It is no surprise that many consider Michael Phelps to be one of the greatest athletes to ever participate in the Olympics, and this opinion may be solidified after his most recent record-setting performance.

On  Thursday, Aug. 11, Phelps won gold in the 200 meter individual medley, which just happened to be his 13th individual gold medal. The previous record of 12 was held by Leonidas of Rhodes, who had won three events in four consecutive Olympiads, a record which had stood for an astounding 2,168 years. For reference, ancient Greeks did not hand out gold medals during these times, instead they handed out wreaths from wild olive trees. Leonidas was a runner during his time (152 B.C.), and, much like Phelps, he participated in many events. Leonidas ran the stadium, 200 meters, the dialous, 400 meters, and the hoplitodromos, which is another 200 meter run, but with this run you have to wear a helmet, greaves (armor for shins), and carry a bronze-wooden shield.

Phelps, who started his Olympic swimming career in 2000 at the Sydney Olympics, has won 28 total medals, the most among any Olympic athlete in history.  He was heavily scrutinized after being arrested for driving under the influence after the 2004 games in Athens, Greece, where he won six gold and two bronze medals. He served 18 months of probation, paid a fine, and did community service. After the 2008 Beijing Olympics had finished, which many professionals consider to be his coming out party, he had won eight gold medals. In February of 2009, though, a picture circulated on the internet of Phelps using recreational drugs, in which he issued a public apology and served a three month suspension from swimming.
Unlike Leonidas, Phelps did not have to wear armor and carry a shield in his events, but he did go through many trials and tribulations. However, he managed to overcome all of those obstacles.  For this reason, I believe that he will forever hold his own position on the podium of great Olympic athletes in history.