I suppose there was never really any doubt that Michael Phelps would win the eight gold medals at these Games and his fourteenth overall.

However, what is still up for debate is whether or not this makes him the greatest Olympian of all time. Michael Johnson the American sprinter, who is providing commentary for the BBC, doesn’t think so. He argues, that swimmers more than in any other sport are simply able to compete in a larger number of events which affords them the ability to win more medals. Plus the recovery time is a lot quicker than in say, track or gymnastics. As such, while Phelps is the most successful having won the most gold medals, he is not the greatest Olympian. Sour grapes? Maybe. But other pundits seem to agree. Therefore, Johnson a great Olympian in his own right might have a point. Either way, I still think Phelps’ accomplishments are quite impressive!