With the curtains closing on the 2012 London Olympics, it’s impossible not to look back and reflect on the greatest performances by Olympic athletes.

The Olympics have many memorable moments and athletes we’ll remember by name alone. The list is quite big. Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt are the latest addition to this list of the bests. They made London Olympics stand apart. If there is any question like this: “What is the standout performance of London 2012?” perhaps the answer is “The London Games gave us Michael Phelps vs. Usain Bolt.” The first one is an already decorated Olympian, who put the finishing touches on his great athletic careers. And another came up with a new definition of fast. Two of the most popular Olympic sports, sprinting and swimming, saw their two biggest stars captivating audiences. They’d also domi-nated the 2008 Beijing Games, but Phelps and Bolt cemented their legacies in London. Phelps, the American swimmer, passed gymnast Larissa Latynia for the most Olympic medals ever. Bolt was the third man to repeat as a 100-meter gold medalist and the first as a 200-meter gold medalist, and he broke his own Olym-pic record by running the 100 meter in 9.63 seconds. Once Phelps and Bolt were back in their pool and track, the story lines changed.

Phelps is the most-decorated Olympian ever, with 22 overall medals: 18 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze. Bolt is the most accomplished Olympic sprinter with the unprecedented double, making clear that he’s the fastest man in the world.

But there’s a debate: Who had the better Olympics? It’d be tough to top Phelps’ eight gold medals in Beijing, but what if we’re only talking London?

London was Phelps’ grand finale. He won four golds and two silvers in seven events, and he says he’ll never race again.

London was Bolt’s chance to prove he’s still the greatest. Bolt won six gold medals in six Olympic finals. He is the first man ever in the history of the modern Games to sweep the 100 and 200 in back-to-back Olympics. Not to mention the addition of back-to-back relay golds.

And Bolt became a legend, in his own words. Phelps already was. Bolt is just 25 years old, so there is no telling how long he can be on top of the sprinting world. What if he decides to “retire” from sprinting to focus on the 400 meters, just to break another world record or two? It would be amazing and entirely possible for him to accomplish.

Who had the better 2012 Games? You tell us, let the debate begin.

Bangla Translation: ২০১২ সালের লন্ডন অলিম্পিক পর্দা নামানোর সঙ্গে সঙ্গে পিছনে ফিরে তাকানো এবং অলিম্পিক ক্রীড়াবিদদের অসাধারণ পারফরম্যান্স নিয়ে চিন্তা করা অসম্ভব নয়।

অলিম্পিকে এমন অনেক স্মরণীয় মুহূর্ত রয়েছে, আর এমন অনেক ক্রীড়াবিদ আছেন যাদের নাম আমরা কখনো ভুলব না। এই তালিকা বেশ দীর্ঘ। মাইকেল ফেল্পস এবং উসাইন বোল্ট এই তালিকায় সর্বশেষ সংযোজন। তারা লন্ডন অলিম্পিককে বিশেষ করে তুলেছিল। যদি প্রশ্ন ওঠে,লন্ডন ২০১২এর সবচেয়ে স্মরণীয় পারফরম্যান্স কী?” তাহলে হয়তো উত্তর হবে,লন্ডন গেমস আমাদের উপহার দিয়েছে মাইকেল ফেল্পস বনাম উসাইন বোল্ট।

একজন অলিম্পিকে আগেই কিংবদন্তি হয়ে গিয়েছিলেন এবং নিজের অসাধারণ ক্রীড়াজীবনের শেষ অধ্যায় লিখলেন। আর অন্যজন গতি সম্পর্কে নতুন সংজ্ঞা দিলেন। অলিম্পিকের সবচেয়ে জনপ্রিয় দুটি খেলাস্প্রিন্টিং এবং সাঁতারএই দুই তারকার জন্য দর্শকদের মুগ্ধ করেছিল। তারা ২০০৮ সালের বেইজিং অলিম্পিকেও আধিপত্য বিস্তার করেছিলেন, কিন্তু লন্ডনে এসে তারা নিজেদের উত্তরাধিকারের সুনিশ্চিত করেন।

