“Looks Like a Better Game When He Plays”: Swimming GOAT Michael Phelps Once Showered Praise on His Idol Michael Jordan for Revolutionizing Basketball

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in the history of the Olympics. Phelps has won the highest number of medals in the Olympics. However, he played his last World Championship race in 2011 and his last Olympics in 2016. But he won 28 medals at the Olympics and 34 medals in his World Championship career.

In his book ‘Beneath The Surface My Story”, Phelps talked about his life and career. Moreover, he talked about several aspects of life, from success to downfall, everything. However, in Chapter 14, Hero and Inspiration, he talked about his idol from another sport. And how he changed the image of the sport with his dominance.

Michael Phelps showered his respect for Michael Jordan

In chapter fourteen of “Beneath The Surface My Story”, Phelps talks about the heroes and inspiration. To begin with, he denies the thinking that athletes, actors, and musicians are heroes. He tells that they are not heroes, they are just people who have achieved something in their fields. Furthermore, he continues by counting some legendary athletes who inspired Phelps in his career. 

Phelps revealed the athletes he admired inside and outside of swimming when he started his career. He confessed he was a big fan of Pablo Morales, an Olympic swimming champion. Other than that, he also showed his admiration for Ray Lewis in the chapter. 

READ MORE- 23x Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps Once Shared the Feeling “Light Years Better Than Winning the Olympic Gold”

Phelps wrote, “Outside of swimming, how can you not be in awe of Michael Jordan? I don’t know that anyone has ever made people appreciate his sport more simply by playing it better than anyone else. Basketball just looks like a better game when he plays it.” 

Phelps further explained who a hero is 

Going further into the chapter, Phelps revealed the definition of a hero for him. He wrote, “a hero should be somebody who can lift up other people with his courage and dedication.” According to Phelps, a hero can be someone who inspires you and teaches you a lesson about improving your life. 

Phelps feels the person doesn’t need to be featured in a newspaper. It’s not even necessary that one should be older than you to be your hero. A hero can be anyone. For Phelps, his mother is his hero for life.

Watch this story: Paige Spiranac Hailed Olympic Legend Michael Phelps for His Courageous Act in 2018

Michael Phelps very smoothly differentiated between a hero and a popular figure. What do you think about Michael Phelps’ definition of a hero? And who do you see as your hero?