMMER the Summer Olympics has seen since Mark Spitz... and he's the MOST decorated athlete in the history of the Games in term of medals... but calling him the greatest Olympian of all time is a bit far fetched ans somewhat disrespectful to those before him who had much greater hardships in achieving a medal. Besides, there are so many events in swimming that it would be virtually impossible to NOT win a medal.

''Those 22 medals Phelps owns are more than some countries can lay claim to the last decade. If he were a country, he'd rank in the top 60 in the history of the modern Olympics.''

That statement is just full of arrogance. Athletes in many countries don't have the facilities, support or even the opportunity to achieve what Phelps has done in his career and that's why whether or not they win a medal, reaching the Olympics is probably their biggest achievement.

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Quazar 2012/08/12 00:14:23

No

He is the best Olympic swimmer ever, but the best Olympian ever, not a chance.

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David 2012/08/11 20:03:30 (edited)
Jewelz136 2012/08/10 13:13:00

Yes

definitely. he worked hard to get to where he is now.

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aksquad 2012/08/10 09:14:04
Mm 2012/08/10 07:20:55
Ken 2012/08/10 00:23:57

Yes

+1
In swimming.

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Mm to Ken 2012/08/10 07:21:22
Temlakos~POTL~PWCM~JLA~☆ 2012/08/10 00:01:57

Yes

Right up there with Jim Thorpe.

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evangelism_vision 2012/08/10 00:00:32

Yes

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Mm to evangel... 2012/08/10 07:21:30
evangel... to Mm 2012/08/10 21:10:25

What was Moderated? IRS the Sharks? Or........?

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Frank 2012/08/09 19:22:45

Yes

Pretty impressive medal count..

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evangel... to Frank 2012/08/10 21:09:13

+1
YES LOOK AT RUSSIA? Geeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee They did really bad this time around and China? Have to admit they are really good! But Glad USA did better

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Derhub 2012/08/09 07:19:25

Yes

The question asked if Phelps was the greatest Olympian of all time, not the greatest Athlete or Person..... This guy has won twice as many golds as the person coming in second and four more than any athlete in the history of the games..... Is he the greatest person or athlete probably not even close.... Is he the greatest Olympian, absolutely. He smokes pot, he is arrogant.... An arrogant athlete???? HOW SHOCKING!!!

To be at the top of your game from age 15-27 makes you something special. The Olympics are as much about heart as ability and his tenacious nature has defied father time. The only beef I have with his accomplishments are the team events where the stars don't race until the finals. Greatest Olympian without question, he who holds the most medals has to be the most successful Olympian.

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Mm to Derhub 2012/08/10 07:21:38
BBoy legacy 2012/08/09 02:54:36

Yes

22 olympic medals.. enough said.

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Titanium X 2012/08/08 15:34:17

Yes

+1
So far he is !

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Mm to Titanium X 2012/08/10 07:21:44
Lauren 2012/08/07 23:37:34

Yes

He Is the best.
Untill someone wins more than 22 medals. he will be the best.

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Eric 2012/08/07 19:48:37

No

We are talking about swimming, the sport in which it is easiest to amass many medals. A swimmer capable of winning the 100M will probably also win the 200M. Or the 200M IM person will also win the 400M IM. And, as an American, he is almost guaranteed many relay medals (9 of the medals were for relays).

16 of his medals came after he was Mark Spitz's retirement age. Spitz got his medals in 2 Olympics, at age 18 and 22, while Phelps needed 4, at ages 15, 19, 23, and 27. (Did not medal at age 15)

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Mm to Eric 2012/08/10 07:21:50
Bebeandpie 2012/08/07 18:22:39

No

You should have seen the interview where he said things that were totally unfair. Things like saying that HE was, No DOUBT going to win and things that must have totally drove other Americans crazy. He was totally full of himself. I mean, I don't NOT think he was good, but if he's really so great he should stop bragging about his money and start practicing to HELP the country he's living in. The only reason he's leaving is for himself.

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Mm to Bebeandpie 2012/08/10 07:21:56
silverhorn 2012/08/07 15:15:20

No

Swimming is such a limited participation sport it's hard for me to say winning all these medals makes him the greatest Olympian. How many countries do NOT compete in swimming events? I would be more impressed if his event was a track event where the participation is far greater than swimming. It's like being the best polo player... does that qualify you for title of greatest athlete?

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Mm to silverhorn 2012/08/10 07:22:01
ScoutLdr 2012/08/07 10:17:24

Yes

+1
Yes, Michael Phelps has won the most medals, but there are Olympic Events which are much more difficult than swimming. For example the Decathlon,Pentathlon or the Marathon.

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ro97 2012/08/07 09:10:03

No

In my opinion, the greatest Olympians are those who trained for years and put in all they could, those who viewed the Olympics as a fun thing, not as serious competition that can spark hatred, those who did their best and had the nerves to compete, and those who were never known.
Phelps is a great Olympian, but I think there is no such thing as a 'greatest' Olympian, only greatest Olympians.

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Mm to ro97 2012/08/10 07:22:06
maythinn 2012/08/07 08:34:05

Yes

+1
or Gabby?

or Gabby?
(more)

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Meako 2012/08/07 05:33:02

No

+1

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Mm to Meako 2012/08/10 07:22:14
TheBorg 2012/08/07 03:11:37 (edited)

No

+1
What is the difference between those who use performance enhancing drugs and those who don't?

Those who don't are smart enough not to get caught.

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