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Michael Phelps Finally Raced A Shark But Some Viewers Weren't Happy

Michael Phelps Finally Raced A Shark But Some Viewers Weren't Happy

Viewers accused him of not actually racing a shark.

James Dawson

James Dawson

Viewers were left disappointed for more reason than one when 28-time Olympic medallist Michael Phelps raced - and lost out to - a shark overnight.

Not only did Phelps get beat by two seconds in the 100m race, viewers also accused him of not racing a shark at all, as it emerged that the Olympian's opponent was a simulated CGI great white and not a real one.

Watch the race and make your own mind up whether it's bullshit here:

Credit: Discovery Channel

Phelps, who was swimming with the aid of a special fish-styled suit and a shark-like fin, registered a time of 38.1 seconds while the 'shark' managed 36.1 seconds.

The event was held to launch the Discovery Channel's annual TV Shark Week but some on social media were quick to criticise the much hyped event as a farce after the 32-year-old American swimmer lost out to a 'hologram'.

Here's what Twitter had to say about the whole thing:

Rather than pit the two against each other in a straight up race, the Discovery Channel team calculated a great white's speed over the distance prior to Phelps taking to the water. They then superimposed footage of a shark as Phelps swam.

Admittedly, this still gives you a good indication of how the race would have played out, but it takes away from the sense of danger - who knows, had Phelps been racing an actual great white, perhaps the very real chance of him being eaten alive might have inspired him to victory.

"Honestly, the first thought that went through my head when I saw the shark, there's probably very little chance for me to beat him,' said Phelps said after the race. "They swim so fast, it's almost like a bullet.

"I don't like taking silver medals but I'll take one against a Great White," he added.

Alongside the 'shark race', Phelps will also make an appearance on the network's 'Shark School with Michael Phelps' on July 30.

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Topics: shark

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