Our new generation's swimming wonder boy, Michael Phelps. His coach of 12 years recognized his potential earlier on and said he'll make it to Sydney 2000. Although he finished 5th on the finals, five months later, he became the sport's youngest male world-record holder when he claimed the 200m fly mark. He then won 6 gold and 2 bronze medals in Athens 2004. For Beijing 2008, he won eight gold medals and broke the record of Mark Spitz's single games record for gold medals in Munich 1972. Phelps swam 17 times over nine days and broke the world record in four of his five individual swims.
At first glance, Phelps might look like a typical swimmer. But several of his physical characteristics seem genetically tailored for swimming. His 6-foot-7-inch wingspan is three inches longer than his height, providing him with unusual reach. His torso is long compared to his legs, enabling him to ride high on the water. And his flexible ankles, combined with size-14 feet, allow for a powerful kick. Add to that more than a decade of high-intensity training, and you get one of the fastest swimmers in history.
Whether he retires tomorrow or joins London 2012, it's no contest, Michael Phelps is the greatest olympian. All his fans, including myself, will be following his career until he retires. This guy is indeed a bullet underwater. His matches are so exciting and it's hard not to hold your breath until he touches the end wall of the pool. His fire, his intensity, his passion for swimming is what inspires me more to watch the sport.
At first glance, Phelps might look like a typical swimmer. But several of his physical characteristics seem genetically tailored for swimming. His 6-foot-7-inch wingspan is three inches longer than his height, providing him with unusual reach. His torso is long compared to his legs, enabling him to ride high on the water. And his flexible ankles, combined with size-14 feet, allow for a powerful kick. Add to that more than a decade of high-intensity training, and you get one of the fastest swimmers in history.
Whether he retires tomorrow or joins London 2012, it's no contest, Michael Phelps is the greatest olympian. All his fans, including myself, will be following his career until he retires. This guy is indeed a bullet underwater. His matches are so exciting and it's hard not to hold your breath until he touches the end wall of the pool. His fire, his intensity, his passion for swimming is what inspires me more to watch the sport.
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