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August 11th, 2008
03:18 PM ET
Admiring Michael Phelps (and feeling a little dirty about it)The Olympics have already produced some amazing images - and last night might have been the finest yet. Jason Lezak’s incredible finish in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay swimming event, which enabled Michael Phelps to continue his quest for a record amount of Olympic gold, was phenomenal. Lezak, swimming the final lap for the U.S. team, finished the race a slim eight-hundredths of a second ahead of Alain Bernard and the French team. The U.S. quartet - Lezak, Phelps, Garrett Weber-Gale and Cullen Jones - set a new world record in the process. But, for us, that spectacular finish wasn’t the image that lingered. It was Phelps’ victory dance, arms thrust in the air, showing his chiseled body to perfection. Instead of wondering just how Lezak saved the day, many women (us, for example) were left wondering just how Phelps could have molded himself into such an incredible physical specimen in his skintight Speedo. And we realized how young the athletes are, and how old we have become. Now, is it so terrible to admire the athletes for their bodies as well as for their skills? After all, our partner publication, Sports Illustrated, has showcased female athletes in swimsuits for years - even if the swimsuit isn’t their usual uniform (or, for that matter, isn’t made for swimming). And yet … can you feel exhilarated and dirty at the same time? Exactly how old is too old to appreciate the physical gifts that athletes have been blessed with? - Audrey Irvine and Jo Parker, CNN |
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I can never admire Phelps and I think it's ridiculous when anyone says he's a good role model or has good values. He's a drunk driver for crying outloud!! When you're a drunk driver, if you don't get in an accident and kill someone it's not because of who you are it's because of luck. Phelps was just as close to killing someone as the people who aren't so lucky and crash into someone. Things could have been very different and Phelps could have killed someone that night. I think those who drink and drive should be charged with attempted murder because that's what it is. They knowingly chose to drink and then got behind the wheel, knowing full well the effects alcohol has on the body (if they didn't know, they need serious help...a first grader can tell you drinking and driving is bad.) And to Jean who wonders which poster can say they've never gotten behind the wheel and drove after a drink or two, I can state: "Me." And to Princess who states "How many politicians, CEOs, etc. drink and drive. How many of you or your family members have done the same thing? " I can state that yes, many of those people do drink. And I give them just as much heck for doing it as I do Phelps.
Also, Phelps got one DUI conviction. If anyone here honestly thinks that it just so happened that the only time Phelps drank and drove was the time he got caught, you are incredibly naive. And to anyone who thinks he's never done it since...you're kidding yourselves.
Yes, he's a good athlete. Yes, he may be good looking. BUT that doesn't make him a good person. People who look at athletic achievement, looks, wealth, fame, etc and hold those people to be better people than the rest of us are just furthering a society in which are kids are constantly bombarded with the message: "who care what kind of a person you are. The people society loves are the beautiful, the athletic, the rich." And we wonder why society is such a mess...maybe it's because we choose to emphasize the wrong things. You Phelps lovers are so superficial it makes me sick.
MP is not gorgeous, not a hunk and definitely model material. He is an OLYMPIAN and CHAMPION, period. Now BOLT is another matter....
I don't think any of us don't appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into being a competitive athlete, and it's heartwarming to watch an athlete like Michael Phelps, along with many others – for instance Kobe Bryant saying he wanted be bring some dignity back into basketball – for the model they're projecting for our young people and our country.
But in the same way one admires a beautiful painting or a sculpture or even a sunset, we can also admire the exquisite human form. For heavens sake, artists have been celebrating the human form since the beginning of time!
What's wrong with commenting on a person's body – male or female – when they've worked so hard to chisel it to perfection? And their athletic talent is indeed a gift, they've just put their gift to the best possible use. Most of us couldn't do what Phelps does no matter how hard we trained.
