A lot of people won medals today, but everyone's talking about -- and writing about -- who didn't.
A lot of people won medals today, but everyone's talking about -- and writing about -- who didn't. "Michael Phelps is fourth! Unbelievable! I can’t believe Michael Phelps is fourth!" the BBC announcers said after the greatest swimmer in Olympic history failed to medal in the 400 IM today.
Phelps' fourth-place finish in 400-meter IM leaves him looking ordinary, says Steve Politi of The Star-Ledger.
Now Phelps must deal with the almost-embarrassing reality of winning gold in only 14 of his last 17 Olympic events. Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer wonders what many will tune in to find out over the course of these London Olympics: was it a superstar beginning his fade into retirement or just a rare rough day for a legend?
Columnist John Canzano says America faces a decision:
You're either with Phelps or Lochte. You're supporting youth or longevity. You're either rooting for a breath of fresh air or for history. You're either with Lochte, who showed up in gym shorts and a T-shirt pre-race. Or you're with Phelps, who was pimped out in so much endorsement swag, flip-flops to headphones, I wondered if he could even carry himself to the pool.Here are some other interesting stories and color after Day 1 of the London Games:
» Is there another battle in the shadows of Phelps v. Lochte? The Internet is abuzz tonight after Hope Solo took to Twitter to bash NBC analyst and former U.S. Soccer player Brandi Chastain for being critical of the women's team's defensive play in today's 3-0 win.
» Many have criticized NBC's decision to use tape-delay, particularly with yesterday's opening ceremonies. But everyone found out today NBC broke records with that broadcast. Even in the age of real-time information and Twitter, Steve Lepore of SB Nation says it appears NBC may be having last laugh ... all the way to the ratings bank.
» Ken Goe of The Oregonian checks in from the men's Olympic Road Race. He says, "After nearly six hours of trying to follow the riders on television monitors as they wound through the Surrey countryside, the race was over in a flash of speed and color."
» So much action and only one day in the books. Sporting News offers some helpful resources, including Medal Count (China's leading with 6) and today's complete results from archery to volleyball.