Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Olympic Swimming: Katie Hoff and Michael Phelps
If the Olympic swim trials held in Omaha were any indication of what is to come, two Baltimore athletes will share the spotlight in Beijing. Twenty-three year old Michael Phelps and his former training-mate nineteen year old Katie Hoff both have qualified to compete in multiple events in Beijing, are experienced athletes, and are record-setting fierce competitors.
Former Olympic swimming great, Mark Spitz, is impressed with Phelps's talent. AP Sports writer Beth Harris stated, "Spitz endorsed Phelps at the trials as a worthy successor, suggesting that after 36 years, it's time for someone else to take his mantle." Phelps will be busy in Beijing trying to beat Spitz's record of seven gold medals. Phelps has several opportunities to accomplish this goal as he is competing in the following events at the Beijing Games: 200m/400m IM, 200m Free, 100m/200m Fly, 4x200 Free Relay, 100m/200m Back.
Phelps also has Olympic experience under his belt which should help him achieve his goal of winning eight gold medals. Phelps won eight medals at the 2004 Olympic Game in Athens, six of which were gold. As stated by Wikipedia, "Had he won seven golds, he would have been eligible for a U.S. $1 Million bonus from his sponsor, Speedo." This accomplishment, as well as holding several other records, has earned him the title of "World Swimmer of the Year" four times-2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007. Lastly, at the 2007 Worlds, Phelps won 7 gold medals, tying the record, and broke five world records! Experience will definitely be on his side in Beijing.