I don't see the point of getting all uptight about it. Life is short – enjoy the view!
as a competitve swimmer for 18 years i find this article disgusting. you ask HOW does he get that body? try swimming for 4 or 5 hours a day, burning thousands of calories and lifting weights at the same time. its not a "gift", its hard strenous work that he does with grace and humiility. he should be honored and admired for the admiration he has given to the sport of swimming, and for his incredible achievements, NOT for his body for crying out loud. get a life.
I myself have been lamenting why the men's volleyball team doesn't dress like the women's.....LOL
How can you NOT find Michael Phelps scrumptious – no matter how old you are? Sheesh – men have been looking at Playboy, Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, even marrying women half their age since the beginning of time. Enjoy the Olympians to your heart's desire, on behalf of moms and grannies everywhere!
I enjoy watching all the althletes compete in there respective fields. But I have to admit that all the male swimmers and gymnasts are very Hot.. Esp. Micheal Phelps......
If he cannot have those women admiring, what good are the medals for ?
Better luck drinking in a sports car, after the real prizes denied.
No wonder men are driven to drink, frustrated by anti-Barbaric rules.
At 31, I've been asking myself the same questions since the Olympics began. I never get tired of checking Phelps out and feel wonderfully dirty at the same time!! 🙂
All you "perfect" people out there, get over yourself. SO he made a DWI mistake. Don't tell me that you haven't made some type of mistake. At least he fessed up to it, and made sure that he didn't repeat it. He went and put himself back to where he needed to be.
I mean really. We can't just let a man enjoy his success and let Americans share in his joy and lust after him. Why is it necessary to mention his DUI??? WHY? How many politicians, CEOs, etc. drink and drive. How many of you or your family members have done the same thing? Is it only a sin WHEN you get caught? Come on people,,,get a life!!
Phelps and Paris for President. Three P's and you are in.
I totally agree and laughed out loud at this entry! I love how he wears his pants low on his hips too!! It's like looking at a Greek god! 🙂 After their win in the 4X100, i thought I couldn't be any closer to heaven while he was flexing his arms. I mostly watch just to get a glimps of him in his suits! ( Also it is hot when a guy is good at his sport!)
Yeah, I'm' 9 years older than him. I'm a married mom with twins. My husband looks just as good as Michael Phelps. I heard someone once say about appreciating someone for their looks. " Just because I'm on a diet, doesn't mean I can't look at the menu. "
I know my husband looks at other woman, though he won't admit it. He is a great guy who laughs at my crushes. I have more of a crush on my husband though than anyone else:)
I am a heterosexual woman – not surprisingly, I find looking at gorgeous men and the thoughts and fantasies such sights produce exhilarating and dirty all the time, and I NEVER feel bad about it. It never occurred to me that I should. An attractive man with a well-formed, toned body is a pleasure to behold (and hold, for that matter!), and the sight of one flips the big "on" switch of my libido – it has since before I even knew what a libido was, let alone that I had one, and hopefully, it will do so right up until the day I kick the bucket.
As long as it is a fully grown man over the age of 18 your lusting after, oops, I mean, admiring, then why in the world should you not do it or feel "bad" about it? How old is too old? Um, how about 1 year + DEAD?
Do people really think women mean the execution of a particular swim stroke when we say "I really admire his form." ? Come on, who are you trying to kid?
I don't complain when my husband looks at the volleyball girls and he dosen't complain when I'm watching the swimmers. All is good.
Wait! No! What? How come there aren't any fat, ugly hairy swimmers?
I am 40 and think Michael Phelps is very attractive. It is like going to the museum and admiring a beautiful piece of art. The human body is artwork!! That is why it is often portrayed in paintings and sculptures.
ive been thinking the same thing. My kid is 20, and I see women look at him that are my age (41). I scowl at them. But looking at Phelps, IM sure his mom would scratch my eyes out! I feel a little guitly, but my, my, my. Very nice.
They interviewed Phelps; he does nothing except swim and eat and play video games. Easy to build muscles when you're kept like a lapdog.
Um....last time I checked, Sports Illustrated featured models in swimsuits, not athletes.
