Lane 9 News Archive: Putting Phelps in Perspective

Putting Phelps in Perspective -- January 22, 2008

By John Lohn

CRANBURY, New Jersey, January 22. PERUSING various newspapers following the conclusion of the Long Beach Grand Prix, it was difficult to stop all the head-shaking and eye-rolling. On Monday, Michael Phelps finished a three-day tuneup with five victories, all via impressive times, and provided proof that his 2008 campaign is off to a strong start.

But, many headlines and stories focused on another aspect of Phelps' trip to California: The fact that he lost the 100 breaststroke to Mark Gangloff. God forbid. Never mind that Phelps was racing against the No. 2 American in the event and never mind that Phelps went a splendid time of 53.41 - a personal best - in an event far from a specialty.

Rather than focus on his personal-best effort and his continued development in the breaststroke, obviously a great sign for his medley events, the standard media focus was on his loss. What a shame. Michael Phelps has done and is doing things this sport has never seen. Let's enjoy his exploits for that grand status and put what he's doing in perspective. That includes treating his swim in the 100 breast with proper credit, not as a failure.

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Reaction Time Comments

January 22, 2008 No kidding, I totally agree. Anyone from the non-swimming world that writes about him thinks he's a failure if he gets second. I hope they figure out what they're talking about before Beijing!!
Submitted by: Avaholics87

January 23, 2008 That's a new level of media ignorance. When I saw the 100 BR result my reaction was, he's almost at the point where he could win every event on an Olympic program! (although not at the same Olympics).
Submitted by: oldaardvark

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