The greatest Olympian of all time?

Is Phelps the "Greatest Olympian ever", as has been described in a number of newspapers and on the BBC? Sure, the guy has broken the record for most Gold medals won in a single Olympics, but it doesn't make him the best ever. No where near.. What's really bugged me about the Olympics, ever since I began following it, was how in swimming a guy or girl can win several medals just by being a VERY good swimmer. Sure they are different strokes and distances, but why is it that at the last three Olympics, a guy has taken home a haul of several medals? Is it right that they can compete in as many races as they want when other athletes like sailors have to work for a full week for the slim chance to win a single medal? Also, 1 gold medal means the world to a sailor, but does this look like a man who's excited to have just won a gold... [read full story]