When we look at olympic athletes, we can't help but admire the skill and discipline it takes to accomplish all that they have. If that happens to come in a strong, chizeled, well-toned package, all the better!
I think Michael Phelps got a hold of a bathing suit one size too small. He was about to bounce out everywhere and give you ladies a heart attack!!!
Folks, really! you think thats something just watch the diving!
I'm almost 40; I admire Phelps for the long work that he has put in to get himself in such great physical condition. But then again, I think that the human body itself is something to be admire for its beauty. There is something beautiful that can be found in any body, no matter the size or shape.
Do I lust after Phelps or his body? No. Of course, it probably helps that I am married to a man who was a competitive swimmer all through high school and college and who still swims daily to keep in shape.
Apparently lots of people don't understand the concept of satire!
Good looking body athletes have is just a "by-product" of regular training. No more, no less. I have no daughter but I have a 3 year old son and I hope he will be interested in sports for health's sake, not because some soccer mom might admire his physique.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with this posting. In a world of dispare and adversity it's nice to site and think about something a bit more positive – – like how all the hard years of training for these events are paying off for these athletes. Having a "hard" body, as Mike does, is just another added advantage – especially for us women. I'm 43 and enjoy looking at these men. However; I often wondered last night as much as Mike was jumping around after the win if his speedo might slip just a fraction of an inch...then the IOC would definitely have something to discuss behind closed doors.......
Thanks for the posting! I'm smiling now thinking about what it would be like to be young again! Hey, we can look – we just can't touch!
MR PHELPS IS THE AQUILIS OF TROY in our time now ,his the ultimate ageless warrior not only in the water but also in the spirit that glide into us as we feel his reign.dont argue just watch his domain.
Hmmm. I kind of thought Michael Phelps looked sort of scary and gross. I actually didn't like his body at all, and I liked Garrett's better. Michael isn't remotely attractive to me. BUT I do have major respect for his abilities. And it doesn't seem harmful to me to admire a younger man. 🙂
You – along with 99% of the population – were admiring Phelps' physique. The other 1% doesn't own a TV.
You also can't tell me for one second that Phelps wasn't aware that camera's were all over him during his victory flex. He was working every minute of it. Hey! See how chiseled and big my muscles are?? Take a picture, might boost my endorsement deals ...
Part of what makes us so awe inspired is the fact that these athletes have sculpted their bodies into works of art. Wonder if the olympics boosts gym membership signups? Oy. Makes me want to live on the treadmill.
http://jerseygirlgenius.typepad.com/
Go team!
TR
What's up with him pulling his swim pants down low enough to almost see crack?
Ladies, there is no need to feel ashamed, and you are not the only ones thinking that way. Hmm, why do you think track and field is so popular? Not just for the speed at which they tear up the track; I can assure you.
G'day from Australia!!!!!!
We in Australia admire Michael Phelps he is an amazing athlete (cute too) Every one here knows his name and we are all watching the Olympics in hope that he will do what he has set for himself . He has a great body who wouldn't be proud to show that off?
Oh for god's sake. CNN gets more like People magazine every day. Bring back the old days when they had actual journalists working there writing about news.
I am so damn TIRED of hearing about Michael Phelps. I get it... the guy can swim fast. Yes.. he has about a half million gold medals! But I hope he retires after these games and gives some other deserving American swimmers a chance at all the glory he'e been hogging for so long.
I am not a big fan of Mikey P. he is too funny looking. Now Australia's Ian Thorpe is another story!! HOLY JEEBUS, he is super hot with SIZE 17 feet!! I can't help but look to where his, and most all male swimmers' very slim hip bones and speedo top meet...I turn into Homer looking at Marge's Thursday night special of pork chops and apple sauce : auuuuurrghhh!!!
Yes, I think he is to be admired. Not only did he work very hard to get where he is today but he is down to earth. Our children do not have many wholesome role models and I think he is an excellent one. I think it is disgusting that because he is young and has a body that he worked hard to get that it is being made a big deal of. This really shows that no matter what you do, someone is going to try to make a big deal out of something other than your achievments.
