Michael Phelps vs Shark: The Best Reactions To An Epic Event

Last week, viewers across the world awaited the results of the much-hyped race between Michael Phelps and a Great White Shark.

Michael Phelps vs Shark

 

The Shark Week TV event – entitled “Phelps vs. Shark: Great Gold vs. Great White –  conjured visions of the 23-time Olympian climbing into a pool with a giant 300-toothed killing machine.

To the dismay of millions, 57 minutes into the hour-long episode, ecologist Tristan Gutteridge informed viewers, “Clearly, we can’t put Michael in one lane and a white shark in the far lane. We’re gonna have to do a simulation.”

And while this was obviously the only logical (and non-life threatening) outcome – many viewers were left less than impressed.

So, instead of Phelps and a shark swimming side by side, somewhere off the coast of South Africa, the Olympic superstar jumped into the 13°C water wearing a wetsuit and attempted to race a computer-generate, superimposed Great White Shark over a distance of 100 metres.

The results of the race were equally disappointing, with the CGI-generated “shark” completing the race in 36.1 seconds, and the Phelps coming in last with a time of 38.1 seconds.

Along with collective disappointment and irrational anger, Twitter users displayed vast array of emotions – most of which are too hilarious not to share.

And finally, a response from the man himself:

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Image Credit: SB Nation