This week the PPP had a couple things in the pipeline of our little community. The biggest was the NBC interview between Michael and Matt Lauer. The second was the absolute mystery surrounding the voting issues dealing with the Sullivan Award. And third us honestly trying to answer the question: Does Mike have a colonge that smells of chlorine and fried egg sandwiches?
First things first, the interview. Right off I didnt like it. Mike looked cute as usual. Phans and Phriends alike shared the opinion that Mike's Hottie Level was pretty high. And thats the limit of our approval. Whenever you hear about an exclusive, in depth interview surrounding a celebrity's debacle, you are ready to be blown away by the provoking questions and hopefully candid answers. And you expect the interview to at least last longer than the 4 x 200 free relay.
When Mike's photo came out, there was such an immediate reaction from across the board. Everyone had an opinion and didnt hold back expressing it. I saw discussions from so many different blogs it was amazing. So when I heard there was finally going to be an interview with Michael discussing this whole thing, I was very excited and happy that he would get his chance to speak about it formally.
I couldnt wait to see the first part of the Today show. Usually when I see a two part interview, theres usually really good revelations about the issue. After seeing the Today show, I tried to hold my opinion until I saw the full interview. Then I saw the full interview and I couldnt help but wonder why the interview was done. Im not saying I wanted Matt to attack Mike with crazy, annoying questions. I just expected that the interview let Mike clear the air finally. And that it would be one of those memorable tv moments with a beloved athlete that had to deal with adversity. Thus leaving current phans satisfied, and gaining new phans. And it was just like the little blurbs we see from the AP. Then before I had a chance to process what Mike said, the interview was done.
I sat on my bed just blinking at the screen, phone in hand, waiting to check fb for the status messages to start. I had a good feeling of what Id see, except of course one Phan pointing out the issues of Matt's pants being afraid of water :). Of all the things said during the interview, I think the most important to me was when Mike talked a little about his decision about getting back into the pool. I think its normal for anyone to do what he did in Beijing start to feel like maybe they've gone as far as they should go. Mike mentioned having what 'O' talks about as an "Ah Ha" moment. Everything seemed to snap back into focus and he knew exactly what he wanted to do. "Why would I even question that?"
So now that its over, we can look forward to the summer of swimming and Mike's HIGHLY anticipated return. Phans and Phriends are on the move to be at upcoming meets, including FINA Worlds in Rome <http://www.roma09.it/> and starting with Charlotte's UltraSwim <www.charlotteultraswim.com> The Conoco Phillips National Championships and World Championship Trials in Indianapolis will be the most exciting for me and a few other Phriends :) <http://www.iunat.iupui.edu/home.html>
I am absolutely lost about the online voting for the Sullivan Award. Its a big deal kind of award for Olympians. Since last week I've seen people posting messages urging fans to vote for the awesomness of the Men's 4 x 100 Free Relay <http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=0811_HD_SWB_HL_L0194> AND the amazing performance of Dara Torres.
But for some reason, everytime we voted, it seemed that other nominees where getting a huge percentage of the votes. Then later people began to post that voting through the website was not a major factor in the judging for the award. Whether this is true or not, I am very secure in the knowledge that I voted 1,2...5...15....20+ times. Im watching the race as I write this and no matter how many times I see it, it's still one of those Olympic moments that seems so fresh in my mind. It's almost as if you dont know what's going to happen. The suspense is still there. I remember that was the first highlight AFTER the opening ceremonies that just grabbed my attention. I think for me it was because that the 4 x 100 relay was the first relay I ever watched during the Olympics. Even now as I see the guys celebrating on deck, Mike screaming "Yes! Yes! Thats what Im talking about!", I get chills.
But I think we ALL know that the race had that powerful punch of a finish not just because of the combined effort of the team, the roar of victory from Mike and Garrett, or the excited screaming of the crowd, but because of the unexpected, absolutely miraculous performance by team captain Jason Lezak. Jason helped to give the perfect bookends to Michael's Beijing story. And each time after the race Jason talked about giving his absolute best to help bring victory back to America. One of the best freestyle swimmers in the world, Jason Lezak is an excellent example of determination, strength, and honor. I heard Mike quote Jason telling the guys that they all swim as ONE, not four individuals. I dont think people should forget that. With 46 seconds, he swam the fastest relay split in history. And I look forward to seeing more amazing things for and from Jason.
Meanwhile....
I will add as a postscript that NO, I never thought Michael Phelps signed a cologne deal to promote a cologne with the charming fragrance of chlorine and fried egg sandwiches. Good grief :)
