I came across an article yesterday written a couple of months ago by Spiro Zavos entitled, Phelps is the greatest Olympic Swimmer, not the greatest Olympian.
While I agree with Zavos’ sentiment, I by no means agree with the other names that are mentioned in regards to this accolade.
When it comes to trying to name the greatest Olympian, it appears that we have all become detached from the values of the Olympic Games.
The modern day version of the Olympics has never been about winning more medals than anybody else. In the words of the founder of the modern Games, Pierre de Coubertin, “The most important thing is not to win, but to take part.”
When one heeds these words, they realise that the Olympics aren’t about the likes of Michael Phelps, Michael Johnson, Steve Redgrave, Paavo Nurmi, and the like.
Winning a handful of medals is impressive, as is breaking countless world records. However, the truly great Olympians are the ones who compete no matter what their circumstances are.
I’m talking about people such as Eric “The Eel” Moussambani, a swimmer from Equatorial Guinea who swam the 100m freestyle alone. In the process he posted a time of 1:52.72, amazingly a time outside the world record at 200m.
And yet, the Sydney crowd cheered Moussambani the whole way as he managed to beat his personal best time.
The legacy of Eric the Eel and others, such as Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards and Philip Boit, will be remembered for a very long time.
Despite their legacies, one very rarely sees their names placed on a list of great Olympians. I believe that it is about time that they were included on such lists.
Through their endeavour, desire and passion for sport they help to maintain the spirit of the Olympic Games.
Therefore, they should be held in higher regard.
Photo by Vironevaeh
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