Some social media users loved the race idea, but many said that they felt robbed by the simulation.PHOTO:Discovery Channel
The much touted race between US swimmer Michael Phelps and a Great White shark was actually computer simulation drawing the ire of disappointed viewers, according to The BBC.
The world's most decorated Olympic swimmer completed 100 metres in open ocean off South Africa in 38.1 seconds to the shark's 36.1.
While Discovery Channel aired the race. However, what viewers actually saw was a montage of Phelps swimming alongside a computer-generated Great White.
Before Sunday's broadcast, Discovery had the 28-time Olympic medallist, who is now retired, and the shark swim the course separately.
Michael Phelps to race against a great white shark
Computer-generated footage of a shark was then superimposed over the swimmer to look like they were racing alongside each other.
Some social media users loved the race idea, but many said that they felt robbed by the simulation.
Although the athlete represents the peak of human athletic prowess, he can only swim at a top speed of 5-6mph without a monofin, while a Great White is capable of doing at least 25mph in short bursts.
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