We all knew that Michael Phelps would be a huge topic of discussion during this year’s Summer Olympics but no one could have predicted it would be about #phelpsface.
So many people assumed that they knew exactly what he was thinking behind that face but did they really?
We will never actually know what the thoughts behind #phelpsface were. For that matter, we do not even know that Michael Phelps and South African competitive swimmer, Chad le Clos, was even talking or that Phelps even truly noticed le Clos and his dance.
But we assume.
Maybe we should stop that.
When we assume we make an ass out of u and me. have you heard that before? I love that saying. I mean, granted, it is not always true but it is something to consider when we start thinking we know details about a situation that we were not involved in or even present for.
Was Michael Phelps angry when the two men were in the holding room before the men’s 200-meter butterfly semifinals and Chad le Clos was dancing in front of #phelpsface?
Maybe, maybe not.
A few other possibilities:
- There is a nasty smell in the room.
- He is concerned that he will not perform at his best.
- He was listening to music, watching the current heat and staying focused on the task ahead of him.
Regardless of the reason for the face, my point is that we never know what is going on behind the scenes or in someone’s head.
What we do know is that there is a certain perception and that the face gives us a view of how someone is feeling, just as the windows are the eye to the soul.
According to Sheenie Ambardar, MD, a psychiatrist based in West Hollywood, a grumpy looking face “may indicate a bit of self-absorption and a touch of insecurity.”
Well now, a bit of self-absorption as you prepare for an attempt at winning Gold seems pretty darn appropriate. For that matter, I also happen to think a bit of insecurity makes perfect sense too.
In the end, whatever Phelps was doing seemed to have worked quite well for him and for the USA.
Michael Phelps, aged 31, is the oldest, and most successful, gold medalist having earned a record-breaking 21 gold medals and 25 medals in all.
7 thoughts on “What Is Really Behind #phelpsface?”
thank you very much
Hi Elise,
I like how direct you are 🙂
So true – “When we assume we make an…”
I guess we don’t like taking the time to understand people.
Thank you very much, Emi.
Plus I love that you are quoting one of my favorite sayings of what happens to u and me if we assume.
He did mention later on that he was thinking about the race and presumably he was ‘psyching’ himself! I did think that he did at one point glance at le CLos, so it did seem as if he was outraged that le Clos chose to dance around in front of him!! It was all pretty funny though!
We will never really know what happened. I agree that it is pretty interesting to see how up in arms people got over the whole situation…at that pint we did not know how much more drama was to come during the Olympics.
You rock Sister in Law!!!
Awww…thanks, sister-in-law 🙂