Some debate going on lately that Phelps could be best athelete of all time in any Olmypics. Ok first of all he is a great athelete in HIS sport - swimming. He is a great athlete, but to say best of all time. No way. I think Mark Spitz could beat him in his prime at same age and without the LZR cheat suit. It would be a toss up. He is in the top two in his own sport. Phelps won three gold medals not eight IMO. I count individuals not team medals. These swimmers get to be in many events every one else one or two at most.
I look at the all around athlete. Hello? any one heard of Jim Thorpe? Now he was the greatest. He did everything. Phelps do a decathlon?, play football?, baseball, etc. The answer is no. Others ahead of him, Lewis, Orter, Jordan, Akela, on and on.