Is Michael Phelps' fame detracting from equally deserving Olympians?

Question

whether in the US or in other countries?

Also, there's something not right about measuring the greatness of an athlete mainly on medal count (though he is breaking world records while doing it.) So from this we can conclude that it's not the being the "smartest guy in a class full of retards" scenario.

Still, the way the media worships this guy while other deserving athletes go unnoticed is not right in my opinion.

what do you guys think?

Answer 1

Michael Phelps is a glory hog, hands down.

I mean, it's bad enough that NBC cant show anything else besides swimming, volleyball, and gymnastics.  But Michael Phelps is not the only American competing, and it's disgraceful that the media thinks that this 12,000 calorie eating aqua boy is more deserving of attention.  I cant bring myself to watch the TV coverage because of it.  I go to nbcolympics.com to watch something else, even if it means staying up late.

I don't mean to get off topic, but maybe if Fox can get olympic coverage in the next decade we can see more basketball, baseball, and how about a few fencing matches to go with it?  NBC can't show anything but swimming, gee no wonder why Michael Phelps is a big shot.  >:-p

Answer 2

Nobody ever remembers a loser, you remember who won. If it was anyone else their name would be all over the news too.

Plus, he's done on Sunday. Track and Field is coming up and attention will move to that.  

Answer 3

of course it isn't right. but do you see them beating Michael Phelps? the reason he is getting so much attention is because he set a goal and so far he has fulfilled that goal. all he is lacking is one more medal. he beats World Records. thats why he is so BIG. when other people do that, they will get their share of fame. although i am huge fan of michael phelps i do think yeah there are a lot of other athletes who deserve publicity too but it is when they push themselves and show the world that they are the best of the best will they be noticed

Answer 4

This is only Phelp's second olympics and he's already broken the record for the most career gold medals. He is very deserving of all the media attention and I think Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh; Natsia Liukin and Shawn Johnson; Piersol and many other athletes are getting the media attention they deserve. How could you not consider the records he is breaking at such a young age great?