As Michael Phelps continues to battle uphill against a field of speedsuits, some reporters have likened his performance to Clark Kent – contrasting his usual Superman moniker. Michael Cowley, of the Brisbane Times, admits that this analogy isn’t exactly fair to Phelps. Cowley reminds us that Michael has been performing superhuman feats in the pool since before the speedsuit debacle took center stage.

In the article Phelps gets upended in morning heats again on Reach For The Wall, French world-record holder Amaury Leveaux is quoted: “Michael is Michael. If he takes a full swimsuit, I think he is still the best.”

Michael is Michael, and although his powers seem to pale in comparison to those still using speedsuits – he is by no measure relinquishing his title as the sport’s major superhero.