Newsflash! The Olympics Does Not Hand Out Participation Medals!

A first time Olympian, Tyler Clary ripped Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps in an interview with Jim Alexander of the Press Enterprise (Riverside, CA) saying, "The fact that [Phelps] doesn't have to work as hard to get that done, it's a real shame. I think it's too bad. You see that all too often, where you get athletes that are incredibly talented that really take it for granted.”

Clary continued, "Basically, he was a swimmer that didn't want to be [at practice.] They can talk about all of these goals and plans and preparation they have. I saw it. I know. It's different. And I saw somebody that has basically been asking to get beat for the longest time."

Is this clown kidding me? Phelps broke the nearly unbreakable record of Mark Spitz, scoring 8 Golds in the last Olympics. Phelps has EARNED 54 medals in international competition…medals covered in GOLD, and this guy is whining that because Phelps is more talented and doesn’t have to work as hard, that he somehow didn’t earn what he’s won?!

Phelps crushed…yes crushed Clary by 1.5 seconds in the 200 Fly at the recent U.S. Olympic Trials…1.5 seconds is a lifetime in swimming. Clary harbors bitterness and jealousy of Phelps. His best international finishes; 400 IM silver medals at the 2009 and 2011 World Championships, were really made possible because Phelps chose not to swim those events. Phelps made his 400 IM return at trials and Clary got kicked down a step to third place and summarily off the Olympic team for the event.

I think it may go a bit deeper and trace its roots to the ridiculous mindset that we have created in this country where we try to level the playing field. We can’t keep score, because little Johnny will come to the realization that he’s just not as good has little Jimmy! After all…Johnny works hard and deserves a participation medal! And we wouldn’t want the kids to know the difference, so they should all be the same color!

Here’s a newsflash for Mr. Clary; Michael Phelps is flat out better than you! Get over it! You are on the U.S. Olympic team, so it’s likely that you’re a whole lot better at swimming than a whole lot of folks…you don’t hear them whining, do you? So STFU, because the Olympics doesn’t hand out participation medals!