Mission Complete: With the Help of His Teammates, Michael Phelps Wins His Eigth Gold Medal
Man this was dramatic and I got goosebumps watching it unfold. 17 races in 8 days? Wow.
I wish all athletes were celebrated in this fashion but Michael Phelps has done something more than 100,000 athletes have never done. I don’t know where this sits in sports history, but Phelps has to be up there with the best of them. 8 events, 8 gold medals, 7 world records. I honestly am a little glad he only set 7 so Mark Spitz won’t be totally forgotten–Carl Lewis and Jesse Owens either.
He entered the pool (third leg) a little behind, but closed quickly to take a lead his team never relinquished.
The world record setting (3 minutes, 29.34 seconds ) 400 relay team went as follows: Aaron Peirsol (backstroke), Brendan Hansen (breaststroke), Phelps (butterfly) and Jason Lezak (freestyle).
Australia won silver and Japan the bronze.
Aaron Piersol: “It’s wonderful. Hat’s off to this guy right here. He’s done something no one has ever done man. We’re happy to be a part of it. We were pushing for everybody here. We’re so elated to be the last race and be done with it. We’ve heard of the Spitzian feat, now it’s the Phelpsian feat.”
Jason Lezak: “It hurt really bad (elbow). Before the race, I looked up there and saw Kobe and LeBron–the two best basketball players in the world. I love basketball and there was no way I was going to let these guys down if they came out to watch this. It was awesome. I saw that I was a little bit ahead and I just wanted to stay in front.”
Brendan Hansen: “Well I think the guy to my right…you are looking at one of the best athletes of sports in general. I mean he just…what he did today and what he did this entire week…beats the Tour de France, beats the pressure put at the US Open, it beats every part of what sport is. When you do something like that, you gotta tip your hat off to him. Every single athlete in the world right now needs to tip their hat off to him. What he did this week is absolutely amazing.”
Michael Phelps: “I’m more at a lost of words than I was yesterday. Without the help of these guys, it wouldn’t be possible. The relays and putting guys together that really made it possible. It just shows how much teamwork and how much togetherness we have. It’s amazing to be a part of. I’m honored.”
“The whole thing (will be memorable). Every race, from one to another. From the 1/100th last night, to finishing off through the world record. It’s a great experience for me and it’s something I’ll have forever.”
I truly hope there isn’t overkill regarding the celebration of Michael Phelps. Don’t turn him into a rock star. Don’t kiss his ass every time you get. because his accomplishments speak for themselves. It’s been 38 years since Mark Spitz did something similar, so how long will we wait for the next best? Celebrate his amazing accomplishment for what it truly is. It’s legendary. It’s something that will be spoken about long after we all are gone until the next phenom comes along and does it better. I just hope Michael Phelps is there to see it.
Congratulations Michael.
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August 17th, 2008 at 10:28 am
First of all, I should say:”Good job, boy. Congratulations!”
Well, Mickael proves what’s the spirit of the Olympic. He inspires me with his diligence, intelligence and smiles, I called “DIS”. Maybe he’s really a talent of swimming but without diligence, I think he cannot reach so high achievement. I heard about lots of stories on his hard exercises. Not only I respect him but the world respects him for ever.
Finally, I’m going to tell Mickael :”You break a few world records. But achievments will be a history and keep you industry. At present, although you’re the hero of the Olympic, you still the son of your monther. Mama is always supporting you. She’s proud of you, and you too.”
I don’t care how many records you broke, just respect you for your hard jobs.
August 17th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Lezak, he’s always making me supprising, not 4X100 freely but 4X100 medley. He let me understand what’s the meaning of never give up, how to understand “persistence”. You’re the great model of all the world, especially for children and teenage.
Thanks for your all hard jobs.
August 18th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Michael Phelps is truly an inspiration as are all the athletes who have competed in the Olympics. He had a rough time as a youngster often being teased by his peers for his appearance. Michael also had to tackle some learning disabilities. Michael has shown that if you work hard and believe in yourself you can achieve anything. Also no one defines us. Children can be cruel when not raised properly but I bet all the people who teased him feel really stupid right now.
CONGRATULATIONS MIKE! KEEP SHINING STAR!!!!
August 18th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
I believe if there was a Mt. Rushmore for Olympians it would be the four men mentioned (Owens, Spitz, Lewis and Phelps).
Jesse Owens for ignoring Hitler’s propaganda and proving that there is only the human race while winning 4 Gold medals for good measure.
Mark Spitz (who is Jewish) endured the tragedies of the ‘72 games in Munich to make history.
Carl Lewis for being the Jesse Owens of my generation.
Michael Phelps, add another Michael to the list of greats in sports and entertainment. He has raised the bar that much higher in his sport, captivating the sports world in the process.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Yeah, you have to give Michael Phelps his props. He’s a once in a generation athlete, so he deserves all the adulation.
The legend becomes fact here.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
In the span of one year we have seen baseball’s all-time HR record eclipsed, an undefeated season in the NFL and a seemingly unbreakable record of 7 gold medals in one event. To be honest I didn’t think I would see any of the three broken any time soon. I am glad that I was able to and share the experience with my son who likes the gymnastic exercises.
August 18th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Correction: An undefeated NFL regular season.
August 18th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Good point Ron. I hope people appreciate the moment.
August 18th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
He’s MARINE BOY!