The summer Olympics seems to be all but forgotten, even as it arrives. 30 years ago, ABC's Wide World of Sports would have been broadcasting the fact that they would have hours of coverage. National pride ran high and our youth would eagerly await the results to see Olympic records broken, the tally of gold medals, and new sports heroes arise.

In the midst of all of this summer's sports hype there's been relatively little talk of the Summer Olympics. Most of any hype seems to be coming from sponsors. Visa comes to mind as the only major advertiser of the Summer Olympics.

It seems they have snuck up on us again. Today, August 8, 2008, is the first day. In between the multiple stories about Brett Favre's saga of coming out of retirement on Sportscenter every morning, there is a segment about Michael Phelps's quest for eight gold medals in swimming.

Since the Olympics are held in Beijing, China, they seem to be pushed to the back of the sports world's minds. This seems to be one of the least promoted Olympics since the Moscow boycot.

Admittedly, I don't look forward to the Olympics as I did when I was younger, especially the Summer Olympics. It seems my seasons are getting shorter and I just don't have the time to sit, watching tennis, basketball, and swimming.

Having been a ball player myself, it was always exciting to watch the athletes compete. I'm trying my best to get into the Olympics again, however.

My favorite Olympian this year would have to be Michael Phelps.

Phelps has been dominating swimming events for several years now, and he looks to be stronger than ever heading into these Olympics. 28 World Records broken in swimming and he is attempting to become the athlete with the most Gold Medals in history. I remember watching Mark Spitz when I

was a boy. I hope to get that kind of excitement back.

While the track events have been riddled with doping scandals in recent years, swimming has avoided that, and is one sport I've always enjoyed.

Let's just hope the Olympics can overshadow Favre's attempt to come out of retirement for at least a few days.

U.S. Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps recalls, "In Sydney [Olympics] I was 15 and not really knowing what I was doing at all, I had no clue what was going on. Then going to Athens, I was a deer in the headlights, I have no idea what was going to happen, what to expect," he said. "I think

having gone through all that has allowed me to relax more going into this Olympics. I am going to have fun"

Phelps added, "No, I probably will go one more, but I will not swim past the age of 30. That is a direct quote and I will stand by that. They are tough goals, I feel like I can achieve them so that's why they are my goals. There are two people who know, it's myself and Bob [my coach]. We are working together to get there. My mom doesn't even know what my goals are."

To Michael Phelps we wish the best of luck, though with his skill, talent, and athetic ability, it is obvious that he won't need luck. His oppenents will.