Michael Phelps' Gold Medal Spitz Take On "Sports Illustrated" Cover

Olympic hero Michael Phelps graces the cover of Sports Illustrated on newsstands Thursday. On it, he mimics and one-ups the iconic image of Mark Spitz wearing 7 gold medals that was on posters sold for $2 back in 1972.

With 8 gold medals from Beijing around his neck, Phelps smiles from beneath the label "The Alltime Olympian" The photo was taken inside an ancient temple in Beijing on Sunday night

"This one being the first [photo] of him with all eight medals, we hope that our cover will stick in everyone's mind," SI's managing editor Terry McDonell said.

Phelps also tops Spitz on the number of SI covers on which he's featured: 5-3.

Also today, Phelps addressed reports he is dating fellow swimmer Amanda Beard.

Comments

[cloudmaker]

There's nothing like fame to make a tall, skinny long-waisted, short-legged,
doofus-smiled, yet pleasant-looking, lad suddenly appear to most people as an
Adonis. Poor Adonis, doesn't he know that the American people love nothing
better than to elevate their heros into the stratosphere, then shoot them down
with all kinds of personal attacks, gossipy smears and microscopic studies of
every move they make. So, Michael, enjoy your day in the sun, your well-earned
medals, the coming riches and the transient adoration of the masses which all
too soon become the mob.

[Crozier]

Why does the name Phelps and "B(b)eard" appear in the same sentence in so many publications? Is it the "B" in LGBT ? After all, swimmers use many different strokes in their repertoire.

[politicky]

Ugh, most of these comments are silly, and obviously not from swimmers. Phelps is incredible to watch in the water. He's been training for this for 13 years, and he's built for the sport.

[chinationreport]

http://www.chinationreport.com/phelpsfirstendorsement.html
Celebrity Debra Phelps endorse Chinese calligraphy in China.

[johnnygoodwud]

i'm betting brazilian package

[morgansquiers]

You all seem to forget he is a swimmer and if my memory serves me correct, swimmers usually dont wear much. Glad to see people are still not secure enough in their own sexuality, that they cannot look past a little skin and see this as a great accomplish, clothed or not clothed.

[eatmypress]

this is the gayest cover ever. and pull up your freaking pants.

[Kim Stagliano - Huffpost Blogger]

Ah yes, I remember when men were allowed to look like men, and not hairless dogs. And must we peek within a micro of Mr. Phelps' waxed genitalia in every photo? Flat abs? great to see. Next stop wee-wee'ville? Keep it in your swimsuit.

[BradPittsburgh]

Ah yes, I remember when women were allowed to look like women, and not just hairless dogs. And must we peek within a micro of Ms Walsh and Trainors' waxed genitalia in every photo? Flat abs? great to see. Next stop wee-wee'ville? Keep it covered.

[Pam4Waters]

What the ? That is so much more of Michael Phelps than I need to see. He could at least wear a speedo. Is that the new swim suit-less edition of Sports illistrated?

[bentenrai]

China, mom, and apple pie.

[Rachel36]

This is an unflattering photo. Do something newly inspired rather than dregging up the past. I am not crazy about all the hype surrounding Phelp, I think it's overkill, but at least let the guy have his own identity.

[chi54]

Well said! I couldn't agree more. What has happened to us anyway. Congrats Michael!!!

[Ged2012]

Phelps has got nothing to do with the "porn" or "gay" look he has. Blame China for the "communist-colored" straps. If those were blue in color, no one would be making fun of him. Which reminds me-- the color of the strap should vary depending on the sport. Swimming, for example, could have medals sporting the blue color.

[Womanvoter4Obama]

Spitz does look like a porn star but I can remember back in the day all of us wanted to be his co-star..he was gorgeous, so don't hate on him.

WTG Michael Phelps! I love the homage.

[BabsfromKansas]

He still is gorgeous - men look so nice with a full head of gray hair.

[Fudgefase]

Yup, still a honey. I had that pic on my bedroom wall. Wish he'd kept the 'tache though. I love guys with a bit of facial hair - it's manly. I guess gay men are like any others- they fancy different types, some will like one better than the other. Spitz was a honey. Michael doesn't do anything for me - sorry, Mike, nothing personal. I'm probably older than your mum!

[rooks]

To summarize for anyone that may want to read the comments.

1) Spitz looks like a 70's porn star
2) Phelps' pic makes him look as if he is wearing some halter top to a gay roman gladitor
3) Comparing the 2 is a waste of time
4) Lot of gay comments (not sure why)
5) This is mine, if I was Phelps I would be bangin Beard

[yabu]

In other words:

most people are idiots.

[timinhi]

Thank you!!! I wish you would do this for ALL the posts so I could skip reading all the comments. Kind of like "Cliff's Notes version of HuffPo."

[kalapa]

"5) This is mine, if I was Phelps I would be bangin Beard"

But its clear that Beard hasn't even an iota of interest in Phelps. In fact the opposite, even though she had to back peddle.