UNC Chapel Hill OTR: Phelps vs. Bolt: Who Is The Real Superman?

Phelps vs. Bolt: Who Is The Real Superman?

Posted by unc11 08/22/2008 2:57 PM
Category: Sports Tags: Phelps, Bolt, Olympics, Beijing

Going into these Olympics, Michael Phelps was the name out of everybody's mouths, and he lived up to expectations in a big way. Eight gold medals, seven world records, two touch-outs, and a few complete blow-aways later, Phelps is the winningest Olympian of all time and of the 2008 Games. He has also managed to popularize the sport of swimming and has given the world a new obsession.

But what about Usain Bolt? The Jamaican defied tradition by being a sprinter, yet standing at 6' 5". He brought attention back to the Track and Field, and the attention has nothing to do with doping--a problem which has overshadowed great track performances of the Olympics of recent past. Bolt didn't touch anyone out in any races--the competition just wasn't close enough to require that. Bolt leaves Beijing with three gold medals and three world records. He broke Michael Johnson's 12-year-old 200m record by .02 and the Jamaican men's 4 x 100m relay team shattered a 16-year-old record by .3 seconds. Bolt may not have as much hardware as Phelps, but then again, there just weren't as many races available to him.

So, who is the real superman? Was it Phelps with 8 golds in the pool or Bolt with 3 on the track?

+ 12 comments

Anonymous says,

I grew up on the other side of the rain forested hills separating Trelawney and St Elizabeth, in Jamaica. The closest thing we have to swimming pools are the pools that form in the streams cascading from these hills. We donâ��t have access to the resources that most developed nations take for granted. This makes Usainâ��s triumph that much sweeter. Posted 08/22/2008 11:23 PMReply

Anonymous says,

If we were to use brand value as metric to compare, ask yourself who is the more marketable brand globally, Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. Do I need to spell it out, or has it just flowed naturally from your lips. Thought so. Posted 08/22/2008 11:33 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Michael Phelps stole this Olympics. He swam his way through 17 races and won 8 gold. Sure, it might be easier to get gold medals in swimming, but has anyone won as many as him? So, i think he is mega-marketable. Honestly, he is part of history. Not to mention, he has the mama boy and cute, sincere guy that every girl wishes to fall in love with look. Usain Bolt is good, but, reflecting on his manners... I mean, sure, when you are good, you can afford to celebrate and not compete completely. However, that is a complete disrespect to the rest of the athletes that are running their heart out. Just wait until you cross the line, respect others. They worked hard too. I think the way he completely disregarded the other runners made me lose all respect and admiration for what he's done. And hello, there must be a reason why all of America is obsessed with him. A whole nation cannot all be [and is not] stupid and ignorant to talent. Michael Phelps is the 8th world wonder. He's the superman. Posted 08/23/2008 1:31 PMReply

Anonymous says,

they aren't even comparable. bolt won three golds. there are more than many people who have won three golds in one olympics and michael phelps not only won 8 gold medals but hes also won the most medals of anyone in any olympics ever. He did it with a quiet dignity and class that is befitting of the olympics. bolt didn't run through the line in one race and has been showboating and making a fool of himself since he won. they aren't even in the same universe. Phelps is the superman. Posted 08/23/2008 2:54 PMReply

Anonymous says,

The Jamaican team was there to run and make their country proud of them. All they wanted is to do well and that they did with style, Usain through hard work and discipline has made track and field one of the most watched moment on television. He is special because he gives GOD all the glory, who does he thank first before his races GOD. I am a Jamaican and proud to be so; we as a Nation is Proud of our women and men who with their talent has bring joy to our heart. If people don't like how we celebrate then thats your business, it was his race and he should be allowed to celebrate how he wanted to. What you want to, disqulify him for celebrating making history. Or is it because we are a small Island we can't be good, Jamaica is well known all over the world and are well loved. No one hate us we bring something unique to everthing we do. Love us are hate us we will always be what we are. Well done to all members of the Jamaican team you have done us proud. God bless you all. Posted 08/23/2008 3:13 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Its funny, these posters who say that Usain disrepected other athletes just seem jealous that such a small country can produce so much talent and beat the 'Great America' who think erroneously that they are the greatest at everything.The other athletes who raced with Bolt when asked ,said that they were not offended by Bolt's celebrating at all.
The American athlete Michael Green did it for years.Get over yourselves.You sound like sore losers and sour grapes Posted 08/23/2008 4:24 PMReply

Anonymous says,

sounds like jamaicans have napoleon complex. no one is talking about jamaica being a bad country, or saying that they can't be good at anything because they're small. no one is taking anything away from bolt. he is an incredible athlete who won three gold medals at the olympics and broke three world records. that being said phelps won eight gold medals and set at least six records. this is simply a matter of who is better. phelps is superman. Posted 08/23/2008 10:03 PMReply

Anonymous says,

Bolt > Phelps
Swimming world records are beat on a regular basis. There are just more events available for Phelps to swim, thats why he had the chance to win more medals. You have 100m butterfly, backstroke, breast stroke, etc. The track equivalent would be running the 100m backwards, forwards, on your hands, etc. Quality not quantity. Posted 08/24/2008 12:19 AMReply

Anonymous says,

Bolt brought alot more entertainment value and attention to the Olympics. Phelps was super great but Bolt did it for me. Posted 08/24/2008 10:52 AMReply

Anonymous says,

What do you mean there were not that many races available to Bolt? The 400m is a sprint. Is Bolt not a sprinter? What about the 110m hurdles? Carl Lewis won medals in the long jump as well as sprints. The point is there are other medals available to sprinters if they are truly all-around greats. Bolt is NOT. Phelps competed in 100m , 200m and 400m races and won every single gold. There is no comparison. Posted 09/02/2008 3:09 PMReply

Anonymous says,

BOLT IS THE GREATEST SPRINTER EVER, PHELPS IS THE GREATEST SWIMMER EVER. AND IF PHELPS WASNT AMERICAN WE WOULDN'T EVEN BE HAVING THIS DAMN DISCUSSION. NOW SHUT UP AND APPRECIATE THE FACT THAT WE GOT TO SEE GREATNESS IN OUR LIFETIME Posted 09/06/2008 12:47 AMReply

Anonymous says,

While Americans are trying to convince the world that Phelps is superman, The WORLD has already settled the issue for itself; The name
USAIN BOLT is the most recognizable universally after the olympics; Just ask the Chinese or Europeans, who by the way have both just chosen BOLT as sportsman of the year. Here is why....
PHELPS- Historical, momentous,(almost perfect_8 gold and 7 records)
BOLT-Explosive, total domination,jaw dropping (3 gold 3 records) Posted 01/01/2009 04:25 AMReply