আমেরিকান সাঁতারু ফেল্পস, অলিম্পিক ইতিহাসে সবচেয়ে বেশি পদক জয়ের নতুন রেকর্ড গড়লেন, যেখানে তিনি সোভিয়েত জিমন্যাস্ট লারিসা লাতিনিনার রেকর্ড ভেঙে দিলেন। অন্যদিকে, বোল্ট তৃতীয় ব্যক্তি হিসেবে ১০০ মিটারে পরপর দুবার স্বর্ণপদক জিতলেন এবং প্রথম ব্যক্তি হিসেবে ২০০ মিটারে একই কৃতিত্ব দেখালেন। তিনি নিজের ১০০ মিটারের অলিম্পিক রেকর্ড ভেঙে .৬৩ সেকেন্ডে দৌড় শেষ করলেন। একবার ফেল্পস বোল্ট তাদের ট্র্যাক সুইমিং পুলে নামলেন, তখন থেকেই গল্পের মোড় বদলে গেল।

ফেল্পস অলিম্পিক ইতিহাসের সবচেয়ে সফল ক্রীড়াবিদ, যার মোট ২২টি পদক রয়েছে: ১৮টি স্বর্ণ, ২টি রৌপ্য ২টি ব্রোঞ্জ। অন্যদিকে, বোল্ট ইতিহাসের সবচেয়ে সফল অলিম্পিক স্প্রিন্টার, যার অনন্য ডাবল চ্যাম্পিয়নশিপ নিশ্চিত করেছে যে তিনিই বিশ্বের দ্রুততম মানব।

কিন্তু বিতর্ক রয়েই গেল: কে লন্ডন অলিম্পিকে সেরা ছিলেন?

ফেল্পসের আটটি স্বর্ণপদক জয় করা বেইজিং অলিম্পিককে ছাপিয়ে যাওয়া কঠিন, তবে যদি শুধু লন্ডনের কথা বলি?

লন্ডন ছিল ফেল্পসের বিদায়ী মঞ্চ। তিনি সাতটি ইভেন্টে অংশ নিয়ে চারটি স্বর্ণ দুটি রৌপ্যপদক জিতলেন এবং ঘোষণা দিলেন যে তিনি আর কখনো প্রতিযোগিতামূলক সাঁতারে ফিরবেন না।

লন্ডন ছিল বোল্টের জন্য প্রমাণ করার জায়গা যে তিনি এখনো সর্বশ্রেষ্ঠ। তিনি ছয়টি অলিম্পিক ফাইনালে অংশ নিয়ে ছয়টি স্বর্ণ জিতেছেন। তিনি প্রথম ব্যক্তি যিনি টানা দুই অলিম্পিকে ১০০ ২০০ মিটার দৌড়ে চ্যাম্পিয়ন হলেন। এর সঙ্গে যোগ হলো টানা দুবার রিলে স্বর্ণপদক জয়ের কীর্তি।

এবং বোল্ট নিজেই বললেন,আমি এখন একজন কিংবদন্তি। ফেল্পস তো আগেই ছিলেন।

বোল্ট তখন মাত্র ২৫ বছর বয়সী ছিলেন, তাই বলা মুশকিল তিনি কতদিন স্প্রিন্টের রাজা হিসেবে রাজত্ব করবেন। যদি তিনি স্প্রিন্ট থেকেঅবসরনিয়ে ৪০০ মিটারে মনোযোগ দেন, তাহলে কি তিনি আরও একদুইটি বিশ্ব রেকর্ড গড়তে পারবেন না? সেটা অসাধারণ হবে এবং সম্ভব বলেই মনে হয়।

তাহলে কে ২০১২ অলিম্পিকে সেরা ছিলেন? আপনার মতামত কী? বিতর্ক শুরু হোক!

