Is Michael Phelps the greatest Olympian?

Luis (Yes)

While the Olympic games have shown some of the best athletes in history, this event hasn’t seen anyone greater than Michael Phelps. The first and most obvious reason is that no one has won more medals than him in the history of this competition, as he achieved 28. This is crucial, as those who win the most are always considered the best in the sporting competition they participate in.

Phelps is the greatest of all time, as in addition to winning more medals than anyone else to date, 23 of those 28 were gold medals. This means that he’s also the athlete who has won the most gold medals in Olympic Games history, representing a monumental achievement that no one will likely be able to match for many decades. Or probably ever.

Additionally, far from being a boring athlete, Phelps delivered some of the most impressive and exciting moments in sports history, with epic victories that will always be remembered. This is even more incredible if we consider how swimming events require different demands of players' ability and training.

Finally, Phelps has numerous world records that will also be difficult, if not impossible, to beat. What’s even more outstanding is not only the fact that he delivered many of these records in Olympic games but also that he did it on numerous occasions throughout his long career. After all, Phelps was an athlete who managed to extend his career for many years, always maintaining his greatness because of his quality and discipline instead of mere luck. The Olympic games have seen many extraordinary athletes, but no one like this American swimmer.

Maha (No)

Sure, Michel Phelps is an Olympian legend with 28 medals (a record 23 gold) and many accomplishments to add to his name. However, Micheal Phelps can’t be titled ‘The Greatest Olympian.' For starters, other legends, such as Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis, Paavo Nurmi, and Larysa Latynina, could claim Phelps's title. These athletes have racked up massive medal totals and have better rates of success. That, too, while facing boycotts or defying leaders, like in the case of Jesse Owens. Moreover, Phelps can’t be placed above non-Olympian athletes such as Michael Jordan, Pele, or Babe Ruth. That’s because he never faced a strategic defense that affected him in the pool in a tangible way. 

Medal count aside, International Olympic Committee and Olympic historian David Miller believes two factors should be considered for swimmers. Firstly, water ensures swimmers have a better recovery ratio and spares their muscles and joints. Therefore, they don’t face the same challenges other athletes do. Secondly, the international swimming federation Fina allows swimmers to participate in various events such as medleys and relays. In Phelps’ case, he won 11 golds from straight events, three from medleys, and four from relays. 

This may be why Olympic swimmers tend to get the most medals. 

David Wallechinsky, president of the International Society of Olympic Historians, further confirms this: 'You simply have to take into account that swimmers and gymnasts have an easier shot at multiple medals because they have multiple events.” So, while Michel Phelps is a genius in his field, ‘The Greatest Olympian’ title has several better contenders out there.