Despite Being a Legend, US Olympic Champion Feels Insignificant Compared to Michael Phelps: “Could Never Imagine Myself Even in the Same Sentence”

Mikaela Shiffrin is a world-class and well-known skier. Born in 1995, she began skiing at age six, with her first big breakout being the 2014 Winter Olympics. Yet, as an athlete, she knows her goal of being the GOAT of her sports is a far cry. So, once when she got compared to Michael Phelps, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Phelps, born in 1985, is one of the most iconic Olympians the modern age has seen. He began swimming when he was seven, and when Phelps retired after the 2016 Olympics, he had 28 total medals. So, as an iconic figure, it is not unheard of for other Olympians with great potential to get compared.

So, when Shiffrin was once compared with this shark of a swimmer, she couldn’t help but be amused. And while she spoke her mind about what she thought about the comparison, she also reminded everyone that it was not a just thing.

Mikaela Shiffrin dismisses her comparison with Michael Phelps

Shiffrin, for one, knows she’s got a long way to go. Hence, after her Sochi success, she was extensively compared with Phelps, and she couldn’t help but dissipate the talks. Post-2022, her Olympic medal count stands at 3, while Phelps has a whopping 28. But her successful 2017 run made many recall the charisma of Phelps. To those words, she had this definitive answer.

She said, “I could never imagine myself even in the same sentence as Michael Phelps,” and called their situation as different as apples and oranges. Such an analogy had a reason, though. And Mikaela explained that as well. “It’s a comparison between sports, and I don’t think there’s a sport in the Winter Olympics where you can even win 23 medals across three or four Olympics”.

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The unbeatable flying fish, Mr. Phelps

The supremacy in swimming that Phelps holds has always been a subject of discussion. From his diet being analyzed to doctors scrutinizing his body to point out some superhuman aspects. But, in the end, no definitive causes have come up, other than, him being a hard worker.

But, even for a star like Michael, things have not always been smooth. From facing sports restrictions due to his marijuana fiasco to losing at the National swimming championship after his comeback, there have been some rocky patches. But, in the end, he did finish his run strong. He came, he swam, and he conquered medals in the Rio Olympics.

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And, that’s what probably still makes him a benchmark, an icon to not only his fans but a challenge to other athletes as well.