Light the Torch – Beijing Olympics and Other Olympic News

Exceeding the Hype

by admin on August 9th, 2008

By Guest Blogger Bo Durkop

One of the top stories of the 2008 Summer Olympics will be Michael Phelps quest to achieve Olympic glory. Phelps’ Olympic career began at the youthful age of 15 at the 2000 Syndney Olympics. At the age of 23, Phelps is now seeking to surpass two renowned Olympiads, Mark Spitz and Ray Ewry. Swimming legend Mark Spitz achieved Olympic fame by claiming 7 gold medals during the 1972 Olympic games.

Although Spitz holds the record for most gold medals won in a single Olympic, he does not hold the record for the most gold medals obtained during an Olympic career. This honor belongs to Ray Ewry. Capturing a total of 10 gold medals during the early 1900s, Ewry competed in the standing long jump, standing high jump and standing triple jump, events which no longer exist.

Phelps has elected to participate in 8 events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the same number of events entered during his 2004 campaign. Every event is a must win if Phelps is to surpass the records set by Spitz and Ewry.

While Phelps is the obvious favorite to dominate the swimming competition holding world records in four events, he is not lacking worthy opponenets. Phelps greatest challange will likely come from his own countrymen, two time silver medalist Eric Vendt and Ian Crocker, who last defeated Phelps in 2005.

Phelps appears to be up to the task at hand. In a recent interview Phelps declared his ambitions for the 2008 Olympics adding, “I like challenges. I know there will be challenges. And I look forward to rising to the occasion.”

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POSTED IN: Olympians, Swimming