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Aussie swimmer says Phelps was lucky

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 9:03 PM EST 30/08/08

Eamonn Sullivan believes 'there were little mistakes by other people' that allowed American to win eight golds ...Read the full article

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  1. max from edmonton from Canada writes: I like the fact that this guy is talking a bit of smack.

    pretty gutsy to say the guy that just smashed a boat load of World records was lucky, when you have to swim against him in the next worlds.

    Although clearly Phelps had everything going for him , including good fortune

    Should be a good competition, and comments like this are what great athletes feed off of.
  2. D D from Canada writes: "He better bring his A-game because us sprint boys are a different league and we are not going go easy on him"...its like a real life cheese film like "bring it on" or "you got served".
  3. The Economic Hitman jr. from Under the Viaduct, Canada writes: 8 times lucky? Grow up buddy.
  4. a salajan from Ca, Canada writes: Sure Phelps' rivals made mistakes: they swam slower than him.

    If Phelps had decided to glide against the serb he would have lose. Sure. And if I had been born in the Weston family I would have seen Phelps live.
    Ifs, maybes don't bring medals.

    Sullivan,
    Better get a mercury motor if you want to keep up with Phelps. Trash talk ain't gonna help you.
  5. Karl Rainer from Nanaimo, Canada writes: Sullivan is right... but he is implying that other people only made mistakes this time. In reality, everyone, including the winner, is making little mistakes, little departures from ideal form, little delays and hitches in the starts and turns... in short, everyone, absolutely EVERYONE is imperfect in every sport, race, and human endeavour all the time. Phelps had fewer imperfections and quite deservedly won. Unfortunately Sullivan does not have the wins nor the world records to speak from a position of authority, and he comes across as a sad blusterer.
  6. Eat Your Weedies from Canada writes: Talkin' smack! I love it! A little friendly jeering and poking never made the game less interesting.
  7. Rick Sieb from Edmonton, Canada writes: I would say that half of Phelp's wins were more than luck. They were engineered, probably by NBC (for good television, to boost ratings) and USA swimming, to boost their prophile and to produce a hero. They kept boasting that Phelps had those medals won, even before the olympics started. Its a little too much "luck".
  8. boom boom from Canada writes: Sullivan clearly stands for bonehead. To try and diminish the accomplishment at this point in time shows no class at all.
  9. Joe Blow from Canada writes: Sullivan's comments are ridiculous. Of course there were "little mistakes" by Phelps' competitors. That's like saying a beautiful breakaway goal in hockey was just lucky because, if the goalie had just put his glove where the puck went in, he totally would have had it. Or Singh is lucky to win because if Garcia makes just one more putt, then he wins. Or if that pitch had been two inches to the left it would have been a strikeout, not a lucky home run.

    I realize it is just trash talking, but he would have been better off saying that he had the stomach flu that morning, otherwise he would have had Phelps' number.
  10. Jim Nuffield from Toronto, Canada writes: My reaction is: So what? Don't you think Spitz's rivals made small mistakes too? Winners are often those people who make the fewest mistakes.
  11. André Villeneuve from Canada writes: My grandpa used to say better be lucky then good!
  12. wild colonial manc from tameside, Canada writes: personally couldn't give a monkey's about the olympics except to say that there's no such thing as "luck"...maybe sullivan's narked that both the states & britain finished above australia in the medal standings...
  13. Combative American from Minneapolis, United States writes: Rick Sieb from Edmonton, Canada writes: "I would say that half of Phelp's wins were more than luck. They were engineered, probably by NBC (for good television, to boost ratings) and USA swimming, to boost their prophile and to produce a hero. They kept boasting that Phelps had those medals won, even before the olympics started. Its a little too much "luck". " ------------------------------------------------------------- The fact that you can make an incredibly ignorant statement of the sort you just made goes a long way in describing the sort of person you are, sir. If the NBC sports commentators were guilty of making predictions before any of the aforementioned races, it was only because Michael Phelps held most of the world records for these events prior to swimming them again in the Olympics. And had you noticed a bit further out than your nose, you would have seen that they had just as much to say about who might likely beat or tie him in any individual event. Then again, why do I get the feeling that had these accomplishements in Olympic history been undertaken by anyone other than "an American," you would have had little to say on the subject? For my money, you come off as a guy who is deeply dissatisfied that an American athelete had the strength, determination and athletic prowess that Michael Phelps has. Hopefully, the next time the US loses to Canada in some hockey match-up - you'll grace us with the same excuses you now offer everyone else. Except, the winner, of course..
  14. Edward Eh from Bathurst, NB, Canada writes: I'd like to bite my tongue but... Sour grapes Mr. Sullivan. You tarnish sportsmanship!
  15. North Star from Canada writes: Good to hear - everyone loves to jump on the winning bandwagon and support the Goliath with unabashed zeal (insert sport here). Underdogs and upsets are far more interesting and exciting. I would like to see Phelps disappoint and shut down these do-nothing armchair athletes a little.
  16. A G from Canada writes: Sullivan is just bitter (at his lack of success in and out of the pool - he broke up with Stephanie Rice just before the Olympics). Let's not forget that the scoreboard in Beijing read like this: Phelps 8, Australian Men's swimming team (all disciplines) 0. Come on Eamonn, just concentrate on getting some glory back.
  17. Rain Couver from Canada writes: Reminds me of the French when talking about Lance Armstrong.

