Who is the Most Famous Olympian?
By Simon DiRienzo
Michael Phelps
I believe that Michael Phelps is the most famous Olympian because of his great skill. All the events Michael does, like the 200m butterfly, are extremely difficult and require lots of strength and stamina. Because of this, Phelps has the most gold medals of all Olympians.
Why Michael?
I think Michael Phelps is the most famous Olympic athlete for many reasons. Watching him fly through the water like a torpedo must be so crazy. He has been around for quite a while. Being such an amazing athlete requires so much mental and physical toughness. Phelps is a great role model; he has created an organization called the Michael Phelps Foundation. It is a nonprofit to help kids learn to swim.
Facts
Michael has the most gold medals of any Olympian. Throughout his whole life, he has been awarded 71 medals: 57 gold, 11 silver, and 3 bronze. The se have been awarded in the Olympics, Pan-Pacific Championships, and the World Championships. Phelps's international titles and record-breaking performances have earned him the World Swimmer of the Year Award seven times and the American Swimmer of the Year Award nine times as well as the FINA Swimmer of the Year Award in 2012. His ground-breaking Olympic success in 2008 earned Phelps Sports Illustrated magazine's Sportsman of the Year award.
From the Professionals
“I don’t think we’ve seen anything like him. Nobody’s this good in everything.”
-Lenny Krayzelburg
“Even if Michael doesn’t win one Olympic medal, to me he’s still the greatest swimmer of all time.”
-Krayzelburg
“He’s one of the most talented swimmers of all time.”
-Matt Biondi
Conclusion
Overall, there are many reasons I believe Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian of all time. He has a nonprofit to help kids swim, he has the most old medals of any Olympian. He has been given 17 awards and still holds 8 world records.