Take Cover! Michael Phelps Makes Another SI Appearance

I've got a subscription to Sports Illustrated. My barber got tired of me hanging around.

The latest issue arrived today and, lo and behold, there was aqua-man himself, Michael Phelps, smiling that awkward smile of his, gangling arms on hips, and eight gold medals dangling from his somewhat elongated neck.

It is the third time in four weeks, however, that he has graced the cover of SI. And to be honest, I'm getting a little tired of it.

Yes, I get it. He cuts through the water like a hot knife through butter. No one does it better. Eight Olympic gold medals. Countless world records. Quite a feat, to be sure. He is truly the new King of Atlantis.

But, c'mon!

Last time I checked, and I admit I haven't been following the Beijing games that closely, there were other incredible feats of athletic achievement. 

Usain "lightning" Bolt comes to mind.

That kid is truly the wind. He breaks the world record in the 100m and 200m without even breaking a sweat, without having to even try.  

I've yet to see him grace a cover of Sports Illustrated.

The U.S. women's beach volleyball team of Misty May-Treanor and Kerrie Walsh captured its second straight Olympic gold medal. 

I haven't seen their scantily clad frames spiking a ball over the SI logo.

The United States has 102 medals, top of the heap. There wasn't anybody else SI could choose from? I'm sure dozens of other medal winners from the U.S. would love to have even a mention on a cover of Sports Illustrated.

I know, I know. It's Michael Phelps! Michael Phelps! Michael Phelps! He is a true Olympian, a champion of the Olympic spirit. He is the guy in Beijing, he is the story!

I guess.

I am, frankly, amazed by his achievement and doubt if it will ever be beaten, let alone matched.

Still, I'll be glad when hockey and football are back in season.