Bob Costas hosts Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz in a mutual-indifference society
Is it just me, or was NBC's three-way interview between Bob Costas, Olympic Miracle Man Michael Phelps and former Olympic record holder Mark Spitz a little on the awkward side?
It came after Phelps' photo-finish victory by .01 of a second in the 100-meter butterfly, when Phelps tied Spitz's record for most gold medals won in an Olympics (Phelps, naturally, has already broken Spitz's record for most golds won in an Olympic career; he goes for his record-shattering eighth gold of the Beijing Olympics tonight). The interview was the final feature in NBC's 8 p.m.-midnight coverage, and since they didn't have anything else to go with at that point, Costas kind of busked it, trying to coax a mutual admiration party out of the two.
(Milorad Cavic, imitating Maxwell Smart: "Missed it by that much!")
Spitz - who had publicly complained that he had not been invited to attend the games and therefore didn't go, saying that having to sit in the stands with the hoi polloi was "demeaning" - played along, at first. "What you did tonight was epic, and it was epic for the whole world to see how great you really are," he said, but then, perhaps inevitably, he made it about himself:
"You weren't born when I did what I did but I'm sure I was part of your inspiration and I take that as a full compliment," Spitz continued, divining Phelps' inner feelings. "They say that you judge one's character by the company that you keep, and I'm happy to keep company with you."
Phelps replied, simply, "Thank you, Mark."
So Costas tried to cajole Phelps to participate in the love-in: "What do those words mean to you Michael, heartfelt words from Mark Spitz?"
Phelps - who, to be fair, must be kind of exhausted at this point - went into standard boilerplate, what you hear from every contestant in every event: "You know, for so many years, everyone dreams about becoming an Olympian. You know from the past people who competed in the Olympic Games, and you're an Olympian for life, just like they are. There have been so many greats that have come before me, and what Mark did is still amazing. It's incredible, and it's a very, very hard thing to accomplish. I think it shows, whatever you put your mind to, you really can accomplish."
Well, no, it shows that whatever Phelps puts his mind to, he can accomplish; the rest of us'd probably just flounder about. He continued:
"When Mark won seven, he put his mind to something, and he did everything he could to get there. And it's the same thing for me. I've tried to stay as positive as I could and stay rested and recover. And there's so much that goes into it. I've tried to stay positive and dream big. And it's gotten me here. So, I'm very, very thankful."
OK, so that didn't result in the sort of emotional moment Costas was hoping for, so he tried another tack, pitting them against each other. He asked Spitz who'd win if he and Phelps met each other at their peak.
Spitz ceded little ground: "If Michael and I were to have that chance, hypothetically, I certainly would know what made him tick and how to beat him, and he would know the same about me. So I would have to say now, we'd probably tie. But after tomorrow when he wins his eighth gold medal, I will take my hat off and be happy and glad to take second to Michael any day."
Phelps merely replied, "I've seen a few [emphasis mine] of Mark's races and a lot has changed in that time, and really over the last four years. It's been cool to be a part of, and to see the change in the sport. This sport is starting to take off more and more, and it's been even more fun to be a part of. I'm glad to see everything, change for the better for American swimming anyway."
"Change for the better for American swimming" wasn't probably the sort of phrase that Spitz (who didn't seem to smile much during the interview) was hoping to hear. Eventually, though, Phelps and Spitz did join Costas in a trans-Pacific group-hug, as the two swimmers found gracious things to say about one another to end the segment.
This exchange reminded me of an interview I did a few years back with Michael Lewis, author of several books about new technologies ("The New New Thing," "Next") and how they're applied to unlikely areas of society ("Moneyball"). We were reflecting on the irony that medical science will allow us to live much longer in a culture that values youth above all.
"Great," I said; "now we'll all survive through a prolonged period of irrelevance."
"'A Prolonged Period of Irrelevance' - that'd be a great title for a book," Lewis laughed.
The title's still available if you want to write a book, Mark.
