Michael Phelps Is Losing World Records,

[Phaedrus]

www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/sports/michael-phelps-records-family.html

It once seemed impossible that anyone could go faster in the butterfly. By the time it happened, the most decorated Olympian had a growing family and no problem letting go of records.

[ironhammer]

Aug 20, 2019 8:46:48 GMT -5 Phaedrus said:

www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/sports/michael-phelps-records-family.html

It once seemed impossible that anyone could go faster in the butterfly. By the time it happened, the most decorated Olympian had a growing family and no problem letting go of records.

Not too surprising, he's retired now and his focus in life is a bit different than his pro swimming days, I don't think it matters to him as much as before. 

[Phaedrus]

Aug 20, 2019 9:27:38 GMT -5 ironhammer said:

Aug 20, 2019 8:46:48 GMT -5 Phaedrus said:

www.nytimes.com/2019/08/19/sports/michael-phelps-records-family.html

It once seemed impossible that anyone could go faster in the butterfly. By the time it happened, the most decorated Olympian had a growing family and no problem letting go of records.

Not too surprising, he's retired now and his focus in life is a bit different than his pro swimming days, I don't think it matters to him as much as before. 

True, and I wouldn't say he is unique in that respect but we all know stories of athletes who can not let go of their past glories.

[ironhammer]

Aug 20, 2019 10:02:02 GMT -5 Phaedrus said:

Aug 20, 2019 9:27:38 GMT -5 ironhammer said:

Not too surprising, he's retired now and his focus in life is a bit different than his pro swimming days, I don't think it matters to him as much as before. 

True, and I wouldn't say he is unique in that respect but we all know stories of athletes who can not let go of their past glories.

Some things can last a long time, over countless human lives even, but nothing truly last forever (...at least in the material sense of everyday things, I'm not talking about questions of spiritual or religious everlasting soul, which is a different discussion).


In any case, things are ever changing. Sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly.  Just like athletic records. They are made to be overturned. Nature and reality is transient. Look at our culture's obsession with youth and beauty for example. Many of us seek a partner and wife who is beautiful. But that youth and beauty does not last forever. Who that person is underneath is just as important. If someone you lust for is beautiful but has a heart as cold as stone, what good is that in the end? One should not be so blinded and attached to things that is not static. Instead, aim high for your goals but cherish each moment as wonderful and unique rather than everlasting. That way, you may even cherish and appreciate what you have and what you acheived even more than holding onto things that are not meant to remain forever.