Men's freestyle & women's

breaststroke, that's what count most in swimming. Look at track & field, men's 100m is the most important event, the champion will be called the fastest man in the world. Other events are just one of 50 maybe. When you talk about the signifigance, you really have to compare the events. In my opinion, talking about men's swimming, 100m and 200m freestyle are the most important ones to compare. Therefore, Phelps is a good kid with great potential, but he is not there yet. Popov was the best before his injury. And now, since Pieter doesn't attend lots of matches, and Ian won today, I would say he's the best right now.