Word

Bangla

Synonyms

Antonyms

Curtain (n)

পর্দা, সমাপ্তি

End, conclusion

Beginning,             start

Reflect (v)

প্রতিফলিত হওয়া, চিন্তা করা

Consider, ponder

Ignore, disregard

Memorable (adj)

স্মরণীয়, মনে রাখার মতো

Unforgettable, remarkable

Forgettable, ordinary

Athlete (n)

ক্রীড়াবিদ

Sportsman, competitor

Sprinting (n)

দ্রুত দৌড়ানো

Running fast, racing

Walking, jogging

Swimming (n)

সাঁতার কাটা

Aquatic sport, floating

Captivating (adj)

আকর্ষণীয়, মোহিত করে এমন

Fascinating, enthralling

Boring, dull

Legacy (n)

উত্তরাধিকার, ঐতিহ্য

Heritage, achievement

Neglect, loss

Decorated (adj)

সম্মানিত, অলংকৃত

Honored, awarded

Undistinguished, unrecognized

Medalist (n)

পদকপ্রাপ্ত ক্রীড়াবিদ

Champion, winner

Loser, non-achiever

Unprecedented (adj)

নজিরবিহীন, অতুলনীয়

Unique, unparalleled

Common, usual

Accomplished (adj)

কৃতিত্বপূর্ণ, দক্ষ

Skilled, successful

Incompetent, unskilled

Finale (n)

সমাপ্তি, শেষ পর্ব

Conclusion, ending

Beginning, opening

Relay (n)

রিলে দৌড়, প্রতিস্থাপন

Team race, succession

Standalone, individual race

Legend (n)

কিংবদন্তি, মহান ব্যক্তিত্ব

Icon, myth

Unknown, ordinary person

Debate (n)

বিতর্ক, আলোচনার বিষয়

Discussion, argument

Agreement, consensus

Possible (adj)

