Michael Phelps Graces Cover of Final SI Issue of 2012: Fans’ Choice

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 5

December 24th, 2012 News

Sports Illustrated today revealed the cover of their 2012 Fans’ Choice issue would be Michael Phelps in honor of his selection for the best sporting moment of 2012. That marks only the 2nd time in the magazine’s 58-year history where their readers have been allowed to choose the cover-figure for an issue of the magazine.

Phelps was in the running on the basis of a 4 gold-medal meet that capped off a career that saw him win 18 Olympic gold medals and 27 World Championships and put swimming in a new global spotlight like the sport has never before seen.

He beat out gymnast Gabby Douglas, who has been racking-up awards this year too, and Peyton Manning, who returned from a severe neck injury that cost him all of last season to a Pro Bowl level in 2012. To beat out an NFL superstar in a poll taken in December (the heart of football season) says all it needs to about the recognition that Phelps rightfully receives for his historic career.

Top 5 Moments:

1. Phelps Caps a Storied Career — 21%
2. Gabby Douglas Strikes Gold — 19%
3. Peyton Manning Returns — 12%
4. Usain Bolt Races into History — 12%
5. The San Francisco Giants Reign in the Rain — 8%

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11 years ago

Young michael phelps: still fast https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjPXT4xi8KI

bobo gigi
11 years ago

It’s now Michael has retired that many American swimming fans who didn’t like him will begin to cry and will very quickly regret him. If USA doesn’t win a men’s relay next year in Barcelona those who have criticized him will the first to use many handkerchiefs.
When I see Peyton Manning in third I laugh but I’m not American. You have so many incredible champions in USA who have been fantastic this year and who could be in this list like Lindsey Vonn, LeBron James, Missy Franklin, Serena Williams, the American women’s basketball team, the American women’s 4X100 relay on track and field, Aries Merritt, Ashton Eaton or Allyson Felix.
But I’m pleased to see Michael in first.

Rafael
Reply to  bobo gigi
11 years ago

The three reyales, the IM and the fly lost their main power, not only in the time he could deliver but thr inspiration he gave the team. Don´t see any guy replacing that (Hansen could, but I don´t think he will be on 2016) and only on Barcelona we will see if anyone can fill his shoes (not on swim level, that´s impossible, but as the guy who will motivate the team and you could be sure he will always deliver)

Liliana
11 years ago

He should have been SI athlete of the year too…

liquidassets
11 years ago

Pleasantly surprised here on the well-deserved honor!! I thought Douglas or Bolt would get the popular vote.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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