    Way to participate in the spirit of good sportsmanship that the Olympics are meant to illustrate.

    Whiny little Aussie.
  18. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: Nice to see some reality pumped into Phelps' accomplishments. The only thing the USA loves more than their sports heroes is Jesus.

    I remember the same talk when Marion Jones was winning.. we'll see if he's good enough not to get caught.

    Olympics.. pfft..
  19. Pelotas Piquen from Morningwood, Mb., Canada writes: As old man Luedeka used to say... "Were ifs and buts candies and nuts we'd all have a very fine Christmas!"
    Yee haw!
  20. Mark H from Columbus, IN, United States writes: Hey Eamonn....isn't capitalizing on other people's mistakes in competition exactly what makes a person great?

    When Gretzky scored all those goals, was it just because all those goalies made little mistakes?
  21. A A from Canada writes: Eammon probably does not have time to read papers or watch TV. If I am not mistaken Phelps even admitted that 8 medals would be hard to repeat. He admitted it was part luck but hey that is how life is.

    Nathan Cool. The only Americans love more than sport heroes is NRA icons like Charlton Heston....then Jesus.
  22. Mr. Pink from the wet coast, Canada writes: Rick Sieb from Edmonton, Canada writes: I would say that half of Phelp's wins were more than luck. They were engineered, probably by NBC (for good television, to boost ratings) and USA swimming, to boost their prophile and to produce a hero.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Exactly how did NBC engineer Phelp's wins???

    And as for USA swimming, I think producing champions is their business, so I'm unsure what crime they're guilty of.

    Help us out here.
  23. Lyn Alg from Canada writes: The reason why there is always only one winner in any competition is that all other competitors made an error. So what's the point? I somehow missed something in Sullivan's argument. Can someone please logically explain to me the argument Sullivan is attempting to make? In the eight Olympic swimming events that Phelps won, his competitors' error was that each of them didn't swim faster that Phelps. Eh ????
  24. Stephen Gray from Canada writes: "Unfortunately Sullivan does not have the wins nor the world records to speak from a position of authority, and he comes across as a sad blusterer."

    Except for the fact that he does. Sullivan is the World Record holder in the 50 and 100M. Phelps is the one that will be entering his world soon.
  25. Stephen Gray from Canada writes: "Reminds me of the French when talking about Lance Armstrong."

    All kinds of evidence suggests that Lance Armstrong was on steroids. Not that everybody else in those Tours weren't either, though.
  26. Stephen Gray from Canada writes: "we'll see if he's good enough not to get caught."

    Always the key for any Olympic athlete.
  27. D G from Canada writes: Of course Phelps was lucky to win a couple of those golds. 99 times out of 100, the French would win the relay. They had a big lead and the anchor for the French was a faster swimmer than the American. The French guy got too close to the lane marker which slowed him up and allowed the American to draft.

    To win a race by 100th of a second sure involves some luck. One more little misstep anywhere and you lose. Sport involves luck. Sometimes you hit a line drive right at the shortstop and sometimes you bloop a hit over his head.

