Does music give Michael Phelps an unfair advantage?

Question

That was seriously some doctor's argument. If I think about it, if I listen to the right sort of music I can run a lot harder than I can without the music. I thought it was just psychological but is it? Thoughts???

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/specialevents/blog/2008/08/does_music_give_phelps_an_unfa.html

Seriously though, congrats to Phelps. He is an inspiration and NOT a cheater.

Answer 1

Unfair advantage???

Is he the only one that owns an Ipod out there??

Answer 2

I would be unfair if music was banned prior to racing and Phelps listened too it, but seeing as every other swimmer had the opportunity to use an ipod/mp3 player/cd player(are they still used?) and listen to whatever they wanted, it's not.  

Answer 3

agreed doxie- anybody else could have listened to the same thing if they wanted to, they just chose not to...

phelps might just be a better swimmer.... funny how we have to question the greats... we can never let anyone be better than us..they have to be cheating...human condition?

Answer 4

Why would it? Other athletes could choose to listen to music before their races if they wanted to.  

Answer 5

Unfair Advantage?

Hello?!

8 medals!!!

Answer 6

It would only be unfair if he is the only one allowed to listen to music.  Since music is allowed to all competitors, then it's not unfair

Answer 7

Yes his music and his swimwear give him an unfair advantage as it will for any other American. It is not an unfair advantage for a swimmer from any other country to listen to the same music or wear the same swimwear.

Thanks for letting me clear that up.

Answer 8

Unfair advantage? The other players could have listened to music if they really wanted to