Frog in a well

Trans-Pacific phone call, circa 2004, Caller 1 is in the North-east United States. Caller 2 is in South-east Australia.

Caller 1: "Have you been watching the Olympics?
Caller 2: "Yes, everyday."
Caller 1: "I am getting tired of constantly hearing about one athlete, as if he is the only one participating in the Games".
Caller 2: "I know. I am sick of it, too."
Caller 1: "I am beginning to OD on Michael Phelps. Everytime I turn on the TV it is Michael Phelps-this, Michael Phelps-that."
Caller 2: "Huh? Who is Michael Phelps? Over here the only person who seems to exist is Ian Thorpe. Everyday it is Ian Thorpe-this, Ian Thorpe-that!"
Caller 1: "Huh? Who is Ian Thorpe? Haven't you heard about Phelps?"
Caller 2: "No. Haven't you heard about Thorpe?"
Caller 1: "No. Michael Phelps is trying to win 8 gold medals. Haven't they talked about that in Australia?"
Caller 2: "No, not really. Ian Thorpe is trying to win the 100-200-400 freestyle trifecta. Haven't you heard of that?"
Caller 1: "No!"

And on and on it went...

During the 2004 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps's quest for 8 gold medals occupied the interest of the news media in the US. The impression I got was that his name was on everyone's lips around the world. Now I know better.

This year, the swimmer, still just 23 years of age, is aiming for 8 gold medals once again. Can he do it? Eric Adleson tries to go behind the quest and demonstrates how hard it really is going to be for Phelps. And if he does win 8 golds, the real question will be - will the rest of the world even know he achieved that feat?