For almost five days in the fall of 2014, the most decorated Olympian in
history lay curled in a fetal position in his Baltimore home,
crestfallen and fearful, embarrassed at his behavior and uncertain of
his future. Over three Olympics, from 2004 through ’12, Michael Phelps
had won 18 gold medals and 22 medals overall, each total more than
anyone ever. His swimming had been transformed by NBC into a nightly
television miniseries, and millions watched as Phelps splashed to
victories for America over the rest of the world. His family watched at
poolside, supporting players in an emotional drama that was the paradigm
of Olympic success and Olympic packaging. His story had the perfect
arc: In 2000 he was a prodigy; in ’04 he was brilliant but imperfect; in
’08 he was unbeatable; in ’12 he was a legend on his farewell tour,
diminished but still great. Three times he emerged a celebrity—each
time a little more famous, a little more wealthy and a little more
entrenched in the mythology of his quadrennial feats...
...more | ||
Share this article on you social outlets | ||
Our Sponsors - - Volume: 4 - WEEK: 1 Date: 1/4/2017 4:52:18 PM - |