Anyone who has been watching Michael Phelps in his quest for 8 knows that the media has literally run out of superlatives. Even they admit it. There is nothing in the English language that can describe what Michael has done, because the best descriptives have been used for lesser achievements.

It's not only his achievements, it's his demeanor. The kid is just likable by people in his age group and older adults who appreciate that a well-mannered and self-disciplined young man actually exists among the dregs being produced today.

Among the obvious achievement of eight GOLD medals in eight events, he did more than that. He did everything a true Champion does:

Phelps competed with passion.

He paid repeated tribute to his teammates and to his family.

He exhibited sportsmanship and humility.

In all, he swam 17 times. He won eight gold medals. He set seven world records.

He won in the relays - three times.

He won individually - five events.

He won by dominating - the 200m freestyle, for instance, by 1.89 seconds.

He won by the closest of margins - .01 of a second in the 100m butterfly on Saturday, over Milorad Cavic of Serbia.

He won when faced with adversity - when, during the 200m butterfly, his goggles filled with water and he essentially swam blind, relying on stroke count and experience. He not only won that race, he set a world record.

His response to that mishap:

"Other than that, I think this was a perfect week."

This posting isn't about the numbers. It's about the feeling of pride Michael Phelps has given us. It's about the fact that people who are older and more cynical, including myself, can actually be excited about a young man who has made history and that we are a part of it, if only as an onlooker.

I'm old enough to have witnessed Mark Spitz win 7 golds. I was a witness to those events and was excited, but a 13 y/o doesn't realize exactly what a feat that was. A man of 49 does. To see such a feats twice in a lifetime is something I am appreciative of.

To get out of my seat in my home and stand up cheering in front of my TV, yelling encouragement to a 23 year old is something I haven't done in decades. It felt good and I thank Michael for that.