সম্ভব, সম্ভাব্য

Feasible, achievable

Impossible, unlikely

A. Choose the correct answer from the alternatives.

  1. What is the primary focus of the passage?
    Comparing Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt’s performances in the 2012 London Olympics
    ii. The history of the Olympics
    iii. A review of the 2012 London Olympics
    iv. Michael Phelps’ career
  2. Who are the two athletes discussed in the passage?
    Michael Phelps and Carl Lewis
    ii. Usain Bolt and Larissa Latynina
    iii. Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt
    iv. Usain Bolt and Tyson Gay
  3. Which Olympics is referred to as Michael Phelps’ “grand finale”?
    Beijing 2008
    ii. London 2012
    iii. Rio 2016
    iv. Sydney 2000
  4. What is the standout performance of London 2012 according to the passage?
    Michael Phelps vs. Usain Bolt
    ii. Michael Phelps’ 8 gold medals
    iii. Usain Bolt’s world record
    iv. The British athletes’ victories
  5. What record did Usain Bolt break in the 2012 London Olympics?
    200-meter world record
    ii. 100-meter Olympic record
    iii. 400-meter world record
    iv. 100-meter world record
  6. How many gold medals did Michael Phelps win in the 2012 London Olympics?
    4
    ii. 6
    iii. 8
    iv. 2
  7. How many Olympic medals does Michael Phelps have overall?
    18
    ii. 22
    iii. 12
    iv. 24
  8. What is Usain Bolt’s distinction in Olympic sprinting?
    He is the fastest man in the world
    ii. He is the first man to win two 100-meter golds
    iii. He is the most decorated sprinter of all time
    iv. He is the first man to sweep the 100 and 200 meters in back-to-back Olympics
  9. What made the London 2012 Games special according to the passage?
    The rise of new stars
    ii. The performances of Phelps and Bolt
    iii. The number of records broken
    iv. The host country’s success
  10. What event is Bolt known for in the 2012 Olympics?
    100-meter and 200-meter sweeps
    ii. 400-meter gold
    iii. Relay bronze
    iv. 4×100-meter relay silver
  11. What was Phelps’ Olympic career achievement in London 2012?
    He retired
    ii. He won eight gold medals
    iii. He became the most decorated Olympian
    iv. He broke his own world record
  12. How many gold medals did Usain Bolt win in London 2012?
    4
    ii. 6
    iii. 8
    iv. 10
  13. How many Olympic events did Phelps compete in during the London 2012 Olympics?
    6
    ii. 7
    iii. 5
    iv. 10
  14. Who was the first man to repeat as a 100-meter gold medalist?
    Michael Phelps
    ii. Usain Bolt
    iii. Carl Lewis
    iv. Tyron Gay
  15. What did Usain Bolt say about himself after the London Games?
    He is the greatest swimmer of all time
    ii. He is a legend
    iii. He will retire from athletics
    iv. He will focus on the 400 meters
  16. Which medal did Michael Phelps win the least of in London 2012?
    Gold
    ii. Silver
    iii. Bronze
    iv. None
  17. What does the passage imply about Bolt’s potential future in sprinting?
    He will retire soon
    ii. He may move to the 400 meters
    iii. He will continue his current sprinting events
    iv. He will compete in the next Olympics only
  18. What was Bolt’s age during the London 2012 Olympics?
    30
    ii. 25
    iii. 27
    iv. 23
  19. Which Olympic event did Michael Phelps compete in the most during London 2012?
    100-meter
    ii. 200-meter
    iii. Relay events
    iv. 400-meter
  20. How many gold medals did Phelps win in the 2008 Beijing Olympics?
    4
    ii. 6
    iii. 8
    iv. 10
  21. What question does the passage raise at the end?
    Who is the greatest swimmer of all time?
    ii. Who had the better 2012 Olympics?
    iii. Who will retire first?
    iv. Who will win the next Olympics?
  22. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of Bolt’s achievements in London 2012?
    Winning six gold medals
    ii. Repeating as a 100-meter gold medalist
    iii. Breaking the 200-meter world record
    iv. Sweeping the 100 and 200 meters
  23. What did Bolt prove in London 2012?
    That he is the fastest sprinter in the world
    ii. That he can break world records
    iii. That he can repeat as an Olympic champion
    iv. All of the above
  24. What is the most significant question raised in the debate about who had the better Olympics?
    The number of medals won
    ii. The sports in which they competed
    iii. Whether Phelps or Bolt had a more impressive performance
    iv. The records set in the Games
  25. What makes Michael Phelps unique in Olympic history?
    His swimming technique
    ii. His unprecedented medal count
    iii. His rivalry with Bolt
    iv. His back-to-back golds
  26. What is Usain Bolt’s greatest achievement according to the passage?
    Winning six gold medals in six finals
    ii. Breaking world records in both 100m and 200m
    iii. Sweeping the 100 and 200 meters in back-to-back Olympics
    iv. Winning the 400-meter gold
  27. What would be an important factor in comparing their 2012 performances?
    The number of events they participated in
    ii. The level of competition
    iii. The records broken
    iv. The number of gold medals won
  28. What was Phelps’ result in London 2012?
    He won 6 gold and 2 silver medals
    ii. He won 4 gold and 2 silver medals
    iii. He won 8 gold medals
    iv. He won 6 gold medals
  29. Which of the following is an accurate description of Bolt’s Olympic sprinting career?
    He has the most Olympic medals in sprinting
    ii. He has the most gold medals in sprinting
    iii. He is the fastest man in the world
    iv. He is the oldest sprinter in Olympic history
  30. What is Bolt’s age during the 2012 Olympics?
    27
    ii. 32
    iii. 25
    iv. 28
  31. What major record did Bolt break during London 2012?
