I’m not a big Michael Phelps fan, but even I would agree 100% with this selection. Sports Illustrated has named Phelps their Sportsman of the Year for his eight gold medals in Beijing and for his work with kids since the Olympics. I don’t know about all the “greatest Olympian ever” talk, but no athlete wowed us with his athletic performance this year more than Phelps, who broke the record for most golds in an Olympics (8) and shattered the record for most career golds (14).
You can watch a behind-the-scenes video of the photo shoot here. Though I found the picture of him on the cover a little odd; At least, the one they’ve tossed out on the net is odd. His face looks so Photoshopped, it almost looks like it was drawn. A larger picture of it is after the jump.
on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
He’s only 2 or 3 away from most medals ever, which is why he’s about to disappear back into his swimming pool and not resurface until the London opening ceremonies.
In the meantime, for our bi/lesbian/straight male readership, here is who he’s dating: http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gawker/2008/11/_0022_1157049431_l_full.jpg
on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Is it me or is that an unflattering picture of young Michael?
on Dec 2nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
I thought Bolt might get a look in to this award. Oh well, I guess Phelps was always going to be difficult to beat after his performance in China.
on Dec 4th, 2008 at 1:04 am
I guess your weird fascination with Palin initially should have made me realize you can be ridiculous. How is he not mentioned in the sentence of best olympian ever…he won the most golds in one olympics ever and is a good London performance away from most ever. What, is he not butch enough for you?
on Dec 4th, 2008 at 6:34 am
over photoshopped or not, it’s a HOT si cover!
on Dec 5th, 2008 at 5:06 am
>His face looks so Photoshopped, it almost looks like it was drawn.<
HORRENDOUS picture!!!