You probably know the Michael Phelps story now, so there’s no real need for me to rehash all the details. In case you’ve been living under a rock, however, here’s a quick rundown: Phelps had one goal in mind at the 2008 Beijing Olympics – to win eight gold medals. While medaling in all eight events may seem impossible improbable, Phelps made it look easy as he captured the coveted gold in each race. His quest, however, wasn’t without its snarls and near-misses.
While Phelps had a comfortable lead in most races, he almost came up short several times. Nevertheless, Lady Luck seemed to smile down on him and his teammates with big pearly whites. From Jason Lezak’s dazzling surge toward the end of the 4x100m free relay to Phelps’ photograph finish (literally) against Milorad Cavic in the 100-meter butterfly, the odds shifted significantly in his favor.
Phelps eight-for-eight rally has meant so many things to the professional sporting world. First, he managed to win without the use of performance-enhancing drugs, a problem that has dogged athletes (especially those in the Olympic Games) for quite some time. Second, he shattered swimming legend Mark Spitz’ previous world record of seven gold medals in one Olympic bout and now ranks second all-time (16 medals) behind Ukrainian gymnast Larissa Latynina (she has 18) in total career Olympic medals. What’s even more refreshing is that he has managed to accomplish his quest with nary an egotistical hair on his head, instead flashing a crooked smile and embodying an “Aw, shucks” attitude, while also heaping the praise on his teammates and opponents.
Now, it’s been a whirlwind tour for the swimming phenom who has been traveling the globe extensively since his last race. Call it Michael Phelps Mania, if you will. He’s slated to release a new book in time for the holidays, which should fare better than his prior release, “Michael Phelps: Beneath the Surface.” (Apparently, it did not sell many copies). He’s even been tapped to host the Sept. 13 season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.” If these ESPN SportsCenter commercials (one & two) are any indication, the kid just might have a shot at doing a decent job and/or being funny.
Whether it’s hawking Frosted Flakes, Visa credit cards, or some other product, Phelps has the potential to earn up to $50 million or more through endorsements, according to The Wall Street Journal. NBC, which has the rights to the Olympics, is also cashing in on the Phelps Phenomenon. According to CNN, NBC’s coverage of the swimming competitions saw an average of 30 million viewers a night, thanks in part to Phelps’ dominance in the pool. The network has become so enthralled by this, that it nabbed the rights to the 2009 World Swimming Championship. Let’s face it, televised swimming doesn’t particularly capture a huge market share. Yet, NBC is taking a gamble now and hoping that people will still be wrapped up in the post-Olympics Phelps buzz.
Beyond all the immediate attention, how does Phelps plan to stay relevant? Phelps is the “it” boy for now, but let’s remember that the Olympics come only once every four years and (again) televised swimming isn’t a normal “Sunday ritual” like football or any other sport. In addition, some people just don’t find him all that interesting. Phelps has pledged to swim in the 2012 London Olympics and will hang up his Speedo thereafter. What is his long-range vision until then? After? And no, the obvious answer shouldn’t be to just get some high-profile celebrity girlfriend to keep his name in the newspapers. (He’s already been linked with Carrie Underwood, fellow swimmer Amanda Beard, and Lindsay Lohan).
To keep himself newsworthy, Phelps should concentrate on more positive (and less shallow) pursuits. He is already actively involved with several charities and makes the rounds in the Baltimore-area school system. It’s time to step that up a notch by harnessing his new money and endorsements in the creation of his own charity. Whether it raises awareness of an issue dear to his heart or helps children like him find an outlet through swimming, he’s sure to score gold out of the water.
In addition, Phelps has the opportunity to use his prior DUI charge for good. As part of his 2004 probation, Phelps was required to give speeches to three schools about making choices. Now that he has even more Olympic gold around his neck, it’s high-time for him to urge youth that making the wrong choices could mean not realizing dreams, a reality Phelps himself almost faced.
“There’s nowhere to go, but up,” as the saying goes, but only time will tell just how bright Phelps truly wants his star to shine.
Photo credit: The Baltimore Sun
Excellent job…love me some Phelps coverage and this was a great way to summarize how he could use his new-found fame for noble pursuits, and how to stay in the *positive* spotlight.
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I think he will be great for the Baltimore area and any charity he chooses to support. I tend to agree that swimming (while amazing in Olympics) is back-burner in our sports / pop culture. He get’s big this year (SNL, showing up to NY JEsTS vs. Patriots, Espys) but not a lot of national buzz in the long-run.
This part is bound to sound sexist or himbo abusing – he’s not that cute, is he!? Laugh away, but that matters. For example, David Beckham has been a one-dimensional, limited football (soccer) player for most of his career, but hair cuts/good looks/skinny, pout of a wife support the brand.
Besides all that, if he is going to remain the best living swimmer, he’s going to have to train like crazy and avoid the paparazzi.
Fun post and fun to look back on the Phelp Phenom a bit after the fact.
Cheers, @NoOneYouKnow, Adam