Is Micheal Phelps the Best Swimmer Ever?

[erpowers]

Today, I heard at least one person on tv say that Micheal Phelps is the greatest swimmer ever. I think a few others have made the same comment over the last few days. I question whether Micheal Phelps is actually the best swimmer ever. A number of his medals were won in team relays. In addition, in some of the relays Phelps was not the reason the team won; if it had not been for other swimmers the team would have lost. In addition, there are some, including myself, who are not convinced that Phelps actually won the race in which it seemed that the other swimmer touched the wall first. To a degree, it seems like olympic officials just gave Phelps the win because of the buzz that would be created if Phelps won that race. Finally, there was much said about the swimm suit Phelps wore during the olympics. Part of the reason Phelps was so fast was the fact that he was wearing that suit. So, what do others think? Is Micheal Phelps the best swimmer ever?

[Longhorn Liberal]

1. Maybe not.

I remember an interview PTI did with Chad Johnson before the season started last year. Say what you want about Johnson, but he made a good point. There may be better swimmers out there who don't have the means, or the skin color, to become true swimming stars (I'm paraphrasing).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9b8p610fBA

He says it around 4:15.

[TZ]

2. This is not about could have been

its about actual swimmers. And judging by the amount of world records this guy has repeatedly posted in various venues wearing other suits, I would say he certainly is up there.
Should we say that the Williams sisters may not be the greatest AA tennis players cause others are too economically challenged to play?

[Longhorn Liberal]

3. I'm sorry

I don't recall saying that there ARE under privileged "AA" individuals who would be better swimmers if only they could be given a chance. What do I recall was trying to broaden the subject with a socio-economic issue I feel strongly about.

MIGHT there be young kids, of any color, whose parents can not take them to the pool at 5am? MIGHT they not have the ability to afford the team dues necessary to join a swim club? MIGHT they not have the means to eat 10,000 calories a day?

MIGHT the greatest runner of all time be, right at this very moment, digging up diamonds in western Africa at gunpoint? MIGHT the greatest cyclist of all time be hobbling around with an amputated leg in Afghanistan?

Probably not, screw them all.

But to answer the original question, Johnny Weissmuller was the best swimmer ever in my opinion. If he had the access to the technology, training, and nutrition swimmers have today he would win. But I'm sorry once again, I guess that was another 'what could have been' answer.

And he was Tarzan to boot.

[MrPerson]

4. I nominate the fly currently in my soup.