Yeah, Jean, we've all had a drink and gotten behind the wheel. But 99.9% of us aren't supposed to be looked up to by other Americans and kids. And we don't have his cash to buy a limo to drive us around either.
...and a good number of men do some admiring of him as well. Not just the ladies. I'm just sayn.
He embodies what the Olympics stands for. He worked hard to get where he is, He cried when they played the national anthem. That shows me he loves his country which is what the Olympics is about, Pride for your country. He is not making 10's of millions of dollars swimming, but he still loves the sport, and is a great role model for kids. He's not holding out swimming because he doesn't get the lane he wants, He swims hard every event, and still gets excited over each win! Even though he has to be used to winning by now!!! My hat goes off to him for his sportsmanship, his hard work, and how he is a better role model for up and coming athletes than any professional athlete that has been in the spotlight recently. Go Phelps! Win more Gold, Go USA!!!
This is the MOST rediculous thing ever! Mr. Phelps should be admired in all aspecs.......he's a HERO and an idol to whom shall be admired by men, women and children despite his appreance and over all he's a swimmer.........good grief. YOU GO MICHAEL!!!
I'm a man and I want Phelps. Major Man Crush...
Uhm...hello? Women's Beach Volley ball is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooo popular now why? LOL
I'm former athlete and there's is nothing more beautiful than an athletic body. The human body is truly a miraculous wonder to appreciate and admire. I am admiring the hell out these swimmers, gymnast, tennis players, etc, etc, etc!!!
His body is beautiful, but I must admit that I found a few other swimmers a bit more attractive. To each their own right?
I hope Audrey Irvine and Jo Parker are high school students that were granted a prize of publishing an article and not actually real journalists.
How is this news?
I was watching that specific race and after that spectacular finish- I remember seeing Phelps and thinking why did he pull that swimsuit down so low (I pretty much wasn't liking it). Other than that, I was too busy observing the joy and happiness the USA team was expressing in their congratulatory group hug. That was the moment that struck me the most.
Hey, I am 67 years old and think "all" the athletes look fantastic! If I had only done a fraction of what these young people had done in getting and keeping myself in condition, I would be one happy senior citizen. And all this stuff about Michael Phelps DUI – just tell me which one of these posters have not driven after having a drink or two? I know I did on more than one occasion many years ago and thank God each and every day that I didn't hurt someone or get caught. People, grow up, I have a son in law enforcement and believe me, ordinary people have a glass of wine or a beer or any other type of drink and get behind that wheel and feel they are just fine to drive. Get over yourselves; we all have things in our past that we regret very much. I know that I regret having had a drink and driven my car and I would never dream of doing so again. Here's hoping that Michael has learned by his mistake and doesn't risk the life of any other human being, not only other people but his own life as well.
Oh, and by the way, I have a 21-year-old beautiful granddaughter and would love to have her meet somone with the caliber of any ot these amazing athletes. College can be the place to meet some wonderful people but a lot of losers as well.
Go team USA!!!!
My husband and I have a deal: He can drool over the women beach volleyball players, I can drool over the men swimmers. Admiring beautiful bodies isn't "dirty", it's natural.
I think its discusting and childish to even have this blog. CNN should have more class then this. Even a gossip magazine should have more class then this.
the dwi thing was ages ago, give it up people
Phelps is hot pure and simple and lets face it looking at hot men is one of the best things about the olympics. Swimming, track and field, diving, mens gymnastics, its all about the eye candy for me and I don't feel dirty about it 🙂
I loved the picture of Michael celebrating. He has a great looking body, but it's his smile and joy of life that I always see. I've been watching him since the last Olympics in Athens, and I just love to see him compete. I've read and heard him talk about his work ethic. I also admire his Mother, Debbie, his sisters and Bob Bowman, his coach, for helping this young man achieve his dreams. Go, Michael!! I'll be cheering for you in every race!!!