    The 200-meter Olympic record
    ii. The 100-meter world record
    iii. The 400-meter world record
    iv. The 4×100-meter relay record
  32. Who is the most decorated Olympian?
    Usain Bolt
    ii. Carl Lewis
    iii. Michael Phelps
    iv. Larissa Latynina
  33. What makes Bolt’s achievements in 2012 remarkable?
    His ability to win in every race
    ii. His historical double in the 100m and 200m
    iii. His new world records
    iv. His ability to break Phelps’ records
  34. What sport does Michael Phelps compete in?
    Sprinting
    ii. Swimming
    iii. Gymnastics
    iv. Decathlon
  35. How many Olympic finals did Bolt win gold medals in during London 2012?
    Four
    ii. Five
    iii. Six
    iv. Three
  36. What did Phelps and Bolt both prove in London 2012?
    They were still the best in their respective sports
    ii. They could both retire immediately
    iii. They were too old for the Olympics
    iv. They would not break any more records
  37. What did Phelps say about his future after the 2012 Olympics?
    He would retire from swimming
    ii. He would focus on the 200-meter race
    iii. He would break more records
    iv. He would compete in the next Olympics
  38. What event did Bolt break his own record in?
    100 meters
    ii. 200 meters
    iii. 400 meters
    iv. 4×100 meters
  39. What does the passage suggest about Usain Bolt’s future in sprinting?
    He will retire soon
    ii. He may switch to the 400 meters
    iii. He will continue sprinting for many years
    iv. He will retire after one more Olympics
  40. How did Usain Bolt’s performance compare to other sprinters in London 2012?
    He was faster than all other sprinters
    ii. He was not the fastest sprinter
    iii. He lost his gold medals
    iv. He was only able to win one gold
  41. What is a major factor in determining who had the better Olympics between Phelps and Bolt?
    The number of world records broken
    ii. The number of gold medals won
    iii. The number of Olympic events they participated in
    iv. Their rivalry in the Games
  42. Who dominated the Olympics in 2008?
    Michael Phelps
    ii. Usain Bolt
    iii. Both Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt
    iv. Neither of them
  43. How many medals did Bolt win in London 2012?
    4 gold
    ii. 6 gold
    iii. 2 silver
    iv. 4 silver
  44. How old was Usain Bolt during the London Olympics?
    23
    ii. 25
    iii. 30
    iv. 32
  45. What sport did Phelps compete in?
    Swimming
    ii. Track and Field
    iii. Gymnastics
    iv. Cycling
  46. How many times has Usain Bolt won the 100-meter gold in back-to-back Olympics?
    Once
    ii. Twice
    iii. Three times
    iv. Four times
  47. Which of the following describes Michael Phelps’ achievements?
    He broke his own record in the 100-meter race
    ii. He was the first swimmer to win four golds in one Olympics
    iii. He won 8 gold medals in Beijing
    iv. He won 4 silver medals in London
  48. What does the passage imply about Bolt’s legacy?
    He has reached his peak and will soon retire
    ii. He has not achieved anything extraordinary
    iii. He has solidified himself as one of the greatest sprinters
    iv. He is too young to be considered a legend
  49. How many Olympic medals has Usain Bolt won in total by the 2012 Games?
    5
    ii. 10
    iii. 8
    iv. 12
  50. Who was the most decorated Olympian in London 2012?
    Michael Phelps
    ii. Usain Bolt
    iii. Carl Lewis
    iv. Larissa Latynina
  51. What made the London Olympics “stand apart,” according to the passage?
    Record-breaking ticket sales
    ii. Michael Phelps vs. Usain Bolt
    iii. New sports introduced
    iv. The opening ceremony
  52. Which athlete is called “the most-decorated Olympian ever”?
    Usain Bolt
    ii. Larisa Latynina
    iii. Michael Phelps
    iv. Carl Lewis
  53. What did Usain Bolt achieve for the first time in Olympic history?
    Winning three gold medals in one Games
    ii. Sweeping the 100m and 200m in consecutive Olympics
    iii. Breaking the 400m world record
    iv. Competing in swimming and sprinting
  54. What was unique about Bolt’s 2012 Olympic performance?
    He won gold in the 400m
    ii. He broke the marathon record
    iii. He won six gold medals in six finals
    iv. He retired after the Games
  55. How many total Olympic medals did Michael Phelps win?
    18
    ii. 20
    iii. 22
    iv. 24
  56. How many gold medals did Phelps win in London (2012)?
    4
    ii. 6
    iii. 8
    iv. 2
  57. What was Usain Bolt’s time in the 100m final at London 2012?
    9.58 seconds
    ii. 9.63 seconds
    iii. 9.69 seconds
    iv. 9.72 seconds
  58. How many silver medals did Phelps win in London?
    0
    ii. 1
    iii. 2
    iv. 3
  59. Bolt won relay golds in which event(s)?
    4x100m only
    ii. 4x400m only
    iii. Both 4x100m and 4x400m
    iv. 4x100m in consecutive Olympics
  60. How many Olympic finals did Bolt compete in during 2012?
    3
    ii. 4
    iii. 6
    iv. 8
  61. What does “grand finale” refer to in the context of Phelps?
    His first Olympics
    ii. His retirement after London 2012
    iii. A new world record
    iv. His coaching career
  62. The phrase “cemented their legacies” means:
    Started new careers
    ii. Made their achievements unforgettable
    iii. Retired from sports
    iv. Changed their sports
  63. What does “unprecedented double” describe about Bolt?
    Winning 100m and 200m in two consecutive Olympics
    ii. Breaking two records in one day
    iii. Competing in swimming and sprinting
    iv. Winning six gold medals
  64. “Most-decorated Olympian” refers to:
    Having the most social media followers
    ii. Winning the highest number of medals
    iii. Being the oldest athlete
