If you have not heard the news yet, Michael Phelps is going to be racing a shark! Why? Television. If you do not know who Phelps is, let me tell you. Phelps is an American olympic swimmer who has 28 olympic medals. It is safe to say he is really good at swimming. However, is he so good that he can out swim a Great White Shark? Guess we will find out!
Phelps is racing a shark because he is making two television specials on television. These specials will be in association with Shark Week. Shark Week is on the Discovery Channel and is an eight-day marathon about sharks! I don’t know about you but I’ve seen Jaws enough that I don’t want anything to do with a shark. So, why in the world is Phelps doing this? Publicity? Money? To show how cool he is? Who knows, but I am excited!
Before watching the big race, let’s look at a couple things from a scientific stand point. According to ESPN, Phelps can swim about 6 MPH. That is pretty darn fast when you think about swimming. However, a shark can swim 35 MPH! This is not looking good for Phelps. Of course, I highly doubt he will be racing a shark side by side because we need to protect him! I am sure there will be plenty of things there that will avoid Phelps getting actually inquired in any way. Just doing a little research, I do not think winning against a shark is physically possibly for humans but if some miracle happens when Phelps beats a shark…I don’t know what I’ll do. I will be very impressed for sure.
As for the show itself, the 8-day marathon starts July 23! Phelps will be taking part in two different shows (according to CNN). The first being “Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White” and the second being “Shark School with Michael Phelps”. These two shows are really going to make the week worth it. From what I could find, the race is suppose to be happening on July 23rd as a kick off to Shark Week. Even if you are not into swimming or sharks, it will be so interesting to watch a human try to take on a shark in any matter!
What are your opinions? Do you think Phelps can do it or is he way over his head? Comment below!
-Rachel
Rachel's Mind 
I think you hit the nail on the head with “Why? Television.” It is amazing to me what people will do for ratings and publicity. I am not a shark week fan or a swimming enthusiast, but the publicity stunt is intriguing in and of its self.
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Exactly!
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He is going to be shark bait!! 🙂
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Haha possibly!
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