Better Athlete: Michael Phelps or Usain Bolt?

[ibleedpurple]

Phelps: 8 gold medals with six or seven world records. In swimming.

Bolt: 3 gold medals with three world records. In running.

Which skill set would you rather have, and who is the greater athlete?

[MANIMAL]

id rather have bolts skill

[nemesisv2]

Running is a natural, universal skill; swimming isn't. In my opinion, swimming requires more technique, especially when broadening one's style (which Phelps has). Running, really is universal in technique vs. Swimming which certain events require a unique technique (which Phelps has mastered).

Another point, running is, obviously, focus on lower body work. Swimming focuses on everything.

I would say Phelps is the "better" athlete since his entire body must be crafted to win in his event; taking nothing away from Bolt, but Phelps has completely redefined a sport through his absolute dominance.

[E-E PoWeR HoUsE]

Aug 23, 2008 18:42:13 GMT -6 nemesisv2 said:

Running is a natural, universal skill; swimming isn't. In my opinion, swimming requires more technique, especially when broadening one's style (which Phelps has). Running, really is universal in technique vs. Swimming which certain events require a unique technique (which Phelps has mastered).

Another point, running is, obviously, focus on lower body work. Swimming focuses on everything.

I would say Phelps is the "better" athlete since his entire body must be crafted to win in his event; taking nothing away from Bolt, but Phelps has completely redefined a sport through his absolute dominance.

+1 and very well said

[ibleedpurple]

I was thinking about this and there is no way you can compare athletic ability in such opposing sports. How does one judge another's athletic ability? Stamina, endurance, ability, speed?How would you put it to the test in a case like this, seeing as one's a runner and the other's a swimmer.You can base it on accomplishments and dominance, but what else?

[xlobo]

Aug 23, 2008 18:42:13 GMT -6 nemesisv2 said:

Running is a natural, universal skill; swimming isn't. In my opinion, swimming requires more technique, especially when broadening one's style (which Phelps has). Running, really is universal in technique vs. Swimming which certain events require a unique technique (which Phelps has mastered).

Another point, running is, obviously, focus on lower body work. Swimming focuses on everything.

I would say Phelps is the "better" athlete since his entire body must be crafted to win in his event; taking nothing away from Bolt, but Phelps has completely redefined a sport through his absolute dominance.

Couldnt have said it better. So now we can all agree based on what Nemesis said tat Phelps is the beter athlete. THREAD CLOSED! ;D

[ibleedpurple]

How would Phelps do as a runner?How would Bolt do as a swimmer?

[xlobo]

Phelps plays basketball and runs alot too but he did state he wasnt that fast on land....Phelps uses all his body in that pool and Bolt runs with his legs.

[GO-LF]

Aug 23, 2008 17:18:26 GMT -6 ibleedpurple said:

Phelps: 8 gold medals with six or seven world records. In swimming.

Bolt: 3 gold medals with three world records. In running.

Which skill set would you rather have, and who is the greater athlete?

I've had this debate so many times, but with different people in the situation, and it all comes down to what you mean by more 'athletic'

personally, I would rather have Bolt's accomplishments, but I respect what Phelp's has done with the greatest of awe

P.S. If you want a real good debate you should start a thread asking if there is a difference between being an athlete and being athletic, or if certain people are athletic or if they have skills

[Master Shake]

The question really is, who gets more chicks? Swimmers or sprinters.

[wp2003]

that is the million dollar question master shake

[son of corb]

when does the ultimate in sports, curling, start?

[nemesisv2]

In 2 years, in Vancouver...my money's on the Swedish curling team

[son of corb]

my money is on canada. if they lose, i'm self banning myself.

[Outlaw]

Bolt has amazing speed!!He runs a sub 4 in the 40;I would like to put him as a returner in football.

But...his speed doesn't nessarily mean he'll be a good football player;he wouldn't be running that fast in the field with all the pyshical contact.

[xlobo]

Wasnt there reports that he wanted to play in the NFL or something like that....I know I saw Bolt and the NFL on ESPN the other night.

[WARRIOR55]

Neither is better than the other. You really can't compare the two. One is a world class swimmer and the other is a world class runner.

[xlobo]

You can compare them as athletes though

[--- Hellraiser ---]

I say Michael Phelps, hes a natural born athlete... here he is at a very, very young age!!

[son of corb]

If you compare their individual accomplishments, than Phelps kind of runs away with it doesn't he?