The Associated Press
Updated: 11:45 p.m. ET Aug. 20, 2004
ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps ended his magnificent Olympics with a magnanimous gesture.
He matched Mark Spitz's record of four individual gold medals in the pool, then gave up a coveted spot on the 400-meter medley relay team to Ian Crocker -- whom Phelps had just beaten.
[...]
"We came into this meet as a team," Phelps said. "We'll leave here as a team."
[...]
"It's tough to give up the relay. It really is," Phelps said. "But Ian is one of the greatest relay swimmers in the world. He wasn't feeling well during the 400 relay. Hopefully, he'll step up big in the medley relay."
[...]
"I'm speechless," said Crocker, looking to redeem himself after his poor performance last Sunday. "It's a huge gift, but difficult to accept. It makes me want to just go out there and tear up the pool tomorrow."
Another thing: Phelps is sensitive to teammates who have been overshadowed by his amazing accomplishments leading up to these games.
"It's the right thing to do," Phelps said.
Yeah... that sure sounds like a cocky 19 year old. Are you just a little jealous?????
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The Associated Press Updated: 11:45 p.m. ET Aug. 20, 2004 ATHENS, Greece - Michael Phelps ended his magnificent Olympics with a magnanimous gesture. He matched Mark Spitz's record of four individual gold medals in the pool, then gave up a coveted spot on the 400-meter medley relay team to Ian Crocker -- whom Phelps had just beaten. [...] "We came into this meet as a team," Phelps said. "We'll leave here as a team." [...] "It's tough to give up the relay. It really is," Phelps said. "But Ian is one of the greatest relay swimmers in the world. He wasn't feeling well during the 400 relay. Hopefully, he'll step up big in the medley relay." [...] "I'm speechless," said Crocker, looking to redeem himself after his poor performance last Sunday. "It's a huge gift, but difficult to accept. It makes me want to just go out there and tear up the pool tomorrow." Another thing: Phelps is sensitive to teammates who have been overshadowed by his amazing accomplishments leading up to these games. "It's the right thing to do," Phelps said. Yeah... that sure sounds like a cocky 19 year old. Are you just a little jealous?????