True, but he may not break MJ's record if he's only concerned with winning the gold medal. I thought his response as to pulling up in the 100m was telling, and if he has a big lead in the 200, he may coast in.
Records don't seem to impress him as was evident in his post race interveiw, and he appears a bit cocky.
Not sure if he will be a hit with Madison Avenue. He certainly seems all about himself and not trying to be an ambassador for the sport.
I know Phelps is getting huge props and airtime, as he should, but after watching NBC since his race, his name is barely mentioned. Part of it may be he's not American, but he's not proving to be the media darling some folks like.
Still, facts are facts. His performance may have been the most dominate in sporting history, and he could get even better if he applies himself. Very scary.
I understand wanting the gold medal more than wanting an even more impressive record time.
I know that not all people handle success the same way, but all of the Jamaican athletes I've known have always been very humble and appreciative of their success (even if they did have general disdain for the laziness they believed to be prevalent in Black America).
What I don't get - even in a 21-year-old - is him not having a desire to run his absolute BEST race in the Olympic final.
In many ways, it's unfortunate that this incredible talent is being wasted on someone who doesn't appear to appreciate it, but that's so very common with many of the world's best athletes, I'm afraid.
He is still young, but if only he will listen to some of the old heads out there on how to comport himself, he could turn that Olympic gold into serious millions for himself, his family, and his country.
If he'd smiled, and simply thanked his mom, coach, and God, he would be a multi-millionaire today.
