The legends

Olympics churn out sporting legends by the bagful. Some because they break through from amongst a sea of mediocrity (think Abhinav Bindra) and some that step up to racism and apartheid ( go Jesse Owens). Then there are some who overcome physical handicap (Oscar Pritorius) and some who blaze a trail (Usain Bolt). However, standing atop the heap of these are people who won and won big for a long time. They are the best decorated Olympic athletes of all time and synonymous with the prime physical and mental prowess of mankind. I talk about men and women who won more than 8 olympic gold medals in their glittering careers.

Numero uno is Micahael Phelps with 14 (a total of 16). Does he really belong to the homo sapiens species or the Pisces? 2012 would be his last games in the pool and one wouldn't count against him bettering the mark beyond surpass able limits.  Swim Michael swim.

Next on the list is Larisa Latynina with 9 (a total of 18). The most decorated Olympian of all time. She dominated the gymnastics for three successive games and was instrumental in establishing the Soviet Union's reign in the discipline. While many remember Comaneci's perfect ten, Larissa outguns her in terms of pure numbers.

Up next is the flying Finn, Paavo Nurmi with 9 (a total of 12). Probably the best long distance runner the games has seen. His career cut short after being barred to compete because he turned professional. His statue adorns the Helsinki Olympic stadium and that is more than deserving.

Mark Spitz with 9 (and a total of 11) comes down the line. In 1972 at Munich, he won seven golds in the pool, all of them in world record times,a feat unlikely to be equaled. Spitz retired at 22 at the height of his achievements. He adorned the default swimming legend tag till Phelps came along.

Carl Lewis with 9 ( and a total of 10) round the list up. Probably the athlete of the 20th century with a stranglehold not just on the 100m, 200m individuals and relays but an accomplished long jumper as well.  The first to run the 100m in sub 10s timings for low altitudes, he still serves as a beacon for generations of sprinters after him.

Will we see another legend emerge in London 2012, one who can break the barriers of pain and standard human capability to enter the above list. Wishful thinking? But then that's what makes legends.