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David Kronke was appointed Mayor of Television after a bloodless coup in 2000. Since then, he has improved infrastructure, championed greater educational opportunities and fought for reforms that have utterly erased corruption and incompetence from the television industry. Since Mr. Kronke has ascended to power, Television is a far better place.
David, you are not alone! We must be on the same wavelength. These were my thoughts the morning after (that "celebrity irrelevant deathmatch")… that is, BEFORE the now infamous 8th win:
After watching Bob Costas' interview with both Spitz and Phelps, I was scratching my head wondering "is it just me, or did Michael Phelps just totally BLOW his biggest opportunity to show the world that he is worthy of accepting this new Olympic baton being passed to him by the great Mark Spitz!?!?"
Okay, so just observing Phelps in the media's interview clips, plus his nice-guy demeanor projected in TV commercials, led all of us to think of him as a gangly humble all-American boy. I, too, was sucked in... he SEEMED to be a genuinely nice kid.
We WANTED to like Phelps and cheer for his Olympic gold because he didn't come across like the typical celebrity So-Cal jock basking in the spotlight. Not as handsome nor charming as Spitz, Phelps is -- frankly -- goofy looking and inarticulate. But we admired his dedicated focus, accomplishment in the sport, and apparent love for his family.
But NOT after that Costas fiasco! Self-centered Phelps was all about "me-me-me." Spitz was more than generous with his overblown compliments toward Phelps. We certainly would have understood if Spitz's eloquent commendations of Phelps had tapered off toward the end of the interview (I certainly was getting frustrated with Phelps). But no, Spitz was as smooth as ever and never wavered in his support. What a gentleman!
Costas, the consummate professional, attempted to assist Phelps. Perhaps Phelps couldn't hear the questions due to residual water in his ear? Maybe he was just distracted -- Phelps' mother admits to his being diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) -- or simply tired and hungry?
Repeatedly, Costas tried to help Phelps volley the praises. So much in fact, if he were an attorney he would have been guilty of LEADING the witness! Sadly Phelps never did recover, and now we are left thinking perhaps the record of 8 gold swimming medals should be left to another... more deserving athlete.
{*sigh*}
Mr. Kronke,
Thank you for your entertaining and enlightening take on the Costas-Phelps-Spitz interview. Your portrayal of Spitz is spot on. He makes me cringe when he speaks.
Yeah. Spitz... get over it. You're nowhere near the swimmer Phelps is. Apples/Oranges.
Spitz was complimentary and a gentleman. He showed the polish of years of public speaking, and being in the olympic spotlight. He clearly said what had to be said and came off looking pretty classy. Phelps, on the other hand, really needs to have someone help him with his interviews. He comes off being either stupid, or terribly self centered. He is the greatest olympic performer, yet he needs to acknowledge those who helped him get there. A few word of appreciation to his coaches, his teammates, and the country that gave him the opportunity to be great would go a long way in making him a great olympic champion. Someone close to him should clue him in to what he should be saying. The interview was somewhat of a disaster for him. Telling Spitz that he was an inspiration to him would have smoothed over the discomfort nicely. Just my $.02.
I have come to the conclusion that greatness is truly shown when four key ingrediants come together. 1)The athlete is gentically gifted for his sport. 2.) Stays healthy 3.)Has the right mentallity/work ethic and the most important 4.) Someone like a coach or parent guides them and helps them from a very young age. Many athletes have 1,2 or even three out of the four but many do not have all 4 come together for them. So you ask what does this have to do with the interview, well it should be important for Phelps to acknowledge that luck/God played a significant role in his quest for gold. It is not just him who has a super human power no one else does. Many athletes, will themselves to win, but get injured, or no one takes notice becasue hey are a inner city from a foster home, etc. I feel as if Phelps thinks he is the only one with the "force" using a starwars quote or drive to win.
