Phelps breaks Spitz record with help from teammates

Michael Phelps was masterful once again, collecting his 8th gold medal of these Games, and 14th overall

Michael Phelps performance in the 2008 Beijing Olympics was remarkable, finishing by winning his eighth gold medal of these Games. Swimming the third leg in the 4 by 100 Medley Relay, Phelps was his usual dominant self, as he swam his 100 M in 51.68 seconds, propelling Team USA to a world record time of 3:29.34. Although he was breathtaking in winning his record 8 gold medals, he needed a lot of help to accomplish the feat. Jason Lezak, who came from behind earlier in the Olympics giving Phelps his second gold, swam his team to victory, leaving his opponents in the dust on the final leg. Aaron Piersol, and Brenden Hansen were brilliant as well, giving Phelps the glory that he deserved.

Phelps had some close calls along the way, including his intense .01 second win in the 100 M Butterfly, but even so, he did what no other Olympian has done. He, rightfully so, is the best Olympic athlete ever, not only because of his records, but the way he goes about obtaining his goals. He does his job with ease, and with exception to his race against Milorad Cavic, blows away his competitors like no one else before him. He’s very similar to other dominant athletes in other sports, like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, in that he takes the pressure to be the best as a positive, and lives upon it. He doesn’t get flustered, just goes about his business in becoming the most decorated, and most dominant Olympic athlete in history.