Michael Phelps vs. Einstein: Whose 'Best in Field' Should We Admire?

Most Olympic champions are better at their sport than the average person is at their best. However, comparing the achievements of a swimmer like Michael Phelps to those of a theoretical physicist like Albert Einstein is a challenging task. While it is difficult to directly compare apples to oranges, statisticians have attempted such analyses. Let's explore this intriguing discussion and delve into the differences between Michael Phelps and Albert Einstein in their respective fields.

Donald Bradman, a legendary Australian cricketer, holds the record for the greatest batting average of all time, an impressive 99.94. According to Charles Davis, a statistician who attempted to quantify sporting excellence, Bradman's exploit is nearly impossible to match. For instance, to achieve a batting score of 4.4, a hypothetical basketball player would need to average 43 points per game, a feat that is significantly beyond the capabilities of the current NBA record holder, LeBron James.

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, also boasts an impressive string of achievements. However, can we compare his swimming prowess to the groundbreaking contributions made by Einstein in the realm of theoretical physics? The answer is subjective and intriguing.

Comparing Achievements: Davis's Statistical Approach

Using Charles Davis's method, we can see how Phelps compares to other stars in his field. Davis calculated a number that represents how far an athlete stands out from their contemporaries. Sir Donald Bradman scored 4.4 on this metric, which is vastly beyond the capabilities of even the best baseball players. For a basketball player to achieve the same score, they would need to average nearly 43 points per game, an incredible feat far beyond current NBA records.

Michael Phelps, while also a world-class swimmer, would score significantly lower on Davis's scale. However, it is worth noting that comparing athletes across different sports is inherently challenging. Phelps's achievements in swimming are undeniably remarkable, but they exist within a framework of clear rules and regulations, whereas Einstein's contributions to theoretical physics required a reimagining of the foundational principles of the universe.

Subjectivity and Context

The performance of an individual can be significantly influenced by the availability of competitors. Phelps's dominance in his field of swimming is a testament to the talent and dedication he has exhibited, but it is also a product of the highly competitive and organized world of sports. In contrast, Einstein's work represented a revolution in the way we understand the universe, fundamentally altering the rules of the game in a way that transcends mere competition.

Furthermore, the nature of their pursuits differs vastly. Einstein's theories required a profound shift in thought and understanding, whereas Phelps excelled within the boundaries of clear and established rules. Michael Phelps is the best in the moment of competition, whereas Einstein's theories endured and evolved over a lifetime, influencing generations of scientists and thinkers.

Conclusion: A Matter of Perspective

While both Michael Phelps and Albert Einstein have excelled in their respective fields, it is clear that their achievements represent different forms of excellence. Einstein's work fundamentally shaped our understanding of the universe, while Phelps's accomplishments underline the human potential to excel in sports.

Ultimately, the comparison is subjective and depends on the criteria used to measure excellence. Whether we admire the individual who broke boundaries in theoretical physics or the athlete who broke world records, each represents a unique form of greatness. Both inspire and challenge us to think beyond the ordinary and push the limits of what we believe is possible.