Oooh I just love watching these sexy swimmers going for the gold. I like to focus on their athletic ability though I must admit I'm sometimes distracted by their amazing physiques. No guilt here. Just too bad so many of them wear those ugly Batman suits. What's wrong with Speedos???
Anyway, at least they're older than those poor little gymnast girls.
I'm rather shocked at the folks who point to his past DWI as reason he should not be admired. Did you NEVER make any youthful mistakes? Never once?
Far more important to whether he ever got a DWI, is whether he is still driving drunk? Or has he learned from it, and gotten more responsible? Honestly, I've known too many people (some in my own family) who remained irresponsible their whole lives.
My father got stopped for drunk driving back in 1974, though he was never charged with it – the cops just ticked him for crossing the yellow line, and took him home.. He then quit drinking, and hasn't had a drop since (still goes to AA meetings every week). He was a practicing dentist for 40 years (most of it AFTER that event). He even went on trips to 3rd world countries and fixed teeth for free for those who couldn't afford it. He took medicaid patients at 1/3 his normal fees, and was the only dentist in the area who did. Are his life's accomplishments rendered worthless because he had a lapse in judgement all those years ago?
If Michael shapes up (or has already done so) then he is indeed to be admired, because so few people do learn from their mistakes.
I believe it was in the movie "Operation Petticoat" that Cary Grant's character made the statement:
"When they're under 18 they're protected by law. When they're over 65 they're protected by nature. Anytime in between they're fair game. "
You can't argue with Cary, it works for me.
Oh, Jayson....it's time to let go of that tired old DOUBLE STANDARD routine.
Have you not seen the ubiquitous magazines, blogs and various news source-run stories about female celebrities’ bodies in the last 10 years? Their ups and downs have seen more charting than Snoop Dogg’s Ups & Downs.
People with celebrity (no matter how they got there) are in the public eye, and that makes them public domain for commentary. Now, if this article had been written by a female coach of Phelps - and she had referenced hanging out poolside yelling things like "Swim it on home big boy! And when you win it, I'll rub you down... " - we could discuss sexual harassment.
Until then, celebrity images (and the warm thoughts they inspire) are as available as on-demand cable...without the cable bill.
In Athens I thought he was one of the most arrogant but talanted kids around, then he got his DUI which is a horrible thing, and I am in no way saying that is not wrong, but there are very few people I know who can honestly say at some point in their lives have not done something stupid they regret, he was a kid with the whole world looking at his every move, I think he has paid his price and moved on. Does it take anything away from his talent or his looks? If anything use his bad judgment as a lesson for your children.
MP is a great athlete! He really has a good physique like others but it's kind of funny because when the camera rolled around him,we thought his Speedo rolled down to his feet but it's good it just hang in there. LOL! I could tell he is a great son because when he got his first gold and was being interviewed, the first thing he said is he is looking for his Mom! It teared my eyes because I know the feeling being a Mom. Congratulations to Mrs. Phelps! You deserve the best congratulation for bringing MP up to his wonderful accomplishment. May your son be blessed with all great things in the world.
People, why do you think they call them swimmer's bodies? For the longest time swimmers have been wearing speedos! Respect the sports and if your only into watching sports for "checking" people out, you need to watch other things It is thought processes such at this and blogs such as this that bring attention to people for how they look and never for their talent!
Your "partner publication, Sports Illustrated, has showcased female athletes in swimsuits for years"?? Please, since when are models in bikinis – or body paint – "female athletes"? If you're going to make a comparison, at least get the facts straight. Thanks, CNN, for becoming a little more like E! every day.
I admire the bodies of many male athletes. They have no brains so you might as well admire their beautiful bodies.
What?! This question is so unbelievable I don't even know how to begin to answer it. What are you asking us exactly? Why is CNN spending their time on stupid questions like this?
Phelps should be admired for what he has done, not what he looks like, but there is nothing wrong with admiring both. We should never admire athletes just for their bodies, but honestly, when you swim 9 times a week you are going to end up with an amazing body, it's just how it is.
