Michael Phelps Is Going To Race A Great White Shark

Imagine being that good at something that you get bored of competing against other people and instead take on a wild animal.

That's the reality for 23 Olympic gold medal-winning Michael Phelps. He's taking on the challenge as part of the Discovery Channel's 'Shark Week'.

Apparently, the American's top speed in water is six miles per hour, while a great white can reach 25mph. However, I guess the fact that Phelps knows it's a race and the shark doesn't gives him a bit of an advantage.

_{Credit: PA Images}

According to the Washington Post, it's still not entirely clear what the rules for such an unprecedented competition will be, but the amazing feat is set to be aired in late July.

In the announcement about this rather unique test of physicality and sporting prowess a channel spokesperson merely said, "They are one of the fastest and most efficient predators on the planet: Sharks. He is our greatest champion to ever get in the water: Michael Phelps. 39 world records. 23 Olympic golds.

"But he has one competition left to win. An event so monumental no one has ever attempted it before. The world's most decorated athlete takes on the ocean's most efficient predator: Phelps V Shark - the race is on!"

Credit: PA Images

Tooni Mahto, from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, told BBC Radio 5 live: "It is a forgone conclusion as to who is going to come out on top".

However, she added: "We can all be fairly certain it's not going to be Michael Phelps versus a great white shark in an Olympic-size swimming pool.

"I'm assuming it's going to be looking at the human body in water compared to a creature that's evolved over millions of years and is perfectly adapted to its marine environment."

_{Phelps versus shark, who've you got? Image: PA}

Discovery claim that the Olympian will learn 'how to stay calm when a hammerhead swims two feet above his face'. Based on his Instagram post it looks like he's already got pretty close:

'Phelps v Shark: Great Gold v Great White' will be on Discovery Channel's 'Shark Week' which starts on 23 July.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: olympics, shark

Mel Ramsay

Mel Ramsay has been a Senior Journalist for Tyla and LADbible since 2015. She started her career writing obituaries and funeral guides online. Since then, her work has been published in a wide variety of national and local news sites. She is part of the BBC's Generation project and has spoken about young people, politics and mental health on television, radio and online. Contact her - [email protected]

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