Phelps, Spitz, the Pats, and 'the Fish'

IT HAS been an honor to watch Michael Phelps in these Beijing Olympic Games, despite nearly drowning in the wake of the overwhelming media coverage.

However, I was most touched by the segment on NBC in which Bob Costas hosted a conversation between Phelps and 1972 Olympic swimming sensation Mark Spitz. I was moved by the gracious manner in which Spitz congratulated Phelps on his truly epic feat, going so far as to say that he was honored to be an inspiration to him.

Spitz's words caused me to reflect on the media coverage of the 2007 Patriots' quest for perfection, and specifically the remarks from some of the 1972 Dolphins as the Pats approached their remarkable feat.

Hopefully, Don Shula, Mercury Morris, Jim Mandich and others were watching the NBC segment. The next time a team challenges their epic season, they could certainly learn a lot from Spitz about how to carry oneself like a champion.

Congratulations to Michael Phelps, and go Pats!

GIDEON Y. ZELERMYER
Montreal