In an attempt to quell my own curiosity I sent out a survey to about 100 individuals age ranging from 14-60. Interestingly, age didnt seem to skew the answers at all.

1. Did you know who Michael Phelps was before the Olympics started this year?

85.4% YES

16.7% NO

2. Why do you find Phelps so fascinating (rank answers)

                                                Most                                     Sort of                        Least

his calorie intake                      16.7%                                  45.8%                          37.5%

his physique                             15.8%                                  47.4%                          36.8%

his performance                       87.2%                                 7.7%                            5.1%

his age                                    15.4%                                   53.8%                           30.8%

amount of money he will make from endorsements

                                                4.3%                                     52.2%                         43.5%

I don’t find him fascinating     26.7%                                   0.0%                             73.3% 

3. What inspires you about Phelps?

His performance                        70.8%

His dedication                            39.6%

His focus                                   35.4%

I am not inspired by him             8.3%

4. Do you think Phelps can make swimming as popular as Lance made cycling?           

YES                                              58.3%

NO                                               22.9%

NOT SURE                                    18.8%