    Anyone who doesn't think Phelps was lucky is not being objective.

    I didn't see where the Australian was dissing him. He was just telling the truth. I would be extremely surprised if Phelps himself wouldn't admit to being a little lucky in a couple of those races.
  28. Robert F from Canada writes: Nathan Cool - Reality getting pumped into Phelps' results?

    Phelps admits there was luck involved. If you watched any of his interviews, he admits that he got lucky against Cavic. He admitted that he got lucky in a couple of the relays because of some great anchor legs.

    Sullivan isn't saying anything Phelps himself hasn't said. Why is this news?
  29. Combative American from Minneapolis, United States writes: A A from Canada writes: "Nathan Cool. The only Americans love more than sport heroes is NRA icons like Charlton Heston....then Jesus."

    -------------------------------------------------------------

    Do tell? I was unaware of our deep love for Mr. Heston. Though, you being Canadian and all, I would fully expect you to have a much greater grasp on these things than me, a lowly American for the last 50 years.

    Frankly, the order should have been Brett Favre, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama (The 'real' Messiah), and THEN Jesus...
  30. Combative American from Minneapolis, United States writes: Stephen Gray from Canada writes: "All kinds of evidence suggests that Lance Armstrong was on steroids. Not that everybody else in those Tours weren't either, though."

    -------------------------------------------------------------

    True. But, all kinds of "other" evidence points to the fact that he was not. That, and the fact, that no one could seem able to get a "positive" test on him.

    Wonder why that was?

    Though I suspect that anytime a Frenchman doesn't win, the French are highly likely to call "foul." As though no one would be capable of beating the French on their own soil.

    Anyone remember Germany in the Second World War? They didn't seem to have much trouble.

    And neither did Lance.
  31. S Van GOOGLE from Wallis And Futuna Islands writes: Aussies hate to lose, and being an underdog country of only 20 million we are in the top 3 for swimmers. Coming 2nd, 3rd or 4th in Australia is a LOSS. Unlike Canadians who Idolize 4th place finishes, we dont.

    Phelps is a great swimmer, without doubt. But Luck did play a part in his wins. As pointed out by one of his competitors.
  32. boom boom from Canada writes: After Van Google's comment above this, I'm beginning to think the Aussies are just plain stunned.
  33. Mr. Pink from the wet coast, Canada writes: S Van GOOGLE from Wallis And Futuna Islands writes: Aussies hate to lose, and being an underdog country of only 20 million we are in the top 3 for swimmers. Coming 2nd, 3rd or 4th in Australia is a LOSS. Unlike Canadians who Idolize 4th place finishes, we dont.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Although it pains me, I have to admit that Canadians have historically lacked the competitive edge of other nations. We are changing that for 2010--watch and see.
  34. Darcy McGee from United States writes: Phelps set 7 world records on his way to 8 gold medals. World records aren't set by luck.

    That 8th one though. Yeah, a bit of luck. A lot more hard work, but a bit of luck.

    It doesn't undermine his accomplishment.
  35. Anita Brew from winnipeg, Canada writes: the great thing about swimming, running, high jump etc. is that there is no equipment to blame etc. there are no variables. the best athlete wins because the best athletes are able to perform at their top level when it counts the most. phelps was not lucky; he was the best athlete at the event.
  36. Archie Gillespie from cowtown, Canada writes: Ric Sieb: The idiocy of your comments embarrasses me as an Albertan and a Canadian.
  37. Stephen Gray from Canada writes: "True. But, all kinds of "other" evidence points to the fact that he was not. That, and the fact, that no one could seem able to get a "positive" test on him.

    Wonder why that was?

    Though I suspect that anytime a Frenchman doesn't win, the French are highly likely to call "foul." As though no one would be capable of beating the French on their own soil."

    So let me get this straight...you're getting mad at Canadians for stereotyping Americans, but then going and stereotyping the French? Do you not understand the hypocritical nature of what you've just done?

    And as for not having a positive drug test (apart from it not mattering at all, athletes can get around drug tests) well that isn't true either. Armstrong tested positive for EPO. Samples from the '99 Tour were kept for 6 years until they had the technology to be able to even test for that.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LanceArmstrong#Specificallegations

    Basically Armstrong has had as much evidence of PED us on him as Barry Bonds, but is given a free ride from the media for whatever reason. Now I wonder why that is?

