Michael Phelps pretty much became the face of the 2008 Summer Olympics. He became a household name in a matter of a couple weeks based on his amazing ability. But it seems Michael has hit a rough patch.
He was photographed smoking out of a bong last week, causing people to wonder if his head was still in the game. And now we hear that he’s contemplating not even competing in the next Olympics.
He tells the Baltimore Sun, “This is a decision of mine that I’m not going to make today and I’m not going to make tomorrow. It’s going to require a lot of time and energy and a lot of thinking for myself - but also talking to [coach Bob Bowman] and talking to my family and just deciding what I want to do.
"But I’m not going to let anything stand in my way. If I decide to walk away, I’ll decide to walk away on my own terms. If it’s now, if it’s four years, who knows. But it is something I need to think about and decide what I want to do.”
This is shocking! He’s only 23! Dara Torres is 41, and competed in last summer’s Olympics, and did great! This fame thing may be going to his head a little.
Naturally, the U.S. Olympic Committee is in shock as well. And the CEO is even offering to help. They say, “We at the USOC, as we said in an earlier statement, are exceptionally disappointed in him, as he is in himself.”
Ouch. But we still think one little bong pic shouldn’t tarnish his reputation forever. He’s a young guy, and this is probably the only time in his life he’s ever been able to sit back and relax and actually act like guys his own age.
We agree that Michael should take as much time as he needs to get back in the game, but ultimately he’ll probably regret it if he pulls out of the 2012 Olympics.
What do you think? Should Michael quit while he’s ahead? Or should he continue to work hard because this is his prime?
