In no way do I wish to diminish Michael Phelps incredible feats in the last two Olympics, but there are some real apples to oranges comparisons trying to match up swimming with track and field. There can be little question that Mr. Phelps is way up on the list, but it is difficult to say he's the best ever. It's far too subjective to say that, unless maybe he wins another six or seven gold medals in London in another four years.

By the way, Mark Spitz broke seven world record capturing seven Olympic medals, IIRC, to put Michael Phelps six world records in perspective. I thought Mark Spitz was incredibly well spoken and gracious the other night when he was on with Bob Costas and Michael Phelps He is correct that it is tougher to win so many events now because of the overall depth of quality competition and specialization. At the same time, Mr. Spitz didn't have quite the training and support advantages that Mr. Phelps has now. Finally, I think he was spot on about the heart of champions and the competitiveness that drives them.

Oh, and Eric Heiden's winning in sprints and distance events is unparalleled in anything I can remember.

Although it is still very unusual for one man to enter all those events and race them in a single week and race them to wins each time.

Very few swimmers are in a situation where it is possible to swim that many races, much less win them.

One thing can be said of Phelps-sprinting is not his strong suit, which is one reason he has a lot of competition at the 100 level, but take the race past 100 and he tears up the field.