As the whole world, I'm almost sure is aware of now, Michael Phelps has surpassed numerous athletes of the past to become the greatest Olympian of all time, earning his eighth gold medal of these games as part of the 4x100 medley relay team. Phelps usurps Spitz's legacy and joins an elite group of athletes such as Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Carl Lewis and many more according to his teammates, media experts, and the millions (maybe billions) watching at home.

In fact, as I watched the beach volleyball team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh beat the Brazilians in their semifinal match last night on NBC, one of the commentators stated that a move was a "Phelpsian feat." The tributes have already begun! By the way, I have been continually impressed by how the entire U.S. team has shown support for one another. I've seen basketball players at the water cube and at beach volleyball matches cheering on their delegation's best in those events. Phelps was seen returning the favor, joining the spectators for a look at the "redeem team" yesterday.  Many of the basketball and indoor volleyball teams are seen watching each other's matches from the stands. What a great show of sportsmanship.

Sadly, on the other side of success may not be failure but defeat. Liu Xiang, China's most famous Olympic team member, was out of his 110 meter hurdle race before it really began. With the weight of a billion people's expectations on his shoulders, Liu's frustration over an Achilles injury was highly visible as he kicked standing mats backstage before his first preliminary race.

Not one to let down his people, Liu decided to put on his numbers and race although by the grimaces shown on his face it was doubtful he'd successfully clear the hurdles. One false start and he was limping off the track. He gave it his best shot, but sometimes injuries come at the most inopportune time. Just ask the U.S. women's gymnastics team, sprinter Tyson Gay, and many other Beijing Olympians from around the globe.

Many other sports are facing their finals tomorrow or the next day. Argentina will play Brazil in men's soccer (or football in the rest of the world). The two remaining diving events, the men's and women's 10 meter platform, will give China a chance to extend on its 6 for 6 run thus far in Beijing. With swimming events commenced, athletics has taken over at the "Bird's Nest" as the marquee sport of the games.

Watch for the men's 200- meter final as Jamaica's Usain Bolt tries to match his 100-meter performance and the women's 400-meter hurdles.