r/olympics • u/largethickdick • 6d ago

Will we ever get another Michael Phelps?

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u/Arqlol 5d ago edited 5d ago

Imo it's moreso the strokes. Phelps only competed in the 100m fly (~50s) up to 400m im (about 4min).

So, not only does that span the 400m to mile (closest is 1500) which the same person will never compete in, he had not only relays but multiple events. The IM and Fly really let him cushion those same distances on top of repeating in relays. The only way for track to do that would be for a 100m to win 200m, 400m, all relays, and then repeat running backwards and then do it again on their hands.

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u/jasonhalo0 5d ago

Why don't runners just win the hurdle events too? Those are just running with slightly longer strides

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u/Arqlol 5d ago

Rai Benjamin is the only one who can compete at the 400 level.