Quote Originally Posted by americanctm
Ok i see your point... BUT - Michael Phelps never accepted being a "role model" or being an example to anybody, all that motherfucker does is swim, he likes it and he's good at it. If somebody chooses to look up to him or put him on a pedestal, that is on them or their parents.
Good point. But he has a gift that automatically makes people strive to be just like him. Just like any star athlete, some people want to use him as an inspiration.

Yes, he did not ask to be a role model, but it comes with the territory. Once you do something great, you are going to have followers.