Michael Phelps' Quest to Live Up to Hype at FINA World Championships is Impossible
Michael Phelps had one of the best runs in sports history at Bejing in 2008. He earned eight gold medals and captivated the entire world during his incredible run.
That's why his disappointing start to FINA is so disappointing to the masses. How could it be that the invincible phenom could put forth a less-than-perfect performance at FINA?
Phelps made swimming look easy in Bejing. Many Phelps fans aren't necessarily swimming authorities, which makes it hard to fully appreciate just how difficult Phelps' run actually was.
To be the best swimmer in the world at so many different events was once thought to be impossible. He didn't coast to victory in every event, but he found a way to win. His historic fingertip victory in Bejing will go down as one of the most intense moments in Olympic history.
Phelps managed to bring home the hardware in Bejing, skyrocketing him to fame and landing him endorsement deals all over the place.
People expect Phelps to blow everyone away at FINA because of the high standard he set himself. Unrealistic expectations will follow Phelps throughout his career, forcing him holding up a bronze medal in any event to be seen as a major disappointment.
That isn't to say Phelps isn't going to shine at FINA. He could very well rebound, but he isn't invincible. He's not going to sweep the events he partakes in and that's okay.
Phelps is still a world-class swimmer. He can't ever duplicate the performance lifted the entire nation, drawing even people who weren't even remotely interested in swimming to the TV; however, he's still the same guy and one heck-of-a swimmer.
It's going to be interesting to see how Phelps performs throughout the rest of the FINA World Championships, but it's going to be impossible for many to consider his performance a success after the shaky start team USA put forth.
With more races to come keep it locked to Bleacher Report as we have all your coverage for the 2011 FINA World Championships and all things swimming.
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