Why I Think Michael Phelps Isn't The Greatest American Olympian Ever

Seems like a pretty easy question. He just set the record for the most gold medals and most medals won by an individual in one Olympics. He also has the most gold medals won by an athlete in multiple Olympics. However, Larissa Latynina has won the most individual medals in the Olympics with 18 to Phelps 16. (Latynina of Russia won her medals in gymnastics between 1956 and 1964.) Phelps was part of seven world records in his events this year. That ties Mark Spitz’s record of 7 world records in the 1972 Olympics. Phelps won 5 of his gold medals in individual events (Spitz’s won 4 in 1972) and the remaining 3 gold medals in the relays.

But what about Eric Heiden? He won five individual gold medals in speed skating in the 1980 winter Olympics. He won the medals in distances from 500 meters to 10,000 meters, which might be more impressive than Phelps’ medals. Phelps’ medals were all in shorter distances, while Heiden’s medals were in short and long distances. In addition, Heiden later crossed over into the world of professional bike racing, even competing in the 1986 Tour de France.

Carl Lewis was another impressive Olympian. He won 10 gold medals in the Olympics between 1984 and 1996. That included winning the long jump title in four straight Olympics. Lewis also qualified for the 1980 Olympics team that boycotted the Olympics held in Moscow.
Though for all of their greatness, these Olympians’ impact is probably less profound than that of Jesse Owens. Owens won four medals in the 1936 Medals held in Berlin. It wasn’t the numbers of medals that he won, but where and when. 104inc.com is a website that is trying to make a difference in the where and when of the Internet.

Who do you think is the best Olympian ever? Please leave your comments below and vote!