Michael Phelps … man, machine or fish?
This year the Olympics main attraction was without doubt Michael Phelps. After a six medal performance in the 2004 Olympics in Athens the thought of him possibly winning a stunning 8 gold medals in one Olympics. As of Saturday August 16th Michael Phelps holds the record for most gold medals at 13.
| Athlete, Country | Sport | Medals |
| Michael Phelps, USA | Swimming 2004 (6); ‘08 (8) |
14 |
| Carl Lewis, USA | Track and field 1984 (4); ‘88 (2); ‘92 (2); ‘96 (1) |
9 |
| Mark Spitz, USA | Swimming ‘68 (2); ‘72 (7) |
9 |
| Larysa Latynina, USSR | Gymnastics ‘56 (4); ‘60 (3); ‘64 (2) |
9 |
| Paavo Nurmi, FIN | Track and field ‘20 (3); ‘24 (4); ‘28 (2) |
9 |
Phelps could have tied Mark Spitz with 7 gold medals in one Olympics at the 2004 showing however he did not compete in a final event which kept him at 6.
Phelps in the 2008 Olympics looks like this:
• Race No. 2 — 4×100 free relay
• Race No. 5 — 4×200 free relay
• Race No. 6 — 200 individual medley
• Race No. 7 — 100 butterfly: By far the most stunning performance as he outstretched Milorad Cavic by .01 seconds to take the gold medal.
• Race No. 8 — 4×100 medley relay
One thing that must not be forgotten is the fact that Phelps swam multiple races in many of these for semi final races on top of the finals for the medals. That is one thing that Mark Spitz pointed out when interviewed after the 100 butterfly. This has just been a case of pure domination and an ideal case of what preparation can do for you.
With the gold medal win that happened just moments ago Michael Phelps has won the most medals in an Olympics EVER!
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