Last week, viewers across the world awaited the results of the much-hyped race between Michael Phelps and a Great White 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.
I’m not sure why I thought Michael Phelps was going to race side by side next to a great white but I’m still very disappointed
— Brittany Ferguson (@bfergs23) July 25, 2017
When you find out that Michael Phelps isn’t actually racing an actual shark pic.twitter.com/6KwHGaWXc9
— t (@tatummowery) July 24, 2017
So you mean to tell me Michael Phelps didn’t even race a real shark? It was just a simulation. pic.twitter.com/TEHM3kX8Ae
— tabitha marie (@_tabbycakes) July 24, 2017
America’s collective disappointment when we realized that #PhelpsVsShark is all just science and simulations: pic.twitter.com/bTww7dAWm3
— Lindsey Barr (@simply_lindsey) July 24, 2017
When u realize Phelps isn’t actually racing side by side with a great white shark… #SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/popKv38jba
— Michael Pezzetta (@mpezzetta13) July 24, 2017
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.
When Michael Phelps said he was gonna race a shark this is how I pictured it happening #SharkWeek pic.twitter.com/GiEfJssNhL
— Ryan Homler (@RHomler) July 24, 2017
Turns out “Michael Phelps races a shark” was really just “Michael Phelps swims alone and then compares his time to a shark’s time.”
— Gary Parrish (@GaryParrishCBS) July 24, 2017
Michael Phelps not PHYSICALLY racing a shark but still having a tv special is equal to having a meeting when it coulda been an email :/
— MacKenzie Huneke (@Huenke) July 24, 2017
Still laughing at the fact that people really thought Michael Phelps was gonna be racing a Great White Shark side by side. #YallAreWild
— Theee (@bernieeemacshow) July 26, 2017
I wish people were half as outraged with America’s fake president as they are with Michael Phelps’ fake shark.
— andy lassner (@andylassner) July 24, 2017
If you think I’m about to waste an hour of my life watching Michael Phelps race a shark then you’re absolutely correct
— Emily Arrowood (@emilyaarrowood) July 24, 2017
We live in a world where humans thought that Michael Phelps was actually going to race a real shark. We are doomed as a species.
— Kyle (@The_Kylo) July 25, 2017
Producer: Want to race a shark
Michael phelps: Yes
*day of the race*
Michael Phelps from his race car: Wait in the water???— Jack The Jew (@okimstillhungry) July 24, 2017
Great White: 36.1 seconds
Michael Phelps: 38.1 seconds
Me when my foot touches seaweed/anything: 22.6 seconds
— Jake (@JacobEStewart) July 24, 2017
I want to see Michael Phelps race Theon Greyjoy #GameofThrones
— Tyrion Lannister (@GoT_Tyrion) July 24, 2017
Me pretending to be ok with Michael Phelps not racing a real shark pic.twitter.com/QnCF98NfBB
— Gabi Palamone (@Yo_Gabi_Gabi__) July 24, 2017
This month on the Discovery Channel:
Michael Phelps races a shark.
Usain Bolt races a cheetah.
Conor McGregor fights a bear.
— James Breakwell (@XplodingUnicorn) July 24, 2017
Michael Phelps – I’m not racing in 2020 in Tokyo, I’m retired
Also Michael Phelps – I’m so bored in retirement I’m gonna race a shark pic.twitter.com/U7EZO6LPCi
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) July 24, 2017
And finally, a response from the man himself:
Rematch? Next time..warmer water. #SW30 @Discovery @SharkWeek
— Michael Phelps (@MichaelPhelps) July 24, 2017
Fortunately for you, through Shark Zone you can get up-close-and-personal with a REAL Great White Shark, not the CGI-generated kind. We offer adrenalin-pumping shark cage diving in Cape Town, Gansbaai and Mossel Bay at the best available price. Find out more about booking a trip through us by exploring our website, or simply email info@sharkzone.co.za or call +27 82 894 4979 right now!
Image Credit: SB Nation