All countries have amazing athletes, the time and dedication they give to their sport is truly amazing. I congratulate all of them including Michael Phelps.

quote:

Originally posted by Penny1:
Congratulations to the USA for having such an amazing swimmer in Michael Phelps.

What an astonishing accomplishment!

Astonishing is just about the only word to cover it. Not only his physical prowess, but his mental determination just astounds me.

What a truly remarkable young man.

There was an interesting story about Michael Phelps' physique the other day. Apparently, he's double-jointed which makes his dolphin kick and his turns both so powerful. Think about it and flex your own ankles and you'll see what they're getting at. Fascinating.

Brenda

I had no idea that was the case with Phelps. While it may be a help to him now, double-jointed or hypermobility which is the correct term may cause all sorts of problems as one goes through life. I speak as one who is hypermobile in several joints.

Trust me, it has ceased to be a party trick

I doubt many Olympians take the time to concern themselves with later life. And the medals will always be there to console him .

My husband is also of this physical ilk (long bones and limbs and double-jointed or hypermobile, a term I do not recall hearing before so thank you for that) and this is possibly why at his advanced age he has such arthritic problems and no gold medals but always a very strong swimmer. Advantages and disadvantages to everything, isn't there?

Brenda

p.s. in the same article about Phelps, they had a photo of him with a wing span of well over six foot--as is my husbands--so no wonder they're powerful swimmers.

I was touched when Michael Phelps won his first gold at this Olympic and was searching the stands looking for his mom.
It brought back memories of the 1960 winter Olympics when the U.S. hockey team beat Russia and the young kid-I think his name was Craig- was circling the ice saying "where's my dad?"
How proud that mom must feel!
Take care;
Jo

I know, Jo, it was a marvellous moment and one to cherish. I don't have a clear memory of anything much of 1960 though. Sure you were there ? You know what they say, if you can remember the 1960s you couldn't have been there . Good for you Jo.

Brenda

And another senior moment for JO.
Of course, it was the 1980 Olympics!!
Although I do have vivid memories of the 60's.
Too vivid at times.
Take care;
Jo

quote:

Originally posted by J. Vimira:
I was touched when Michael Phelps won his first gold at this Olympic and was searching the stands looking for his mom.
It brought back memories of the 1960 winter Olympics when the U.S. hockey team beat Russia and the young kid-I think his name was Craig- was circling the ice saying "where's my dad?"
How proud that mom must feel!
Take care;
Jo

ENABLE AUDIO

"DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?"

Bob, thank you! I've been watching this with a grin on my face as big as the one in 1980. Wasn't that just yesterday????

Thanks Bob; That was heartstopping.
I'll forward the site to my son and grandson.
Take care;
Jo

Ditto from me re. Michael Phelps - superb effort!!

Thanks Bob that was a great thing to see. Sport certainly gives us such wonderful pleasure.

Wow! Did I ever enjoy that, thanks for posting that Bob. *whew* Exciting!

Shannon

Didn't the Americans make a movie about that particular match. I'm sure I remember seeing someting like this in a movie.