I knew it was bound to happen. He has girls chasing after him left and right, and he has become several millions of dollars richer since he broke nearly every Olympic record. He got invited to all the cool parties, with practically an endless posse of friends. His life was just too perfect.
Of course I’m referring to Michael Phelps, whose picture has been all over the news this past week for his naughty behavior of smoking marijuana at a South Carolina party after the Beijing Olympics. He has been dropped by one of his million dollar endorsements, Kellogg, and he has been suspended from USA Swimming for three months. On the one hand, I do feel bad for the guy because this fame was thrust in his face, practically without his permission; he can’t help the fact that he is ridiculously talented in the pool.
However, when you are given a gift/talent such as his, and you showcase it to the world in a high profile event such as the Olympics, you must know that you are bound to attract some publicity. I know it must be hard to always be in the limelight and try to be on your best behavior at all times. But Phelps has now tarnished his image as he is seen by the American people, and even by the world.
Michael Phelps has been a hero figure to the world ever since he shattered his Olympic records, but his hero image is now tarnished by one single picture. I think we should look at this example as a reminder that we are being judged every day, even when we think no one is looking. I’m sure Michael Phelps did not ask someone to take his picture smoking weed. But that did not stop someone from doing it, and it did not stop the British newspaper from printing the photograph.
As we begin our job search, we should remember to always put forth a good image. Media such as Facebook makes it increasingly easier for our future employees to see how we behave outside of the professional arena. And if we are not careful, our youthful mistakes could cost us a job opportunity.
I think Michael Phelps is a good guy, deep down, and he just made a mistake. After all, he is only human. Hopefully, he will learn from this mistake and will continue to be a role model for us.
You are right that students about to enter the job market should treat this as a cautionary tale. The line between private and public has been blurred.