On August 5, 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps earned his 22nd and final Olympic medal, as part of the United States’ 400-meter medley relay. On the same day, FINA, the international governing body of swimming, gave him a statue with the inscription, "The Greatest Olympic Athlete of All Time."
Phelps had reached the summit of an illustrious sports career, having earned eight medals in Athens – 6 gold, 2 bronze – as a teenager (19) in 2004; eight gold in Beijing in 2008; and six more in London – 4 gold, 2 silver.
While finishing the final lap in the 400-meter medley relay would be “the Kodak moment”, Phelps gave the world a more memorable image – as he stepped into the stands, he embraced his white-haired coach for 15 years Bob Bowman, telling the latter, “I love you….We did it.”
What makes an individual great is not just doing one’s personal best it is also in acknowledging those who helped you along the way. While belief in one’s self is the key to success, someone’s belief in you drives one to reach greater heights. Albert Schweitzer said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”
At all times, Jesus Christ acknowledged God the Father in all His work. Thus St Paul wrote, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” (Roman 15:5)
The athletic greatness of Phelps was seen in the water, but his greatness in character was shown that day outside the pool. And it is likely he will achieve greater things. “It’s just time to move on. There are other things I want to do in my life. I’m not sure staring at a black line for four hours a day is one of them.” Take a bow, Michael.
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