After Michael Phelps took his seventh medal last night, Bob Costas mediated an interview between Phelps and Mark Spitz. The 14-minute video shows the race in which Phelps took No. 7, then moves into the interview where Spitz says Phelps’ accomplishments are “epic” and called him “the best Olympian of all time.” Spitz was gracious in his heartfelt praise and the interview was a nice coup for NBC.
By Matt Hennie
1 response so far ↓
1 B.T. // Aug 19, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Up until the Costas interview my wife and I had gained a sincere admiration and excitement for Phelp’s “road to gold”, but after that interview we were shaking our heads in complete disbelief.
What a pompous and nauseating display of ingratitude!
Spitz was such a class act. He showered Phelps with the highest of praise during that interview, for God’s sake he defined Michael’s accomplishment as “Epic”! How much more could anyone say that could top THAT accolade?! Especially coming from the mouth of a former Olympic champion and 36 year reigning record holder!
Costas pitched Michael multiple soft balls to reciprocate appreciation and redeem his train-wreck of an interview, but Phelps was too intoxicated by his raging ego to even pick up the bat.
Apparently the “Mushroom Cloud” of self infatuation and arrogance enveloping over his BIG head impaired his ability to exhibit sportsmanship and tact.
The only person who was more proud and awed by Michael’s achievement besides Spitz and “Mommy Dearest” - was Michael Phelps himself.
Phelps may be the new record holder but in my humble opinion Spitz is still the True Champion.
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