The real question is, why does our culture consider this "chiseled" look to be so superior? Is it superior? Why? There's something innately wrong with admiring people for their bodies and not their minds, especially women. But look at Dara Torres! What an inspiration for all women in their 40's. There is no age barrier to looking great anymore. It's all about being healthy, being driven, and having an overall healthy life which is mind body and spirit, not just one of those things.
How does this work? If two male CNN employees had wanted to post this about a female Olympic athlete, they would have been FIRED for sexual harrassment (OR CALLED PIGS BY THEIR FEMALE CO-WORKERS) Yet when two women do it? Hey no problem.
Let's make a story out of it...DOUBLE STANDARD anyone? Please...
Michael Phelps is a phenomenal swimmer and the rest fo the relay guys deserve credit. they did it as a team and should get credit as a team. WAY TO GO USA. I hope no one is looking at this in a dirty fashion those are just children excelling like they are supposed to. Great job guys
I thought this was going to be admiring someone who has a D.U.I. on their record...guess not.
I'm with Noonan.
Who cares, this is a really dumb issue anyway.
sure he's hot. i'm 40 and still vaguely recall dating guys who looked like that... and vaguely recall having a body close to that of a few of the female athletes. i can appreciate them & think they're good looking too. actually watching the olympics is making me want to work out harder again. i want to look like dara torres.
Oh good grief...get a life.
You have got to be kidding with this blog! I know that society devalues women as we get older, but that doesn't mean that we have to go along with it. I am in my fifties and more than old enough to be this young man's mother, but I certainly feel entitled to admire both his athletic prowess and his physical attributes. What on earth is wrong with that? If you can't enjoy looking at a young man, then you might as well be dead.
I fully intend to watch the Olympics and enjoy the competition and the great looking bodies!
If all of America were in shape, we wouldn't have to admire Michael Phelps for his chiseled perfection, rather his undeniable talent. He is a gorgeous specimin to look at. We should all strive for perfection as he (and all Olympic athletes) strives for it.
Dirty old codgers you are...
CK
Maybe we should question admiration not based on whether it's right to consider his physical attributes, but whether it's right to admire someone arrested for dui and sentenced to 18 months probation. Not so squeeky clean now, is he?
Exactly what I was thinking. I had to back up my DVR! His physique is ridiculous!
Okay – I just lost 2 minutes of my life on this. Who cares?!
Go back to eating your squash, Michael Noonan! 😉
You have to look good to get out of felony DUI charges....
From your perspective its the same as myself admiring those women's beach volleyball bikinis...no harm no foul. Now...once we start talking about the gymnastics athletes then it becomes a question of decency!
ROFL! I love how the men are all bothered by this post, and the women...well...let's just say, we get what the blogger's puttin' down.
Ha ha!!
I say, why not add some of these sexy pics right into the blog?! Don't make me click to see the hotness....
CNN is such trash now. This blog case in point.
Whatever happened to news? Now it's all opinion.
I think Jason Lezak was looking really good last night – in the pool and out of it!
After I was done screaming at the TV for them to push it, I just basked in the hotness that is Michael Phelps. It's weird to think that just a few short years ago he was a teenager but it's no worse than TMZ posting a countdown clock to when Hayden Paniterre turned 18. I will continue to cheer on Team U.S.A. while also enjoying their "body of work."
Phelps looks great, but i hate to inform Andrea that he was dusted for drunk driving when he was 19 (received 18mths probation).....so much for "great values". Idolize their athletic abilities (and their bodies), but don't confuse great genetics with great values.
What is the point of this. Ridiculous.
How can you not admire him and that body.........
I heard he is motivated to swim fast so he can take that stupid looking cap off.
This could be the most pointless blog that I have ever read. In future please comment on something more newsworthy. Shame on you CNN!
Are you serious?? He has an amazing body because he swims constantly and is legitimately in the best shape you could possibly be in. Isn't this a little better to admire than someone who got their body using crazy hollywood diets such as not eating or by steroids??
