If you make a young, rich, famous, talented in athletics man your hero, or hero for your kids you are setting them up for a let down. I am not disappointed in Phelps. I don't condone drug use or partying. Not even in the college days when partying is socially acceptable. More than that I do not condone making a hero out of people because they excel in athletics.
What is it that you want your kid to imitate? Swimming the majority of your week? Swimming really fast? What do we really know about him anyway?
It is not a big deal to me that he got caught doing what he was doing. People make mistakes. I am more disappointed in people who expect him to be a role model for their kids. That is a mindset that should be changed. Find someone in your kids life to be their role model. Surround your children with family and other adults who can provide a real flesh and blood example for them.
Mentors make much better role models than celebrities.
For fans of Phelps (or former fans): What has changed for you? You learned that he makes mistakes and apologizes for them. If anything it should be nice to know more of a human side to someone. If you are a fan of athletics and are under the assumption your favorite athlete is squeaky clean, you are probably wrong.
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"Mentors make better role models than celebrities." I cannot affirm this strongly enough. So very, very true.
http://www.slate.com/id/2210441/
This article has the answer to the question we are all thinking.
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