There are and will be issues and disagreements surrounding who is the 'greatest olympian', an endless topic of arguments amongst sports fans worldwide. I just want to point out that nobody should compare or judge an athlete as the greatest simply with the number of medal tally rather the discipline, dedication and tremendous amount of hard work that goes into winning the event. Its a soggy assumption that whoever amasses the most must be the greatest. Its absurd.

 I would put Michael Phelps right at the top of the list of the greatest athlete  because of his sheer ability to excel in his discipline and to challenge himself to achieve the unthinkable.

Only a swimmer can understand how difficult it is to master a particular stroke and beat the best in the world. He challenged all human ability, put a benchmark down and rewrote the record books.

He dove into the pool for 9 straight days, morning and night he has competed events after events and won. Events after events he shattered world records. Yes, swimmers have more events, but to down so belligerently this stunning achievement, I feel, haven't fully comprehended how demanding the sport of swimming really is.

Every sport deserves its place in the Games, and far be it from me to diminish any. But Phelps has elevated himself into the conversation. And there can be no dispute now that he is the best swimmer ever.