GUEST EDITORIAL: 6 Reasons Why You Should Watch the 2005 Film "Unfiltered"

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6 Reasons Why You Should Watch the 2005 Film Unfiltered

by Lewis Robinson

The 2005 film Unfiltered provides viewers with an intimate look into the lives and storied rivalry of Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker. This film is a must-watch for fans of Olympic swimming for a variety of reasons.

1. You Love Swimming

Whether you are trying to finance swimming pools so you can launch your competitive career or simply enjoy watching the sport on TV, you are probably familiar with the talented swimmer Michael Phelps. This movie offers an unprecedented view into one of the greatest rivalries of his career as he battles Ian Crocker for supremacy in the pool. 

2. You Are a Fan of Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps is probably the most famous Olympic swimmer in the world. His 28 medals and 23 gold medals are the most of any athlete in Olympic history. He also set records for the most Olympic gold medals in individual events at 13 and the most total individual medals at 16. He broke Mark Spitz's record for the most gold medals at a single Olympics with eight at the 2008 Beijing Games. He still holds the long course world record for the men's 400-meter individual medley and is a former world record holder in four other events. He won the World Swimmer of the Year Award eight times and the American Swimmer of the Year 11 times. He was also the Sports Illustrated athlete of the year in 2008. 

3. You Are a Fan of Ian Crocker

After challenging Phelps for supremacy early in Phelp's career, Crocker may have ended up in Phelp's shadow, but he is a decorated athlete in his own right. Crocker is a five-time Olympic medal winner and a former world record-holder. He was the first man ever to swim the 100-meter butterfly in less than 51 seconds.

4. You Love a Good Sports Rivalry

The rivalry between the pair explored in the film may have faded from memory as the focus shifted to Phelp's unprecedented medal haul over the course of four Olympic games. However, the run-up to the 2004 Olympics that culminated in Phelp's dramatic victory in the 100-meter butterfly by just 0.04 seconds was one of the biggest stories of the 2004 games. 

5. You Appreciate a Good Documentary

Unfiltered is the first documentary of its kind to take a deep dive into the world of Olympic swimming. The film provides viewers with a riveting look into the rivalry between Phelps and Crocker and into their friendship outside of the pool. It also explores the sacrifices and personal struggles of both athletes, including Crocker's struggle with depression and Phelps’ DUI charge.

6. You Want To Know What It's Like To Be a Professional Swimmer

For most people, swimming is a sport they see on TV every four years at the Olympic games and then forget about it until the next Olympics comes around. For professional swimmers, swimming is a year-round profession that requires hours of training and dedication. If you've ever wondered what it is like to live the life of a famous swimmer, this documentary is the next best thing to being there. You learn what it's like to go from the Olympic spotlight to being just another student on a college campus or just another guitar player in Austin, Texas. You also get a look into the darker side of fame as the movie follows the struggles both swimmers faced after the 2004 Olympic games.

Conclusion 

Swimming is always one of the marquee events of any Summer Olympics. However, it isn't often that you get to see what goes on in the lives of the sport's greatest stars when the games are over. Unfiltered is a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the story behind the story.