Phelps is going down ....

First of all I don't care in the least about Phelps' mother. I am sick of seeing her on TV. She will be the most biased observer in the stadium. I don't care what she does for a living, what she cooked for Phelps when he was kid, nor how many early mornings she got up to drive him to the pool. Michael surely appreciates all of that. I have no problem with Phelps' reaction after the race. Elite athletes are often fueled by emotion. Phelps was surrounded by doubters before that race - including me. But he swam an astounding race and showed the world once again he is a dazzling swimmer. But I liked Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe too. I don't like showboats or ridiculously selfish athletes like T.O.. But I have no problem with Phelps letting loose with some emotion and bravado. Phelps isn't as mature as we Masters swimmers. That's OK with me.

First of all I don't care in the least about Phelps' mother. I am sick of seeing her on TV. She will be the most biased observer in the stadium. I don't care what she does for a living, what she cooked for Phelps when he was kid, nor how many early mornings she got up to drive him to the pool. Michael surely appreciates all of that. I have no problem with Phelps' reaction after the race. Elite athletes are often fueled by emotion. Phelps was surrounded by doubters before that race - including me. But he swam an astounding race and showed the world once again he is a dazzling swimmer. But I liked Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe too. I don't like showboats or ridiculously selfish athletes like T.O.. But I have no problem with Phelps letting loose with some emotion and bravado. Phelps isn't as mature as we Masters swimmers. That's OK with me.