Copying this from another forum I frequent. I've wondered this myself, maybe someone here has the answer.
Original thread:
www.flyertalk.com/.../showthread.php
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Why isn't "swimming" a single event like "gymnastics" is?
I mean, you can get medals for the 100m butterfly, 400m relay, 200m backstroke (I don't know, I'm making those particular examples up); but the gymnasts don't get separate medals for hoops, uneven bars, floor exercise, etc.
Parents
Former Member
It seems to me that the basic question is could you find eight track and field events that you could imagine one person doing them all let alone dominating them all? Even four? And Phelps could have been in the mix for more events if the schedule allowed.
I'm not saying Phelps isn't totally deserving, just trying to clarify the case that is trying to be made.
I think gymnastics is a closer comparison than track and field, several events that one person could conceivably win at.
It seems to me that the basic question is could you find eight track and field events that you could imagine one person doing them all let alone dominating them all? Even four? And Phelps could have been in the mix for more events if the schedule allowed.
I'm not saying Phelps isn't totally deserving, just trying to clarify the case that is trying to be made.
I think gymnastics is a closer comparison than track and field, several events that one person could conceivably win at.
