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.
I think people are getting confused. The argument (to my understanding) is that Phelps has done something unprecedented in his sport. He has gotten more swimming medals at an Olympics than any other swimmer. Therefore, he is probably the best swimmer ever.
So, he does belong in the pantheon of the most elite athletes: Tiger, Jordan, etc... because he is the best at what he does. These people arguing that swimming has too many medals or events don't get it. Phelps isn't one of the greatest athletes ever because he has more Olympic medals than Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan or the Olympic basketball team. It's because he has done something completely stunning within his sport that no one has ever accomplished.
I think people are getting confused. The argument (to my understanding) is that Phelps has done something unprecedented in his sport. He has gotten more swimming medals at an Olympics than any other swimmer. Therefore, he is probably the best swimmer ever.
So, he does belong in the pantheon of the most elite athletes: Tiger, Jordan, etc... because he is the best at what he does. These people arguing that swimming has too many medals or events don't get it. Phelps isn't one of the greatest athletes ever because he has more Olympic medals than Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan or the Olympic basketball team. It's because he has done something completely stunning within his sport that no one has ever accomplished.