I will go out on a limb and say that we will see at least one of the two (Crocker or Phelps) under 50 for the first time. Maybe even both, but I predict Phelps will take it......
Any others?
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Spitz swam his first Olympics in 1968. He was 18 yrs. old. His medal count was much more impressive than Phelps first Olympics - but as someone already pointed out Phelps was just 15. The criticism of Spitz's first Olympics was that he predicted six gold medals for himself but he earned "just" four medals - golds only in relays.
So against expectations Spitz's first Olympics was a disappointment. For Phelps there was no such expectation. He was the youngest US Olympian since 1932.
I was always impressed that Spitz took the disappointment of the 1968 and turned it into his medal explosion of 1972.
But I think Phelps is already a better swimmer all around than anyone in the world. His achievements are already gigantic. When a Top 10 list of greatest male swimmers is created Phelps will be on top today and after the 2008 Olympics.
Spitz swam his first Olympics in 1968. He was 18 yrs. old. His medal count was much more impressive than Phelps first Olympics - but as someone already pointed out Phelps was just 15. The criticism of Spitz's first Olympics was that he predicted six gold medals for himself but he earned "just" four medals - golds only in relays.
So against expectations Spitz's first Olympics was a disappointment. For Phelps there was no such expectation. He was the youngest US Olympian since 1932.
I was always impressed that Spitz took the disappointment of the 1968 and turned it into his medal explosion of 1972.
But I think Phelps is already a better swimmer all around than anyone in the world. His achievements are already gigantic. When a Top 10 list of greatest male swimmers is created Phelps will be on top today and after the 2008 Olympics.
