Appreciating Greatness

The Olympics is a showcase of the world's best athletes in action, and these Beijing Games have certainly not disappointed in individual and team achievements. By far, the most captivating headline of these games is Michael Phelps' pursuit of an unprecedented eight gold medals. As of today (8/15/08), he is seven for seven, the last gold coming in a thriller of a finish, out-touching Milorad Cavic by a hundredth of a second. With that victory, he tied Mark Spitz's Olympic record by capturing seven gold medals in a single Olympics, and Phelps has a chance to break that record when he races in the 4x100m medley relay.

As I've been admiring this man's athleticism and pursuit of glory, I've encountered many people who are vehemently wishing that Phelps does not break the record. I understand that Michael Phelps' character is lacking by account of eyewitnesses. I understand that he is rather proud. I understand all the knock on his personality. But these are the Olympics, and what Michael Phelps is doing is ridiculous. The guy has thirteen gold medals in two Olympics for crying out loud. He's breaking records as if it were his job. And with one more win, he'll set one more, one that seems almost improbable to break (although that's what was said of Mark Spitz's performance in the Munich Games).

I think it's time for people to get off their moral high horse and appreciate greatness when it is seen. This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of event, and it is sorry that many people are ruining the moment by wishing ill will towards a true great Olympian. Again, this is not to condone his lack of character or his immense pride issue. But the dude is good at what he does, and at the end of the day, he deserves the success he's getting after all the hard work and training he's put in all these years. I hope he gets that record; I hope to be able to say that I saw him set that record in my lifetime.

Update 8/16/08
He did it. The dude is amazing. I don't care what all the haters say about Michael Phelps. He is amazing. It was pretty disgusting to watch him tear up the last 50m on his leg of the medley. He is a freak of nature. And he deserves the glory of winning an unprecedented 8 golds. Congratulations to Phelps.