Sunday, December 28, 2003

History awaits

Michael Phelps says it with a straight face: "I want at least one gold medal."
Right. And Barry Bonds wants at least 10 homers next season.

When you're a swimmer who evokes comparisons to Mark Spitz, one Olympic gold is a warm-up. Phelps has already broken 11 world records, including an unprecedented five at this year's world championships, and his six-and-a-half-foot wingspan puts him within reach of the seven golds Spitz snagged in 1972. Will he go for it? The 18-year-old from Baltimore hasn't said how many events he'll race next August in Athens, but Speedo is offering $1 million if Phelps catches Spitz. Either way, he's sure to make waves.

"Michael has already changed the landscape," says his coach, Bob Bowman. "It's hard not to put him in the history books."

At least on one page.


Eric Adelson on Michael Phelps via ESPN.com

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