Besides Phelps athletic ability, something really impressive is how he has handled life. We've read in recent articles about how his father left the family when Michael was young and how his dad has not had much communication with him. In many young men, this could seriously result in self-doubt. Isn't it impressive how Michael has maintained a belief in himself yet been so humble?
He also has ADHD, at least he did as a child, so is it not extremely impressive how he has been able to overcome this and keep his focus? I read somewhere that he asked his mom to take him off his medication when he was only 11.
Michael has had to overcome things in life that some people might use as an excuse for their misbehavior or as an explaination for their failure to succeed. In light of all of this, aren't the 8 golds all the more impressive?
In fairness, I think it was pre-established that Phelps would do no interviews between events that he had a short turnaround for. NBC even would mention that fact after the race was over.
Either way, I don't think the public would even mind a reaction like that to a reporter - they just don't want to hear about Phelps treating fans that way. Ultimately, he is there to win golds and make money - fans usually follow along either way.
In fairness, I think it was pre-established that Phelps would do no interviews between events that he had a short turnaround for. NBC even would mention that fact after the race was over.
Either way, I don't think the public would even mind a reaction like that to a reporter - they just don't want to hear about Phelps treating fans that way. Ultimately, he is there to win golds and make money - fans usually follow along either way.
