There has been weeks of builds up for Discovery channel’s annual Shark Week. That’s because this year the world’s most decorated Olympian is “going to challenge the world’s most dangerous predator.” And that’s exactly what didn’t happen.
Wooohooo!!! @SharkWeek 2017 with @MichaelPhelps is finally here and it’s going to be epic!!! Tune-in tonight at 8pm to watch on @Discovery pic.twitter.com/C2g6Wi0g1Z
— Andy B Casagrande IV (@ABC4EXPLORE) July 23, 2017
Michael Phelps lost a race he didn’t actually compete in. How is that possible? Viewers across the nation were disappointed because Phelps didn’t actually go one-on-one with a great white shark.
Phelps swam alone in the water with a fin (to even the playing field a bit,) and they compared a great white’s race time to his. During the broadcast, they superimposed the image of a great white next Phelps as he swam, but in reality, he was alone in the water swimming with a fin.
People weren’t really surprised when Phelps lost, but what is impressive is his time was only slower by about 2 seconds. The great white finished at 36.1 seconds and Phelps at 38.0 seconds to complete 100 meters.
The moment of glory for #TeamShark!!! #PhelpsVsShark #SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/NWYp1CwiRa
— Shark Week (@SharkWeek) July 24, 2017
While viewers were disappointed by the way the race was done, Phelps told Fox News that is was ““probably the hardest race I’ve ever had.”
When the event was over, Phelps was already amped up for a rematch.
Rematch? Next time..warmer water. #SW30 @Discovery @SharkWeek
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) July 24, 2017
However, it doesn’t look like viewers want to see a rematch unless a shark is in the water next time.
I was hoping to see this! pic.twitter.com/SoRQS5Y2NP
— ɢᴏᴛ ɪɴsᴛʀᴜᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟs (@GotInstrumental) July 24, 2017
At the end of the Discovery program Phelps said, ““I don’t like taking silver medals, but I’ll take one to a great white.”
IF I WANTED A CGI SHARK I WOULD’VE WATCHED SHARKNADO MICHAEL!!
— La Micki Minach (@sebastalama) July 24, 2017
Rematch?? With an actual shark!!!!!!???
— Merb (@merebear99) July 24, 2017
Not everyone was as upset. Some still appreciated the the swimmer taking on 65 degree water in South Africa.
You would be the king of sharks if you were one
— crazylilpsycho (@BrynnSchoening) July 24, 2017
You should try the 100 meters with the same gear but in the Caribbean to see if you do any better! But 2 seconds???? Wow! Congrats!
— Lauren (@lauren_02m) July 24, 2017
Put one in an Olympic pool, bet you’d win
— Logan Groves (@groves_logan) July 24, 2017
Really didn’t think it was possible to love you more ???????? you were incredible!!! Thanks for making my shark week tradition more lit! pic.twitter.com/4VZotIIxsp
— Kira (@kirarose14) July 24, 2017
Do you think Discovery has jumped the shark week?
