The embodiment of greatness

[Comment Below]

By John Colby Roessler

In the history of athletic competition, there has been one constant variable and that is athletes are always looking to surpass not only their limits but the limits of those before them. Records, they say, are meant to be broken. The achievement of breaking the records inspires true greatness, but do we, as fans, overuse that word? Especially now, in a time, where athletes are under constant scrutiny the value of achieving such an accomplishment seems all but inconsequential.

In the last two weeks, many Americans have had their eyes glued to their television sets watching fellow American Michael Phelps attempt to make history by completing a run seemingly so preposterous that no is laughing but rather waiting for the other shoe to drop. Phelps wanted to break the 36-year old record of American swimmer Mark Spitz by achieving eight gold medals in one Olympiad. Well, the joke is on the many doubters out there for Phelps completed his task, and not only that, but he broke seven World Records in the process.

That is not the only achievement gained from these games. Phelps has also broken the all-time number of gold medals won by any athlete in the history of the Olympic Games. He has won an astounding 13 gold medals.

What Phelps has done over the last two weeks is truly inspirational and is the truest definition of the word greatness. Americans shall never forget where they were when they saw Phelps win each of his gold medals. Americans should understand the greatness which they have witnessed over the last two weeks. Phelps has been poised and determined to complete his goal. At one point, it was uncertain of whether it could happen, but thanks to a last second rally to win the gold in the 100m Butterfly by 1/100th of a second.

According to ESPN.com’s Pat Forde, Phelps “single-handedly saved the Olympics. These Beijing Olympics, and perhaps those to come. The entire enterprise has new life.”

How does this athletic accomplishment compare to others in the history of sport? Well, first off, it is not easy to compare swimming to baseball or basketball or football or any other sport. But look at the records that have stood the test of time. For instance, no one will ever break Cy Young’s record of 511 career wins in baseball. It’s just not going to happen. The game has changed.

Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak, Pete Rose’s hit record, Cal Ripken and Brett Favre’s consecutive games started streaks are records that many believe will never be broken. It took hundreds of years to have an athlete come along with the charisma and ability that Michael Phelps possesses. It could be another hundred years before another comes along.

When will see another Emmitt Smith in professional football? With the constant turnover rate in the NFL for running backs will his record stand still? Possibly. When will see another Nolan Ryan who dominates opposing hitters enough to have seven no-hit ballgames? Possibly never. When will see another Wilt Chamberlain who continually is able to post high scoring numbers night after night in a league so full of talent even LeBron and Jordan had off nights? Who knows when that is going to happen? When will see another Olympian, much less a swimmer, in the likes of young Michael Phelps who captivates an audience and consistently erases the competition swim-after-swim?

Millions of Americans (66 million alone on Friday night for just six minutes) tuned in to watch greatness in the last two weeks. They were left satisfied. Take it all in and do not take it for granted. Who knows when it could happen again.

Originally Published: Issue 701 - August 19, 2008

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