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Id like to put this question to rest right here and now. There are a lot of people asking "Is Phelps the best athlete ever?" and I say hell no!! Hey may be the best swimmer but he is a long shot of being the best ahtlete ever.
I go swimming (surfing and/or bodyboarding) every week so its no big deal. When he wins the decathlon, pentathlon, play pro football, baseball and basketball (Jim Thorpe) then he should be mentioned in the category of the greats.
When he wins Olympic gold in boxing as well as face Joe Frazier three times, beat George Forman, Ernie Shavers, and become the most beloved sports figure in American history (Muhammad Ali) then maybe he'll be mentioned among the greats.
When he wins the Tour de France 7 years in a row after beating cancer (Lance Armstrong) then we'll talk.
So, lets not say anything about him being the Greatest American Athlete ever okay? He's be best swimmer ever but not the greatest athlete.
The TV announcers should not even say anthing about "greatest athlete ever" they should be sure to include the "Olympic Swimmer" as the modifier just so there wont be any questions.
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Originally Posted by TXboomerang
Best swimmer? Sure. Best athlete overall? Nah. Thats not even a good question overall. Its kinda like asking could the Hulk beat up Superman.
Yeah. But who would win in a fight between Superman and Jesus? That would be a good battle.
Id like to put this question to rest right here and now. There are a lot of people asking "Is Phelps the best athlete ever?" and I say hell no!! Hey may be the best swimmer but he is a long shot of being the best ahtlete ever.
I go swimming (surfing and/or bodyboarding) every week so its no big deal. When he wins the decathlon, pentathlon, play pro football, baseball and basketball (Jim Thorpe) then he should be mentioned in the category of the greats.
When he wins Olympic gold in boxing as well as face Joe Frazier three times, beat George Forman, Ernie Shavers, and become the most beloved sports figure in American history (Muhammad Ali) then maybe he'll be mentioned among the greats.
When he wins the Tour de France 7 years in a row after beating cancer (Lance Armstrong) then we'll talk.
So, lets not say anything about him being the Greatest American Athlete ever okay? He's be best swimmer ever but not the greatest athlete.
He's a good athlete and swimmer, but I don't think he is the best ever.
it really is hard to say there is one great overall athlete because what everyone does is different. While Jordan may be the best basketball player, Phleps would beat him in swimming. I think you need to stick with in the sport and have who is the best (insert sport) debate.
Wow did anyone see his last race, wow, how close was it, probaly one of the closest finishes you can have.
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