The sporting fraternity might be hailing American swimmer Michael Phelps as the greatest Olympian, but famous British sprinter Linford Christie feels otherwise.

Christie, an Olympic gold medallist, said American sprinter Carl Lewis, with whom he shared a rivalry, was the greatest Olympian ever. In fact, Phelps with his tally of eleven gold medals, surpassed Lewis. The US sprinter had nine gold medals along with erstwhile USSR gymnast Larisa Latynina, Finnish athlete Paavo Nurmi and US swimmer Mark Spitz.

"I dont think Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian because fewer athletes take part in swimming as compared to athletics. I feel Lewis was the greatest Olympian the world ever saw," said Christie, who will be the guest anchor for a special Olympic programme on news channel NewsX.

"More people run than swim," he added.

Christie emerged the fastest man in 1992 Barcelona Games, winning the showpiece 100-metre race. He also won silver medals in Seoul Olympics in 100 metres and 4X100 metres relay.

Source : MMD English