Phelps personifies nearly everything that is wrong with the Olympics

Michael Phelps has won a lot of Olympic medals. This time. Last time. And, according to himself, will win them next time around as well. The world is so united in praise of the human dolphin, to disagree is to take one’s life in one’s hands.

So here goes. Michael Phelps personifies nearly everything that’s wrong with the Olympics.

The abiding myth of sporting events of this scale is that they raise the spirits of individuals, empower potential athletes and create role models who inspire ordinary folk, thereby improving global health and happiness.