    iv. Competing in the most events
  65. What does “standout performance” imply?
    A controversial moment
    ii. An unforgettable achievement
    iii. A team effort
    iv. A disqualification
  66. Why does the passage compare Phelps and Bolt?
    They competed in the same sport
    ii. Both retired in 2012
    iii. They dominated their sports and defined the London Games
    iv. They are from the same country
  67. What does Bolt’s age (25) suggest about his future?
    He might switch to swimming
    ii. He could break more records
    iii. He will retire immediately
    iv. He will focus on coaching
  68. Why was London significant for Phelps?
    It was his first Olympics
    ii. He broke Bolt’s records
    iii. He ended his Olympic career there
    iv. He won only silver medals
  69. What does the debate “Who had the better Olympics?” highlight?
    Rivalry between swimming and sprinting
    ii. Subjective greatness in different sports
    iii. National pride
    iv. Gender equality
  70. How did Bolt prove himself in London?
    By retiring after the Games
    ii. By breaking the 400m record
    iii. By repeating his Beijing success and making history
    iv. By coaching other athletes
  71. Why might Bolt’s 100m time (9.63) be notable?
    It was slower than his Beijing time
    ii. It broke his own Olympic record
    iii. It was his first gold medal
    iv. It was a world record
  72. How did Phelps surpass Larisa Latynina?
    By winning more gold medals
    ii. By competing in more Olympics
    iii. By setting a new world record
    iv. By earning the most total medals
  73. What makes Bolt’s 200m victory unique?
    He was the youngest winner
    ii. He was the first to defend the title consecutively
    iii. He won by a record margin
    iv. He tied with another athlete
  74. Why does the author mention Bolt’s potential switch to the 400m?
    To criticize his career choices
    ii. To highlight his versatility
    iii. To suggest he is retiring
    iv. To compare him with Phelps
  75. What is the main theme of the passage?
    The decline of the Olympics
    ii. The rivalry between two athletes
    iii. The legacy of Phelps and Bolt in London 2012
    iv. The history of sprinting
  76. Which athlete had a higher medal count in London?
    Phelps (4 golds)
    ii. Bolt (3 golds)
    iii. Both won the same number
    iv. Bolt (6 golds)
  77. What record did Phelps break in London?
    Most gold medals in one Games
    ii. Most total Olympic medals
    iii. Fastest swimming time
    iv. Most relay medals
  78. What distinguishes Bolt from other sprinters?
    His height
    ii. His ability to defend 100m and 200m titles consecutively
    iii. His training routine
    iv. His nationality
  79. How many silver medals did Bolt win in London?
    0
    ii. 1
    iii. 2
    iv. 3
  80. What was Phelps’ final Olympic event?
    200m butterfly
    ii. 4x100m medley relay
    iii. 100m freestyle
    iv. 400m individual medley
  81. If Bolt switched to the 400m, what might happen?
    He would lose popularity
    ii. He could break more records
    iii. He would retire
    iv. He would join swimming
  82. What lesson can athletes learn from Phelps and Bolt?
    Specialization is key
    ii. Longevity and adaptability define greatness
    iii. Retire early to avoid failure
    iv. Avoid relays
  83. How did the London Olympics impact their legacies?
    It overshadowed their careers
    ii. It solidified their status as legends
    iii. It caused controversy
    iv. It reduced their fame
  84. What might a fan argue in the “Phelps vs. Bolt” debate?
    Phelps’ medal count is unmatched
    ii. Bolt’s dominance in sprinting is rarer
    iii. Both are equally great
    iv. All of the above
  85. Why are Phelps and Bolt called “legends”?
    They transcended their sports
    ii. They won only gold medals
    iii. They competed in multiple Olympics
    iv. They coached other athletes
  86. What does Bolt’s “back-to-back relay golds” emphasize?
    Teamwork
    ii. Individual brilliance
    iii. National dominance
    iv. Luck
  87. How does Phelps’ 2012 performance compare to Beijing?
    He won fewer golds but added to his legacy
    ii. He underperformed
    iii. He focused on new events
    iv. He retired mid-Games
  88. Why might Bolt’s achievements be considered “unprecedented”?
    No sprinter had defended both 100m and 200m titles twice
    ii. He won medals in three sports
    iii. He competed in five Olympics
    iv. He broke all existing records
  89. What societal impact did Phelps and Bolt have?
    They redefined excellence in sports
    ii. They reduced interest in the Olympics
    iii. They caused rule changes in their sports
    iv. They prioritized individual sports over teams
  90. What is the author’s tone toward Phelps and Bolt?
    Critical
    ii. Admiring
    iii. Neutral
    iv. Sarcastic
  91. What might Bolt’s future hold, according to the passage?
    Retirement from all sports
    ii. A switch to the 400m
    iii. Coaching Phelps
    iv. Politics
  92. How might history remember the 2012 Olympics?
    As the Games of Phelps and Bolt
    ii. As a poorly organized event
    iii. As the start of Bolt’s decline
    iv. As Phelps’ comeback
  93. What would make Bolt’s career “amazing,” per the passage?
    Breaking 400m records
    ii. Winning a marathon
    iii. Coaching future athletes
    iv. Retiring undefeated
  94. Why does the passage mention Phelps’ retirement?
    To contrast Bolt’s continuing career
    ii. To criticize his decision
    iii. To highlight his failures
    iv. To promote swimming
  95. What is the lasting legacy of London 2012?
    Technological advancements
    ii. The rise of new sports
    iii. Phelps and Bolt’s historic achievements
    iv. Environmental initiatives