I have come to the conclusion that greatness is truly shown when four key ingrediants come together. 1)The athlete is gentically gifted for his sport. 2.) Stays healthy 3.)Has the right mentallity/work ethic and the most important 4.) Someone like a coach or parent guides them and helps them from a very young age. Many athletes have 1,2 or even three out of the four but many do not have all 4 come together for them. So you ask what does this have to do with the interview, well it should be important for Phelps to acknowledge that luck/God played a significant role in his quest for gold. It is not just him who has a super human power no one else does. Many athletes, will themselves to win, but get injured, or no one takes notice becasue hey are a inner city from a foster home, etc. I feel as if Phelps thinks he is the only one with the "force" using a starwars quote or drive to win.
Up until the Costas interview my wife and I had gained a sincere admiration and excitement for Phelp’s “road to gold”, but after that interview we were shaking our heads in complete disbelief.
What a pompous and nauseating display of ingratitude!
Spitz was such a class act. He showered Phelps with the highest of praise during that interview, for God’s sake he defined Michael’s accomplishment as “Epic”! How much more could anyone say that could top THAT accolade?! Especially coming from the mouth of a former Olympic champion and 36 year reigning record holder!
Costas pitched Michael multiple soft balls to reciprocate appreciation and redeem his train-wreck of an interview, but Phelps was too intoxicated by his raging ego to even pick up the bat.
Apparently the “Mushroom Cloud” of self infatuation and arrogance enveloping over his BIG head impaired his ability to exhibit sportsmanship and tact.
The only person who was more proud and awed by Michael’s achievement besides Spitz and “Mommy Dearest” - was Michael Phelps himself.
Phelps may be the new record holder but in my humble opinion Spitz is still the True Champion.
I don't think that Michael Phelps is really used to giving this many interviews. I think he was just star struck and just didn't know what to say. I don't think we should judge him too harshly just yet. There are lots of us who would not know what to say in interviews. I just think that he swims great, but doesn't know how to speak as eloquently as others do. However, he can work on that and with time he will be able to do better. He is still young and is still getting used to this attention and scrutiny. I don't want to say anything bad about someone I don't even know. He has shown a lot of humility and grace and he never said anything negative about other swimmers. He also was mum about trying to break Mark Spitz's record. His mother is so proud of him and she has a right to be. Only his family and friends really know him and all of his teammates and opponents spoke with great fondness of Micheal. He took the time to get to know them all. Plus this is one interview and maybe the things he said didn't come out the way he wanted to and maybe he didn't exactly get to say what he wanted on air. No one is perfect. He is proud of his accomplishments and is an inspiration to many. He knows that this fame won't last forever and is trying to make a difference in the sport of swimming because I can tell that he loves it and that is pretty much it. He didn't get into swimming to become popular and rich, but that is what happened and he is getting used to it right now. Everything else will fall into place. I am proud of him and I know many others are too. Congratulations, Michael. Do not listen to people that are putting you down. You are a class act and your mama obviously raised you to respect others and work hard. May many blessings come your way.
God bless you,
Jax
Mark Spitz has always been a hero of mine and he certainly handled himself well during that interview.
He showed genuine delight in what Michael Phelps had accomplished and did not seem to resent it in the least that his record of so many gold medals had been finally broken.
I think Michael was tired and worn out from so many dealings with the press plus is he young. Give him a break.
How could you say that he was just being self centered?! Have you ever thought that he just swam 16 events under immense pressure?! Winning by 0.01 seconds?! I cannot understand how half of you, probably not even swimmers, can say such things, and maybe you should look up some of the things Spitz has said to see how ‘generous’ he is….
... more deserving athlete.
{*sigh*}
___
Your kidding right? Michael Phelps goes to practice every single day twice a day, probably more hours than most of you guys work. How on earth could you say that he isn't deserving?! That is just ignorant and rude. If you are going to post such things, at least know what you are talking about. Yes, the interview didn't go well, but he is as deserving, and hard working as it gets.
Sorry, Phelps is tied with Spitz with 7 golds
http://swimnetwork.com/videos/v/20090801/omega_says_cavic_touched_first-17076.html