If you’re Michael Phelps, the legendary Olympian with a staggering collection of medals (83 in total, including 66 gold), what could possibly be next? Relaxing? Travel the world inspiring young athletes? Transitioning into coaching? Perhaps even making a dramatic return to competitive swimming? No, if you’re Michael Phelps, your next challenge is none other than racing a shark.
In a promotional announcement for the anticipated Shark Week, the Discovery Channel teased a thrilling event titled “Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White.” The press release boldly states: “They are one of the fastest and most efficient predators on the planet: Sharks. He is our greatest champion to ever get in the water: Michael Phelps. 39 world records. 23 Olympic golds. But he has one competition left to win.” It’s a showdown that has piqued curiosity, leaving many of us with a barrage of questions.
1. Is it really a Great White?
Yes, you read that correctly. While there are faster and less dangerous options, like the mako shark (which can reach speeds of 60 miles per hour), the choice of a great white—known to swim at a top speed of about 25 miles per hour—seems oddly fitting. Phelps, on the other hand, has clocked a maximum speed of 6 miles per hour. In open waters, this race appears to favor the shark. As my son aptly put it, “This dude’s going to end up shredded like cut bait.”
2. What’s the prize for the winner?
What’s at stake here? Are we expecting trophies, or will the competitors delight in a feast of chum and snacks at the finish line? After all, Bruce the shark doesn’t need a medal—he simply wants dinner. Phelps, even if victorious, would only add another accolade to his already impressive legacy.
3. What are the betting odds?
I’m curious about who I can contact to place some bets. With a few coins saved from the kids’ piggy banks, I might just be able to score a good wager before football season rolls around.
4. Has Phelps watched Jaws?
While Phelps has shared moments from his bucket list, including a shark cage experience, one has to wonder if he’s ever seen a shark movie. Discovery has also announced that Phelps will team up with experts to learn about these apex predators before the race. I sincerely hope this educational segment is filmed prior to the event; otherwise, we might need a much bigger boat.
5. Where will this race take place?
Jazz Shaw from Hot Air raised an excellent point regarding the logistics of the race. Anything in the open ocean will require significant safety measures for Phelps. It’s unlikely the race will occur in a pool—great whites cannot survive long in captivity. The most entertaining scenario would involve chumming the water and then tossing Phelps in while shouting, “Good luck!” If he manages to reach the other boat unscathed, I’d declare him the winner.
In reality, this is likely a creative marketing strategy to draw more viewers to Shark Week, a beloved event that needs no extra hype. The race may very well be a CGI spectacle rather than a live showdown, considering that sharks don’t adhere to lane lines or care about swim strokes.
Mark your calendars—this intriguing event is set to air on Sunday, July 23, at 7:00 p.m. ET/PT. For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, you can also explore related topics on artificial insemination kits or dive into more extensive resources on infertility treatment at reputable sites like ACOG.
In summary, while the race between Michael Phelps and a shark promises to be a thrilling spectacle, it raises numerous questions about safety, logistics, and the nature of competition itself.