The whole idea behind this article was probably to bring out the greatness of "both" the athletes and not "really" (literally) looking for the "best" of the two. You really can't compare the two. Here's what I understand: Micheal Phelps has proved himself to be the "best" athlete in the field of "swimming" and the fact that he has been able to win 8 medals in this particular sport is now an unbeaten record. He has done his country proud with his achievement, which is no doubt an extraordinary one. Usain Bolt, has proved himself to be the "best" athlete in the "track and field" event (at least three of them) and again the fact that he has won three Gold medals in this particular sport is now an unbeaten record also. he has equally, done his country proud as Micheal Phelps. His achievement is also as great as that of Micheal Phelps, if you were to ask the "Jamaicans"! Just as the achievement of Micheal Phelps is to the USA. If you asked Micheal Phelps to compete against Usain Bolt, he wouldn't win, and vice versa. Therefore, the question, "Who is the best athlete" itself is wrong, in my perspective. Instead, the title of the post is more accurate, which says, "The best athlete"s" of Beijing Olympics." I would say, as a neutral party and from the World's point of view, that we are equally proud of both their achievements. And that they are Both great athletes in their respective sports. And with that I rest my case here.

from a single individual from the country of Jamaica is quite some achievement specially as he also beat all the records in all the events that he took part in. It does not happen often. how can you belittle somebody else's acheivement thus? No doubt 8 medals is also a feat that is unbeatable and unmatchable so far. But then so is Usain Bolt. So I think Both are equal.