# Celebrated Athletes Michael Phelps Named Sportsman of the Year by SI By Ayman | Published 2008-12-02 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michale-phelps-sports-illustrated-2009-sposrtsman-of-the-year References: [sportsillustrated.cnn](http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/magazine/specials/sportsman/2008/12/01/sportsman.2008/) Michael Phelps, one of the most high-profile athletes in 2008, has been named Sportsman of the Year by [Sports Illustrated](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-and-sports-illustrated). No one can argue with SI’s choice, as Michael Phelps has arguably helped [NBC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yes-chef-meal-kit) to record ratings and revive interest in the [sport of swimming](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-athletic) after making history at the Beijing Olympic Games by winning 8 gold medals. Seven of these wins also set new world records. “It is so obvious that he changed not only swimming, but the entire Olympic landscape,” Sports Illustrated Group editor Terry McDonell said of Phelps. He explained that the selection of Michael Phelps was “the easiest choice I have made.” ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 15% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Record-breaking Performances:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new technologies and training methods to help athletes break records and achieve unprecedented performance. - **Reviving Interest in Sports:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create engaging content and immersive experiences that attract new audiences and rekindle interest in traditional sports. - **Changing the Olympic Landscape:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative events and formats to the Olympics to enhance entertainment value and global appeal. ### Where This Applies - **Sports Technology:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced sports equipment and wearable technology that enhance athletic performance. - **Media and Entertainment:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create interactive and personalized sports content to engage and entertain viewers. - **Event Management:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Reinvent the way sporting events are organized and executed to enhance the spectator experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Empowering Female Athlete Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-and-sports-illustrated.md) - [Youth Athlete-Celebrating Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exceptional-high-school-athletes.md) - [Athlete-Honoring Limited Beer Cans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelob-ultra-1.md) - [Multifaceted Swimsuit Cover Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sports-illustrated-swimsuit-1.md) - [Thematic Athlete-Celebrating Dairy Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dairy-commercial.md) - [Historic Athlete Cereal Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheaties-century-box.md) - [Exclusive Olympic Beer Sponsors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/michelob-ultras.md) - [Pole Vaulter-Approved Timepieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/omega-seamaster-aqua-terra.md) - [Athlete-Inspired AI Brand Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/angelai.md)