That is an incredibly ignorant statement. How many people do you see competing in football, basketball, and baseball on an elite level. A lot. How many do you see competing on an elite level in swimming? Not too many, because it's an incredibly difficult sport to compete at an elite level in. Just because swimming isn't a glorified sport in the US doesn't mean it doesn't have a following elsewhere.
I've lived in Australia for a few years and its a fairly big deal to them. I'm just astounded that you wouldn't consider Michael Phelps a "real athlete" when the dude is the greatest olympian EVER. How that makes him less than a "real athlete" is beyond my comprehension.
But enjoy your ride home on the short bus.:think: