Of Speedo, Phelps, Bowman and Schubert

Former Member
Former Member
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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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Y'all need to lighten up. Just because he didn't smile and congratulate him after a race doesn't make him out to be the guy that I am reading about here. The guy despises to losing and he just lost a race (and a WR mind you) to a guy that dropped 4 SECONDS(!!) in 11 months. I am sure he was a bit surprised and frustrated as anyone would be. Heck even Biederman said the suit made the difference. I am pretty sure he would've beaten Phelps in a LZR but we will never know. Please watch this press conference and tell me what is so unsportsmanlike about this: www.swimnetwork.com/.../michael_phelps_speaks_humbly-16905.html P.S. All champions hate to lose, but guys who have taken it to the next level DESPISE losing. That's what makes him one of the greatest atheletes of all time. Same with Jordan, Armstrong, Woods, etc.
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  • Former Member
    Former Member
    Y'all need to lighten up. Just because he didn't smile and congratulate him after a race doesn't make him out to be the guy that I am reading about here. The guy despises to losing and he just lost a race (and a WR mind you) to a guy that dropped 4 SECONDS(!!) in 11 months. I am sure he was a bit surprised and frustrated as anyone would be. Heck even Biederman said the suit made the difference. I am pretty sure he would've beaten Phelps in a LZR but we will never know. Please watch this press conference and tell me what is so unsportsmanlike about this: www.swimnetwork.com/.../michael_phelps_speaks_humbly-16905.html P.S. All champions hate to lose, but guys who have taken it to the next level DESPISE losing. That's what makes him one of the greatest atheletes of all time. Same with Jordan, Armstrong, Woods, etc.
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