I am really in an inflammatory mood and am going to say a couple of things on my mind.
First, regarding Speedo's sponsorship of Phelps three words come to mind that they might consider using in their next media blitz for selling suits to worshipers of the sport: Loser, poor sport and quitter.
Loser: in my mind, Phelps finished second in the 200 free but the average Joe sixpack will call that a loss. Hence, loser.
Poor Sport: it's been mentioned already in another thread that Phelps wouldn't even look at Biedermann after his loss. And we vilified Kitajima for his behavior? Hmmm.
Quitter: Bowman says he shouldn't swim until the suits are banned and Phelps says Bowman knows best. It's great to stick by your sponsor but shouldn't good ethical values trump your coaches view on occasion?
Second, regarding the 'great coaches' opinions: Schubert wants to place an asterisk by all records with the new suits. Bowman says it's all right to go back to 2007, before the LZR was introduced.
Doesn't that mean that all Phelps medals at Beijing are invalid? Or, at least, should have a star by the listing? How does Mark Spitz feel about that? What about Ian Thrope's comment that Phelps could never beat Spitz' record? Since Phelps is the Speedo poster boy for the LZR and, as noted elsewhere in the Forums, beat Crocker's record in a full body suit shouldn't he be ashamed?
My opinion of the whole lot has dropped tangibly. Personally, I'm ashamed to have cheered for Phelps during his career. He embarasses me...
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I disagree. There is nothing that says you have to be a boorish dope when you lose, no matter how great you were/are. I think this is simply another in a long line of immature behavior by Phelps. Anyone watch Andre Agassi's last match? That's how you lose with grace.
Word to the Geek.
Just because someone is a great athlete does not automatically mean they have brains, common sense, class or integrity. You only have to review the NFL, NBA, MLB etc Halls of Shame for evidence.IMHO, Phelps has now joined the club.
Rule no. 1 of swimming: eventually there will be someone faster than you, so take pride in your accomplishments, but acknowledge those of others, too.
I disagree. There is nothing that says you have to be a boorish dope when you lose, no matter how great you were/are. I think this is simply another in a long line of immature behavior by Phelps. Anyone watch Andre Agassi's last match? That's how you lose with grace.
Word to the Geek.
Just because someone is a great athlete does not automatically mean they have brains, common sense, class or integrity. You only have to review the NFL, NBA, MLB etc Halls of Shame for evidence.IMHO, Phelps has now joined the club.
Rule no. 1 of swimming: eventually there will be someone faster than you, so take pride in your accomplishments, but acknowledge those of others, too.
