Jason Lezak Surprisingly Guides Michael Phelps Into Olympic History

Michael Phelps has his eight gold medals and has made Olympic history that may never be equaled. But Jason Lezak is the surprise and deserving star of the Beijing Olympics.

Jason Lezak

With the swimming competition now over and Phelps’ every move documented and dramatized, Lezak remains the teammate who made it possible.

Earlier in the competition, Lezak overtook French team anchor and world champion Alain Bernard in the final 25 meters to give Phelps his second gold medal while recording the fastest 100-meter freestyle split in history (46.06) and completing the Americans’ world-record effort.

Lezak also anchored the gold medal-winning U.S. Team in the 4×100 medley relay, allowing Phelps to complete his gold medal quest.

It was likely Lezak’s final Olympic performance, and while Phelps will reap the financial rewards, Lezak will be a little like cyclist George Hincapie.

Hincapie was the only cyclist who rode as a teammate on all of Armstrong’s seven overall victories at the Tour de France. Hincapie had his moments, including a stage win. But it was Hincapie who often catapulted Armstrong into a position to claim a win.

And it’s these kinds of athletes who should be revered.