http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=4360589
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"the American stared at the scoreboard for a few seconds, then headed toward the side of the pool without acknowledging the swimmer who had just handed him his first big individual loss…
Phelps started to walk away after the top three got their medals, then was to be motioned back to the top rung to pose for pictures with the winner and bronze medalist.
Instead of being the center of attention, Phelps had to stand off to the side, looking glumly toward the cameras. As they walked around the deck, Biedermann danced in delight while Phelps managed a few forced smiles toward the stands.
Finally, Phelps climbed toward the stands to drop off a stuffed mascot with his mother, Debbie, who leaned over to give him a consoling hug. Before her son even left the pool deck, he pulled off his silver medal, as if he wanted no part of that consolation prize."
Wow,
First Armstrong, now Phelps.
What is it with us Americans that we can’t acknowledge a better performance in a race?
Why do we have to come across as prickish and unsportsmanlike?
I this the new way our athletes are going to be brought up?
This is embarassing for our nation and our top athletes who represent us internationally are NOT good ambassadors for our country.
Again embarassed to be an American…
I think you’re getting a little carried away with nationalism rhetoric. If you feel so disgraced for your entire country by his actions, you can always hand in your passport, denounce your citizenship and become A UN citizen of the world. Go live down in Costa Rica as a dopesmokin surfer if you feel so bad.
Embarassed indeed. Lighten up.
Again embarassed to be an American…
??? Over Phelps alleged conduct? You have some serious issues if that makes you feel embaressed about your nation and nationallity.
He has a good point. It is symptomatic for some of our athletes while they are representing this country. That is unaccetpable in Team USA colors, on their own, yeah, do what ever you want. Some of our athletes need to learn to show respect for the sport and others in it.
I just watched the 200m on norwegian tv, Phelps behavior after the race came across as kinda…unusual…
id be embarassed to be an american if I was stupid enough to think the rest of the world wasn’t just as lame.
=)
Not really saying the Phelps behavior was or wasn’t appropriate, but did anyone see Rice after the women’s 200 IM? She lost and had her World Record taken. She had the most sincere smile and appreciation for the girl who beat her. She immediately said congrats and hugged her and chatted with her for some time after the race. It was pretty refreshing.
Its not a position he used to being in. He should have smiled for the cameras, but how would you feel if you hadn’t lost a race in 4 years only to be beaten by someone wearing a wetsuit?
True, I can see that. He is a great athlete, and with all he puts in to his game, disappointment when not winning is understandable and should be expected.
It seemed to me he was more in shock at losing than being intentionally disrespectful. This was his second international loss since his bronze in the 04 olympics. He’s just not used to losing, especially by a margin that big.
Not saying he wasn’t being disrespectful, just that I don’t think he was intentionally doing so. In the moment, he was probably disappointed and pissed at himself. Give him time to cool off, and I’m sure he’ll congratulate the new winner. (If he doesn’t, then you can start the trash talk).
he got smashed…
So just because he’s Michael Phelps he can’t be disappointed after a loss? He has to be able to beebop around all happy and ecstatic at this? He’s not a machine, he has emotions. I’m sure if you had a very disappointing or unexpected loss it would be written on your face as well. He didn’t stomp around like a little kid or throw a temper tantrum. He’s disappointed. Since when is that not okay?
The suit makes a big difference. 2 quotes in the article stood out: 1 where Phelps said Its going to be interesting next year when swimming is back to swimming, and the other where the German acknowledged that the suits make a difference, and that he hopes there is a day where he can beat Phelps without the suit…‘maybe next year…’ That’s really unfortunate…
If the suit make such a big difference, why didn’t he swim in one? His sponsor proposed him a full polyurethane suit.
Maybe the same reason some of us choose not to draft…? Maybe ego? Maybe because he didn’t want the incremental gains that would be impossible to repeat next year?
Don’t know…
Awesome. Turns out Phelps is really good after people talk smack to him and he tries.