Ditto to Noonan's response as well. This is a non-issue.
I agree with MM Noonan's comment – the point of this posting is? ...
As to whether or not we (as women) should be uncomfortable about admiring "bods"??? Please, are we not in the 21st century? Do we really concern ourselves that much with whether or not someone is looking over our shoulder to call "foul"? Don't we have other more interesting concerns?
I say any swimmer looks pretty hot because they are so sculpted, but not grossly sculpted. I think ice skaters are the same as well... sculpted, but not too sculpted, male or female.
Phelps' personality just seems to shine through more, maybe because he has this serious goal in mind. It's very attractive. I think that's why the media is more attracted to him, why he draws more attention... not to mention that his body is absolutely perfect for a swimmer... as if God had one particular path in mind for him.
Oh.. just enjoy the games. Myself and my 6 yr old son jumped in joy and my son was up till 11pm to see them stand on the podium to receive medals and see Phelps. You should stop seeing body for sexual reasons. Enjoy the greatest moments. Whole of India is rejoicing their first individual gold ever. Life is great and have fun.
well, i for one, still enjoy the eye-candy of the world! beckham, phelps, clooney, who cares? like the previous post, i'm 60 but i'm not dead or blind.....
I can just about guarantee that the men watching women's beach volleyball are admiring those outstanding physiques and "not feeling dirty about it". You, too, are entitled to admire guilt free.
I will never be too old to admire a beautiful man.
I'm sure you're going to get a lot of flack for this posting, but I greatly appreciated and identified with it. YOu expressed me sentiments from last night exactly. I've always been very vocal about criticizing the objectification of women and the Swimsuit Issue. But yes, my jaw dropped as I witnessed the physical perfection of Michael Phelps and Cullen Jones on full display. And yes, I felt a little guilty afterwards and pondered the same thing. I doubt many men are second-guessing themselves as the watch Walsh in her bikini play beach volleball! Perhaps the objectification of women can't end, so maybe the answer is for women to demand more male eye candy! More shirtless Phelps and Jones in this world seems like a fair price to play for images of scantily class women EVERYWHERE ELSE ON THE PLANET!
I figure, what's good for the men is good for me too. I look at every opportunity and don't feel bad about it!
he is an awesome speciman , physically as well as humaningly.he seems to have great values ,obviously has a great talent & does not appear to have an inflated ego!!!! why should'nt he be admired? there is no reason!!!!
It's obvious that he's an incredible athlete and his body is in great shape. The part that irks me a bit is when I read articles talking about him driving with his knees while fiddling with his blackberry...and not wearing a seatbelt. I live in Ann Arbor too, and frankly, I don't want someone driving around my streets with their knees. He's very impressive, but he needs to grow up a bit and think about more than his endorsements...no amount of gold medals will make it okay if you kill someone because you weren't paying attention to the road.
He is a great athlete, but his past DUI makes it a little hard to admire him.
As a former competitive swimmer, I can't help but
admire the effort it takes to even think about going
for 8 golds in one Olympic games. You absolutely
have to be in top shape to even come close.
Now let me get back to watching the Women's beach
volleyball!
Oh no, god forbid that women have as much of a sex drive as men. Sit back and enjoy the view, and stop feeling guilty about it for once.
Will we continue to admire him if he gets another DWI after this Olympics?
The point? There needs to be a point? Point anywhere in that picture and we'll explain........
I truly admired all four men last night, no shame about it! Phelps is hot, they won victorosly, with pride. What we saw was this team's hours and hours and hours and days, weeks, years of core trainning come to a final grade. A Winning one at that!
And They Looked HOT! Phelps body was awsome and it brought a smile to my face! I would buy their Calendar 😉
NYC
It took two people to write this silly blog?
You are physically attracted to an athletic human male...Wow! Thanks for the insight.
I was mostly thinking that he reminded me of my nephew, only with more muscle. Certainly nothing lustful, although as stated, he's not a child. Actually, I was a little concerned we were going to see more of him than anyone should on TV, considering how far down his suit was open and how much he was jumping around.
