Even since before the Olympics had begun, there was talk of Michael Phelps being able to become the most decorated U.S. Olympian in history. Well, as of two days ago, this dream for him and his country was realized.
Phelps competed in the 200 meter individual medley after already tying Leonidas of Rhode's record set, back over 2,100 years ago. Phelps tied the record by winning his twenty-first medal in the 200 meter butterfly on Day four of the Olympics.
The original record was set by Leonidas of Rhodes in the 154th Olympiad in the year 164 BCE. The events that Leonidas participated in were three races, consisting of the station, diaulos, and hoplitodromus. He won each of these events consecutively for three straight Olympiads. His twelve wreath wins were far beyond anything anyone had seen before and, until now, since. Leonidas was indeed ahead of his time in not only skill and discipline, but also in how he was trained. Each race was very different in its own respect and Leonidas was still able to compete effectively in each, showing his versatility. This is something not many, if any athletes nowadays, could do, since training for one main event is the norm now.
Now all of us know the allegations against Phelps back in 2008 with the marijuana scandal and all the news surrounding it. This kind of event would have normally knocked any athlete back a few pegs, but not Phelps. Phelps proceeded to get the help and treatment he needed and slowly worked his way back up to his former glory. He has shown it to be possible to come back and thrive from something like this. Not only was this a very important win for Phelps for this reason, but it was more then that.
The 2016 Rio Olympics were the first that Phelps' son, Boomer, was able to watch. Before the games even began, Phelps told many news sources that he hoped that he could finish his Olympic career by not only tying Leonidas's record, but also to have his son see how his hard work has paid off, and to show that no matter the mistakes you make in life, they do not define your future.
