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DOWNERS GROVE, IL – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps attend Feherty Live from The Ryder Cup on September 24, 2012 in Downers Grove, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images for the Golf Channel)

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DOWNERS GROVE, IL – SEPTEMBER 24: Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps attend Feherty Live from The Ryder Cup on September 24, 2012 in Downers Grove, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/NBCUniversal/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images for the Golf Channel)
When one is named Michael, greatness follows. That person is special regardless of what he does, at least that’s what the evidence suggests so far. The credit surely goes down to Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps; and, (even Michael Jackson too). The aforementioned athletes’ dedication and passion earned them MVPs and medals. Outside the court, they were gigantic magnets who drew the attention of the people wherever they went.
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In one way or another, let’s look at the legendary records of both Phelps and Jordan. What a stunning career they had.
His Airness Michael Jordan
From having his own documentary on Netflix to winning six NBA titles, Jordan’s NBA career is legendary. Those high-flying dunks, mid-range shots, the tongue-twisting drives to the basket. Fans couldn’t get enough of him. Playing 15 seasons in the NBA is just a testament to the longevity and success he had in his career.
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The greatness of the man was truly defined when he won three consecutive NBA titles, retired from the sport because he wanted to try baseball, came back, and won three more titles. His offensive output was outstanding, as well as his defense. Leading the lead in scoring for 10 seasons, Jordan dominated the league.
From 1986 to 1993, he averaged 33.2 points, grabbed 6.4 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and stole 2.8 times. He ranks fifth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 32, 292 points. A five-time NBA league MVP, a six-time NBA Finals MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, and winner the NBA Dunk Contest, twice. He did it all! Apart from that, he has his own pair of sneakers named ‘Air Jordan’. Hence, being a role model for many young basketball players.
As we analyzed one Michael, let’s transition from the GOAT of basketball to the GOAT of swimming.

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The Bulls’ Michael Jordan drives to the basket as teammate Dennis Rodman and the Clippers’ Loy Vaught(left) look on during game at Sports Arena earlier this season. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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The Gladiator of the Pool
Back when Mark Spitz set the record for seven gold medals at a single Olympic Games, fans never thought it would be broken; even Speedo included a $1 million bonus if he equaled it. Phelps won eight! That was just the start of what turned out to be a legendary career. Making his Olympic debut at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Phelps was 15. From there, he won 28 Olympic medals that included 23 gold medals, currently holder of three world records with his signature 400-meter individual medley intact, and a collection of other medals.

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BEIJING – AUGUST 11: Michael Phelps of the United States celebrates finishing the Men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay Final in first place to win the gold medal held at the National Aquatics Center on Day 3 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 11, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Overall, he won 94 FINA and Olympic medals (69 gold, 16 silver, 9 bronze). It is just unheard of. He dominated the swimming pool, from start to finish, using his god-given wingspan and passion to the fullest display in the swimming pool. The Michael Phelps Foundation is also another feather in his cap. These accolades made these two sporting icons the greatest in their respective fields.
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More than their domination, the influence they gave to all sports fans and other aspiring athletes was immense. Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps will go down as the greatest athletes the world has seen!
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