Michael Phelps: Greatest Olympian

Eight events. Eight gold medals. The four hundred meter individual medley. The four man, four hundred meter relay. The two hundred meter freestyle. The two hundred meter butterfly. The four man, eight hundred meter relay. The two hundred meter individual medley. The one hundred meter butterfly. The four man, four hundred meter medley relay.

In 2008, Michael Phelps’ pursuit was momentous. In his career, Phelps’ accomplishments are monumental. Fourteen gold medals. Two bronze medals. Seven world championships. Thirty-eight national championships. Thirty-two world records. Thirteen Olympic records.

In the Olympics, Phelps owns the gold record. He does not own the overall record. Larissa Latynina possesses eighteen triumphs. Between 1956-196, the gymnast garnered nine gold medals. She scored five silver medals. She bagged four bronze medals. She also won two individual all-around competitions.

Sports is argument. Athletes are assessed. Eras are examined. Hank Aaron versus Alex Rodriguez. Vince Lombardi versus Bill Belichick. Michael Jordan versus Lebron James. Is Phelps superior? Nikolai Andrianov, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi, and Mark Spitz have arguments. However, Phelps has the achievements.