If you thought for a single solitary second that I would claim the absurd notion that Michael Phelps is overrated, you were sorely mistaken. However, I have heard, read and seen that preposterous claim pop up multiple times since Rio 2016 began.
At 31-years-old, Michael Phelps claimed his 22nd gold medal and fourth straight 200-meter individual medley on Thursday night. Roughly 40 minutes later, he placed second in a semi-final race in the 100-meter butterfly.
Phelps also broke a 2,000 year old record held by Leonidas of Rhodes for most individual titles, kind of a big deal.
If you can’t or won’t even consider that he is arguably the most decorated Olympian ever, I am convinced you have the IQ of a baked potato.
Niche Sport
That bongo beating moron from Fox Sports, Jason Whitlock claimed that Phelps was not the greatest because he is in a niche sport.
In the video link above, you can hear Whitlock say that 70% of African Americans do not compete in the sport and that 50% of Americans do not swim. His whole argument is predicated upon the competition.
Let’s just eliminate the fact that Jason Whitlock will find any reason to play the race card. Aren’t most Olympic events “niche” sports to an extent? How many people do you know compete in gymnastics, cycling, diving, rowing or shooting?
Now, how many people do you know play or played football?
You probably answered more for the latter. To Whitlocks point, he made mention of track and field which has over one million high school participants every year (second most). But at the end of the day, the best of the best from across the globe are competing in each sport. So basically what I gather from what Whitlock is saying is “black people don’t compete, so it is null and void.”
He mentioned the likes of Jesse Owens, Bruce Jenner and Carl Lewis as better Olympians.
You just bitched about the people Phelps competes against and then talk about three guys who competed decades ago. Why do I have a problem with that you may ask?
Because athletes are far better today than they were even 20 years ago. Technology and information has allowed for better training and preparation. David Epstein is an expert in the area of sports science and concluded that Usain Bolt would have smoked Jesse Owens in the 100-meter by 14-feet. Epstein has a great presentation that can be found in the blue text above.
Speaking of Bolt…
Number of Events
Another bone-headed twat swab by the name of Nick Wright made the argument that Bolt is a better Olympian because Phelps can compete in up to 8 events each year.
Wright went on to say that Bolt would be up there if he can run his races backwards, sideways and however else you can basically move. He says Bolt doesn’t have the opportunity to compete in that many events. 
Um, what?
Bolt is competing in the 4×100 meter relay, 100-meter and 200-meter races. He could very well run the 400-meter individual, 400-meter relay and participate in the long jump and triple long jump, which would give him a shot at seven medals. The opportunity is most certainly there.
Thanks for playing, next argument.
Difficulty of Swimming vs Running
I know I probably should not even include this because it was written by some douche in a comment section. This asshat tried saying running was more difficult than swimming.
I beg your jargon.
He literally tried making the argument that running is tougher on the joints. Sure, I would probably agree it is tougher on the joints to run. You know, gravity and shit. I wouldn’t say that makes it more difficult though.
First off, theres this thing called water in swimming which makes it a hell of a lot more difficult to move. You do have to use most of your muscles to move your fastest exerting more energy.
Oh and then there’s that whole breathing thing which we, as humans, can’t do underwater.
If you don’t think so, read this. It basically says what I just told you in more technical terms. 
Science, bitch.
Conclusion
You were dropped too many times as a child if you look at Phelps and don’t see arguably the greatest Olympian ever. You stupid idiot.
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