B. Answer the following questions.

  1. Who are the two athletes mentioned as the greatest performers of the 2012 London Olympics?
  2. What is the standout performance of the London 2012 Olympics, according to the passage?
  3. How did Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt make the London Olympics stand apart?
  4. Which two Olympic sports did Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt dominate in 2012?
  5. Who was Michael Phelps’ biggest competition for the most Olympic medals?
  6. What was Michael Phelps’ record at the 2012 London Olympics?
  7. How many gold medals did Michael Phelps win in London?
  8. How many silver medals did Michael Phelps win in London?
  9. What was Usain Bolt’s Olympic achievement in the 100 meters at the 2012 London Olympics?
  10. How did Usain Bolt break his own Olympic record?
  11. Who was the third man to repeat as a 100-meter gold medalist?
  12. What other record did Usain Bolt break in London?
  13. How many Olympic gold medals did Usain Bolt win in London?
  14. How many Olympic events did Michael Phelps compete in during the London Games?
  15. What was unique about Usain Bolt’s performance in the 100 and 200 meters?
  16. How many Olympic finals did Usain Bolt win in London?
  17. How many relay gold medals did Usain Bolt win in London?
  18. What legacy did Michael Phelps cement in London?
  19. How old is Usain Bolt during the London Olympics, according to the passage?
  20. What is the major debate mentioned in the passage about the 2012 London Olympics?
  21. What makes it tough to compare Michael Phelps’ performance in London to his performance in Beijing?
  22. What did Michael Phelps declare about his future after the London Olympics?
  23. What was Usain Bolt’s chance to prove at the London Olympics?
  24. What historic achievement did Usain Bolt make in the 2012 Olympics?
  25. Why did the passage describe Usain Bolt as a “legend” in his own words?
  26. How does the passage suggest Usain Bolt might still have room to break more records?
  27. What question does the passage raise about who had the better Olympics in 2012?
  28. How many Olympic medals does Michael Phelps have in total, according to the passage?
  29. How many gold medals does Michael Phelps have?
  30. What is the total number of Olympic medals Usain Bolt has?
  31. What is the significance of Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals in Beijing?
  32. How many gold medals did Usain Bolt win in the 2012 Olympics?
  33. What is the main focus of the debate in the passage?
  34. What event is mentioned as part of Usain Bolt’s record-breaking achievements?
  35. What does the passage suggest about Bolt’s potential future in sprinting?
  36. How did the 2012 Olympics help define Usain Bolt’s legacy?
  37. What achievement of Usain Bolt was unprecedented in Olympic history?
  38. How did the London Olympics contribute to Phelps’ status as the most decorated Olympian?
  39. What comparison is made between Phelps’ and Bolt’s Olympic performances?
  40. What significance does the passage give to the 100 and 200-meter gold medals for Bolt?
  41. Why does the passage mention the possibility of Bolt retiring from sprinting?
  42. What makes Bolt’s achievements in the 2012 Olympics stand out?
  43. What major records did Michael Phelps set in London?
  44. How many Olympic gold medals did Phelps win during the London Olympics?
  45. What historical context is given to Usain Bolt’s sprinting career?
  46. What role did Michael Phelps’ London performance play in his retirement?
  47. How did both athletes captivate audiences during the London Olympics?
  48. What aspect of the 2012 Olympics do people debate the most?
  49. What did Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt do at the 2012 London Olympics to cement their legacies?
  50. What does the passage suggest about the longevity of Usain Bolt’s sprinting career?

