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Dave SLasse Viren was supposedly "blood doping" or blood "doping"...which was not against the rules in the '70's but certainly outlawed today.
Don't think we can overlook Al Oerter who won the Gold in 4 different Olympics..the best in the world for 16 yrs!
Carl Lewis was indeed tremendous..but he was also beaten quite a few times! Phelps wasn't. For a 23 year old kid to win 8 events when he was expected to win them is totally indescribable. If he chooses to eat, sleep, swim and nothing else who are we to judge. He accomplished what no other athlete has ever done, and still maintained a level of humility and professionalism that should make any American or athlete admire his accomplishments. The best ever? Who's to say, but certainly among them.