I don't get it. Why wouldn't you admire a human body that you find attractive? If looking at an attractive human form makes you feel dirty, there's something wrong.
Good God! His body is ridiculous! And yes, it absolutely should be admired!! He's 23 – right at the age where guys love to be looked at.
He is one fine looking man – just thinking of him makes me smile.
You're never too old to recognize and admire beauty, whether it's a stunning painting or a gorgeous athlete. Michael Phelps works hard to have such a beautiful physique and he is certainly not shy about showing it. So why feel guilty for enjoying it?
I found myself watching China vs. Greece in women's beach volleyball, and it wasn't because I know anything about the game.
What actually is the point of this blog posting?
This was cute. It's nice to see a little levity once in a while. Thanks for the playful post.
this post is stupid. he is a good athlete but physicwise – it is just a swimmwers body, that's all.
dirty old women
I agree w/ Audrey- Admire ANY athlete for the body they've developed. I think it's an honor to physically showcase the mental hardwork as well as the physical beatings their bodies take during olympic training. My 12 year old daughter came to us in June '08 when she found out the Olympics were in August, proclaiming that she wanted to start training for the 2012 Olympics–in swimming. She said she wanted to beat any record Phelps got this year. So we told her to start working on it and to not be afraid of the physical changes her body was going to start making during her 5-day-a-week swimming practices. She said, "I would be proud to show my body, my muscles, and my hard work to anyone who wanted to see my progress, especially those who doubted me." Bravo I say!! and Bravo to Michael Phelps– show off that chisled physique- you've earned it!!
Hey, you're never too old. As long as the eyesight works and the brain still functions, admire away. It was quite an admirable image, wasn't it.
Never to old!!
What the difference? Amanda Beard did FHM and Maxim magazine didn't she?
Wow, what a non-issue. Get over whatever guilt you're suffering from (close the Bible, maybe?)
As long as he is 18 or older lust as much as you want to. It sure doesn't stop me from looking.
yes, i think you are dirty but yes, i've thought it too. I think the only antidote is to pick out someone whose body you envy and find out they're older than you are. It doesn't necessarily help your body but it does help your mind, which is really where it starts. Be glad you have enough strength to even click the remote to see Phelps in his glory.
LOL! I didn't expect this angle but laughed when I read it. I suppose i was watching the pure joy of winning something that seemed impossible and not what the dude looked like! HA!
There is absolutely nothing wrong with women looking at the male display version of the Sports Illustrated bathing suit issue. If you see a guy who has the body of a god and he has a little speedo on, who are we to complain and tell him to put clothes on. If the guys can gawk at scantily clad women, why can't we gaze at the wonderful physiques of the athletic men of our great US Olympic team? You are never too old to appreciate the human body. Some bodies are just appreciated more than others!
Are you guys that hard up? Most folks saw the sheer joy. Sure, he has an athlete's body which doesn't go unnoticed, but to derail the moment into a commentary on female comparisons in swimsuits? Let it go...
He is just a little too hairless for my taste (understandably so), but he is a fine physical specimen, as well as a good human being. His mom did a great job in raising him into a fine fellow with seemingly great values. The fact that he is a treat to look at is a bonus!!!
Well, it's not like he's underage or anything! He's 23 years old for crying out loud! Admire away!
Wow Of course they should be admired. after all they worked hard on those bodies male and female. And as for michael Phelps hes not a child by far so please dont make it sound that because your looking at him your doing something bad. Shame on you for even trying to get people to think bad things
Oh for goodness sakes!! I'm 50 but I'm not dead. Yes, I admire Michael Phelps, good body, great smile and a wonderful talent! Do I want him, NOOOOOO, but I have a beautiful daughter!
I find this post ironic, as the advertisement to the right of the post is of a "dating" site with a woman claiming to be a 29 year old teacher looking more like a 16yr old high school student. Who cares.