Michael Phelps.
There are very few words that can’t describe this man.
He’s an amazing swimmer. A true Olympian – with 22 medals to prove it.
It is undisputed the career that Phelps has had in the pool. He is like a fish, the water is his home (and I’m still trying to figure out what he’s going to do without it, now that he’s retired).
To say I’m saddened he won’t be performing in the 2016 Olympics in Rio would be a very large understatement. I would have loved to be in the Water Cube in Beijing or even the Aquatic Centers in London or Athens to see him compete.
Phelps has created an amazing legacy that will follow him forever. With 18 gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals he is the most decorated Olympian ever. And he deserves the legacy that he has created.
With moments like winning the butterfly by a half-stroke in Beijing to the amazing relay in 2008 to keep hopes of Phelps’ eight gold medals alive captured the attention of swimming fans (or just Olympic fans) across the world. Then there were the moments in London against fellow American Ryan Lochte that impressed us.
His calm demeanor before a race could easily be replaced by loud victory screams accompanied by splashes and other crazy antics.
Phelps will be missed on the Olympic stage and in the pool. (Michael, are you sure you won’t compete in Rio?)