As an interview subject I contrast Missy Franklin with Kirsten Stewart

Above, Missy Franklin is being interviewed by Jay Leno; Kristen Stewart is interviewed by David Letterman.

In my opinion Missy Franklin has equal amounts, or arguably more, charisma than Kirsten Stewart of Twilight fame. Franklin did great on the Tonight Show and I hope she draws attention to our sport.

They are both young and successful and the two of them are outstanding icons within their respective groups. Both are considered elite in their fields; (elite in Hollywood is defined as a strong box-office draw whereas with swimming, it has to be an Olympic gold medal for no other medals count), and finally both inspire their followers.

Stewart seems poised, guarded, and measured. Franklin seems exuberant, quick with her answers and is more interested in Jay Leno than the Audience. (The interview is for them, not Jay Leno.)

These icons are so much more palpable then the dross we suffered through in the early apart of the decade with "celebrities" named Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan. I hope Missy Franklin is just as successful as her pop culture counterpart, Kristen Stewart.