    .
  38. Michael Rudin from United States writes: For every great and sportman and Olympian there is always one who only can make excuses or demean anothers achievments. We know only Americans win with some luck, the Australians, including Eamonn Sullivan or Trippett win only because they are better. Eamonn Sullivan, sour grapes demeans you and every one who won a swimming medal.
  39. Pudge Canuck from TO, Canada writes: Is Australia just upset that Ian Thorpe is no longer the world's greatest swimmer?
  40. Combative American from Minneapolis, United States writes: Stephen Gray - instead of hemming and hawing, why don't you tell me why it is that Lance Armstrong was never fully indicted or had hard charges brought against him for doping?

    Let me guess. It was because Bush and Cheney threatened the biking council with war?

    Lance was so well liked that no one would press the issue?

    Cheryl Crow gave it up for the entire committee investigating such abuses, thus rendering the investigation moot?

    I'm all a-twitter at what you'll have to say...
  41. Diamond Joe from Scottsdale, United States writes: I like this Combative American fellow. He is sticking it to Nathan Cool who readers know is anything but...
  42. Nathan Cool from Vancouver, Canada writes: I didn't say anything about Heston by the way.
  43. Charles Smith from United Kingdom writes: I have to say when I was hearing all the hype of Phelps and how he was "super human"; the "Greatest Olympian of all time"; I was intrigued; so I watched one of the gold medal races; I thought; it will be wonderful to see this super human trash the competition; however, I was a little disappointed when all the hype turned into winning a swimming race by a finger nail! At that moment I thought, gee Phelps was lucky with that one!
  44. Stephen Gray from Canada writes: "instead of hemming and hawing, why don't you tell me why it is that Lance Armstrong was never fully indicted or had hard charges brought against him for doping?" I'm still waiting for you to explain why it's alright to stereotype the French but not Americans, but I expected you to ignore your own hypocritical ways. Anyway, I'll humour you. In case you hadn't noticed, Barry Bonds wasn't actually indicted for his drug use, even though it's widely acknowledged that he actually used. Bonds got indicted for lying to a grand jury. Lance Armstrong has never been put in front of a grand jury, partly because he's far more likable in the media than Bonds, and also because he didn't have a FBI agent on his tale for 5 years (Jeff Novitzky). Drug use in the sport of cycling isn't really anything that Americans are concerned with...which is obviously completely the opposite for baseball. Both of them have had books written about their drug use, however, with drug tests exposing Lance as the cheater he was, as well as many of his teammates and coaches explaining exactly what all of them did in those years. Are you telling me that drug test lied, or that all his former friends weren't telling the truth either? You can just check the website I posted, it has all the information on it. You are in complete denial if you can't accept that Armstrong was on PEDs during his 7 year reign. I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I think it was one of the greatest sports moments in history...but he, like everyone else he was riding agaisnt, was on PEDs.
  45. ss dd from Vancouver, Canada writes: Phelps might have been lucky (particularly with his 7th medal), but THIS GUY sure sounds like a sore loser.
    Pathetic...
  46. Ontario Mike from Toronto, Canada writes: Phelps has the genetics and a work ethic to be the best. But in all areas of life, there certainly is an element of luck that comes into play. Was Phelps lucky? Maybe. Lucky to have the genetics, the parental support and the opportunity to hone his skill and realize that he was born to be a swimmer.
  47. Eric W. from Toronto, Canada writes: Jeez! Why so riled up, everybody? Of course there was a bit of luck. There alway is, when you win. Tiger Woods is often "lucky" - he seems to have a knack of sinking 20 or 30 foot putts when he needs them to win. But being lucky at the right time is part of what makes someone a champion.

    And as someone above said, luck doesn't set world records. Too true. In Phelps' case, I call it 1% luck and 99% dedication, talent and hard work.

    As for all the nationalist BS, lighten up!
  48. Charles Smith from United Kingdom writes: Eric W. - Good post!
  49. guy tozer from Saskatoon, Canada writes: Sullivan is a sore loser....plain and simple. 8 times lucky?? Sure beat the odds!

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