Of course there's sadness in the fact that our country failed to win ANY medals. So what else is new?
I am so in awe of Michael Phelps.
This is the beauty of the Olympic games, to me. It doesn�t matter which person came from which country. I didn�t root for any particular country. I didn�t root for any particular person. I just watch, and when somebody wins a gold medal, I�m totally happy for them, because really, looking at them standing at the podium? Or right after realizing that they�ve won gold? That smile? That look? That glint in their eyes? You just knew. They�ve worked so, so hard to come here, and they�ve.. made it. To watch a high-jumper come in and jump way, way higher than she ever did before � that�s a miracle. It�s magical.
And to be a 19 year old who�s had like a million world and Olympic records � that�s something else. He�s like the greatest swimmer ever today! WOW.
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When you win a gold medal, you have to be [drug] tested. Every time you win any medal you have to be tested," said Erik Vendt, runner-up to Phelps in the 400-meter individual medley.
"So he hasn't been getting to bed until midnight every night. When you have to be up at 7, 7:30 over the course of an eight-day meet, it's going to take a toll. The fact that he can adapt to that consistently day after day and win gold medals and set world records, that's amazing.
"We're all world-class here. But he's 10 steps above us."
His teammates were in awe of Phelps' effort and demeanor and not at all resentful of the attention lavished on him. Suggestions that he somehow "failed" because he didn't match Spitz's gold-medal haul irked them.
"To try to make the story that he's a failure--he's not," backstroker Aaron Peirsol said. "He's the greatest swimmer in the world right now. He's incredible, unbelievable."
Who I want to be for a day right now? Easy. Michael Phelps. Just to know what it�s like being on top of the world. And umm.. to see if I can pick up gorgeous Grecian chicks. Hee.