Did Michael Phelps Really Win that 7th Gold?

Without a doubt, Michael Phelps was the superstar of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Setting a new world record by winning 8 gold medals in one Olympic year, Phelps could seemingly do no wrong. He became America’s golden boy and his events helped propel the Beijing Olympics into the most watched television event in history.

But did he actually win all 8 gold medals? Some people don’t think so. His 7th win, over Milorad Cavic in the 100 meter butterfly, has become quite controversial. So controversial in fact, that bloggers, the website 100th of a Second, and Olympic viewers are questioning the authenticity of his world record.

This photo, taken from The Adventurist blog, shows Milorad Cavic (bottom) beating Michael Phelps (top) pretty clearly. But why didn’t the judges see this and make the correct call? Well, apparently the timekeeping device was made by Omega, a company that just happens to sponsor Phelps (and has since 2004).

Coincidence or controversy? What do you think – did Michael Phelps deserve his 7th win? Or was Phelps’ record just another Beijing illusion?

Via The Adventurist