Michael Phelps‘ goal of surpassing Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals in one Olympics.
Phelps won six gold medals and two bronze in the 2004 Athens Games. That equaled the Olympic record of the most medals won in one Games, first achieved in 1980 by Russian gymnast Alexander Dityatin. Phelps remains the top swimmer in the world, having set world records in the 200-meter freestyle, the 200 butterfly and the 200 and 400 individual medleys at the world championships in Australia.
In winning seven gold medals in 1972, Spitz set world records in all seven events — the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle, 100 fly, 200 fly and the three relays.
“Physically, he’s just much stronger and more mature, so he’s got a lot more power. Still has the fitness,” Bowman said, comparing Phelps to the 19-year-old version in ‘04. “Emotionally, he’s the same guy. … The biggest advantage he has now is he’s been through the process before so he knows what to expect, and he’s handled all the other things that come with the Olympic Games better.”
Phelps’ eight events are the 200 meter freestyle, the 100 and 200 butterfly, the 200 and 400 individual medley, the 400 and 800 freestyle relays and the 400 medley relay.
Counting preliminaries and semifinals, he’s likely to swim 17 times, with finals Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, two on Wednesday, a break Thursday, then the big finish Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The event he ranks toughest? The very first one, the 400 IM.
“I would never bet against him,” said Eddie Reese, coach of the U.S. men’s team.
Which Olympic star gets your adrenalin rushing?
Kobe Bryant 18.75%
Michael Phelps 31.25%
Yao Ming 27.50%
Roger Federer 22.50%
Phelps’ success has led to millions of dollars in endorsement deals for brands such as Visa, PowerBar, Speedo, Omega (the watch company) and Matsunichi Communications.