More questions

  1. What does the passage suggest about the longevity of Usain Bolt’s sprinting career?
  1. What made the 2012 London Olympics “stand apart” according to the passage?
  2. Who are the two athletes highlighted as defining the London Olympics?
  3. How many total Olympic medals did Michael Phelps win in his career?
  4. What was Usain Bolt’s time in the 100m final at London 2012?
  5. Why is Michael Phelps called the “most-decorated Olympian ever”?
  6. What unprecedented achievement did Bolt accomplish in the 100m and 200m events?
  7. How many gold medals did Phelps win at the Beijing Olympics (2008)?
  8. Who held the record for the most Olympic medals before Phelps?
  9. What did Bolt prove by winning six gold medals in London?
  10. Why is Bolt’s 200m victory historically significant?
  11. How many gold and silver medals did Phelps win in London?
  12. What term does the passage use to describe Phelps’ final Olympic appearance?
  13. What was unique about Bolt’s relay performances in London?
  14. How old was Bolt during the 2012 Olympics?
  15. What hypothetical future endeavor is suggested for Bolt in the passage?
  16. Which Olympic Games marked Phelps’ retirement?
  17. What was Bolt’s Olympic record in the 100m at London 2012?
  18. How many Olympic finals did Bolt compete in during the 2012 Games?
  19. What are the exact numbers of Phelps’ gold, silver, and bronze medals?
  20. What makes Bolt the “fastest man in the world” according to the passage?
  21. Why might Bolt’s age (25) be significant for his future career?
  22. How did the London Olympics cement Phelps’ legacy?
  23. What challenges did Bolt face in defending his Olympic titles?
  24. Why is there a debate about who had a “better” 2012 Olympics?
  25. How does the passage compare Phelps’ and Bolt’s dominance in their sports?
  26. What societal impact did Phelps and Bolt have on the Olympics?
  27. Why might Bolt’s 100m time (9.63 seconds) be considered remarkable?
  28. How did Phelps’ performance in London differ from Beijing?
  29. What does Bolt’s “back-to-back relay golds” emphasize about his career?
  30. Why does the passage mention Bolt’s potential switch to the 400m?
  31. What does “grand finale” mean in the context of Phelps’ career?
  32. How is the term “unprecedented double” defined in relation to Bolt?
  33. What does “cemented their legacies” imply about Phelps and Bolt?
  34. What is meant by “nature of their sports” in comparing Phelps and Bolt?
  35. How does the passage describe Bolt’s status as a “legend”?
  36. Why might Bolt’s achievements in sprinting be harder to replicate than Phelps’ in swimming?
  37. How does Phelps’ medal count reflect his versatility as an athlete?
  38. What societal values do Phelps and Bolt represent through their performances?
  39. Why might the debate about “who was better” remain unresolved?
  40. How did the London Olympics redefine excellence in sports?
  41. What could Bolt achieve if he focused on the 400m?
  42. How might history remember the 2012 Olympics in relation to Phelps and Bolt?
  43. What legacy did Phelps leave for future swimmers?
  44. Why might Bolt’s career trajectory inspire younger athletes?
  45. How could Bolt’s potential retirement impact sprinting?
  46. How do Phelps’ and Bolt’s sports differ in terms of Olympic success metrics?
  47. What makes Bolt’s dominance in sprinting unique compared to Phelps’ in swimming?
  48. How do their retirement decisions reflect their careers?
  49. Why might Bolt’s achievements be considered more “visible” than Phelps’?
  50. What unanswered question does the passage leave about their legacies?