Top 10 Greatest Athletes

[Superman20]

Who in your opinion are the 10 greatest athletes?

My picks would be:

10. Joe Montana
9. Tiger Woods
8. Magic Johnson
7. Wayne Gretzky
6. Barry Sanders
5. Dan Marino
4. Bill Russell
3. Babe Ruth
2. Muhammad Ali
1. Michael Jordan

I think it is very difficult to pick between Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali, Ali was the greatest boxer, but I'd have to pick Jordan as the greatest athlete because there is no other athlete that stands out as clearly as he does as the greatest player in his or her sport.

http://www.webgalleria.com/img/9653-9.jpg

[doih]

hmmm, if we're talking 20th century, Western athletics I would have Jim Brown and Jesse Owens in there instead of Joe Montanna and Barry Sanders.

But there's a whole other world of athletes that don't really get any face time in our houses.

[Superman20]

hmmm, if we're talking 20th century, Western athletics I would have Jim Brown and Jesse Owens in there instead of Joe Montanna and Barry Sanders.

But there's a whole other world of athletes that don't really get any face time in our houses.

i thought jim brown and o.j. simpson, and bo jackson, but barry sanders could do what no one else could, joe montana is there mostly because he was my favorite along with marino growing up, even though i hated his guts when he would play the dolphins

[MakeMineMarvel]

10. Wayne Gretsky
9. Jesse Owens
8. Magic Johnson
7. Walter Payton
6. Jim Brown
5. Babe Ruth
4. Bill Russell
3. Jim Thorpe
2. Muhammed Ali
1. Michael Jordan

[MakeMineMarvel]

Joe Montana was a great quarterback, but I woudn't necessarily list him or Dan Marino as great athletes.

[Equint77]

no one put in Johnny Unitas?

That man was a machine.... even more so when I learned what he played through.

Probably had the greatest sports quote I've ever heard.

At the end of a game a reporter asked him why he risked throwing a wild pass when it could have been intercepted. His response was... when you know what you're doing.. you don't throw interceptions.

Great man.

[Captain_Obvious]

David Beckham!
David Beckham!
David Beckham!

*dreamy*

[doih]

You do realize he's gay right?

You spelled it wrong once :p

[Equint77]

David Beckham!
David Bechham!
David Beckham!

*dreamy*


that man goes through more make up in a day than 30 horror movies combined.

[Superman20]

Joe Montana was a great quarterback, but I woudn't necessarily list him or Dan Marino as great athletes.

Overall athletic ability not really because he doesn't have the speed or agility of some other athletes, but the stats say it all :cool:

http://www.danmarino.com/careerstats.htm

Im surprised no one has noticed I didn't mention Lance Armstrong :cool:

[MakeMineMarvel]

Dan Marino had a great arm. If this is a 10 greatest arms list, he may be right behind Ronnie Coleman or Lee Priest.

[doih]

I'm split on the whole Lance Armstrong and steroids thing :(

[MakeMineMarvel]

The guy has been tested more than any other athlete on the planet. He gets accused more than anyone but nobody has any proof.

[Captain_Obvious]

You do realize he's gay right?
OMG TAHTS SO M3AN DONT HAET DAVID

You spelled it wrong once :p
THX1111 IL 3DIT1!11 OMG LOL

[Superman20]

Dan Marino had a great arm. If this is a 10 greatest arms list, he may be right behind Ronnie Coleman or Lee Priest.

yea but he also had the vision, all the tricks in the book, the knowledge of the game, not athletic ability, but then again, he never really needed more than what he had

[doih]

OMG TAHTS SO M3AN DONT HAET DAVID


THX1111 IL 3DIT1!11 OMG LOL

I try to help :)

[Superman20]

10 minutes long but worth it :cool:
http://s43.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1XWEU5K5HKS2H32PRF00I8O7HC

[The Green Goblin]

Bo Jackson belongs on that list.

All-Pro football, Major League Allstar, world class sprinter, Heisman trophy winner. 6'1 222 and a 4.12 forty.

http://eaglesnest.goblinjournals.com/lg_jackson_all-01.jpg

[MakeMineMarvel]

yea but he also had the vision, all the tricks in the book, the knowledge of the game, not athletic ability, but then again, he never really needed more than what he had

He also had a line that kept him from being touched. I would say Steve Young was a better "athlete" than Marino and Montana.

Bo Jackson was a great athlete but his body didn't hold up, he never put a team on his back and while he had some great stats in the few years he played, because of his short career they won't stand the test of time.

[Kipobe]

Who in your opinion are the 10 greatest athletes?

My picks would be:

10. Joe Montana
9. Tiger Woods
8. Magic Johnson
7. Wayne Gretzky
6. Barry Sanders
5. Dan Marino
4. Bill Russell
3. Babe Ruth
2. Muhammad Ali
1. Michael Jordan

I think it is very difficult to pick between Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali, Ali was the greatest boxer, but I'd have to pick Jordan as the greatest athlete because there is no other athlete that stands out as clearly as he does as the greatest player in his or her sport.

http://www.webgalleria.com/img/9653-9.jpg
Not a bad list... but it seems like Woods is in there as a representative... not because he's really top 10 material. All in all, it's not bad.

[freelancer]

Something between Muhammed Ali, Tiger Woods and, of course, Secretariat!

[batnkevlar]

Are we talking greatest athletes in the world? Or just in America? Cuz if it's America, your athlete lists are probably spot on... but if in the world, there's some athletes you guys didn't list...

George Grieggan...
Richie McCaw...
Lote Taquiri...
Jonah Lomu...
Doug Howlett...
Joe Rockocoko...

*ten brownie points to whoever knows what the hell I'm tlaking about...*

[Orko Is King]

Batman

[Victor Von Doom]

10. Bo Jackson (I put him at 10- because he got injured and had to suffer some bad seasons)
9. Jim Thorpe (If you don't know who he is, look him up football star, track star, a true athlete)
8. David Bekham (phenomenal)
7. Lance Armstrong
6. Wayne Gretzky
5. Tiger Woods (No golfer has done what he's done, and I doubt any ever will.)
4. Hank Aaron (He did everything that Babe Ruth did, and did it better)
3. Muhammad Ali
2. Bruce Lee (I almost put him at # 1. He's talented and as competitive as Jordan)
1. Michael Jordan (No questions asked)

I almost put Jackie Joyner Kersey on the list.

[Unthinkable]

1) Jim Thorpe. That's all I know.

[Morg]

Lance Armstrong

[doih]

Are we talking greatest athletes in the world? Or just in America? Cuz if it's America, your athlete lists are probably spot on... but if in the world, there's some athletes you guys didn't list...

George Grieggan...
Richie McCaw...
Lote Taquiri...
Jonah Lomu...
Doug Howlett...
Joe Rockocoko...

*ten brownie points to whoever knows what the hell I'm tlaking about...*

Rugby?
That is kinda what I said in my 1st post.

[terry78]

Anna Kournikova, for having the strength to walk away after losing so many times.

[Exabyte]

1. Sailor Moon
2. Gogeta
3. Gokou
4. Vegeta
.....sorry, I just got 4..

[Exabyte]

Anna Kournikova, for having the strength to walk away after losing so many times.

more like never winning a match...

[Slipknot]

1. Babe Ruth
2. Muhammad Ali
3. Ty Cobb
4. Michael Jordan
5. Jim Brown
6. Wayne Gretzky
7. Ted Williams
8. Willie Mays
9. Jim Thorpe
10. Gordie Howe

[chesslover]

1. Bruce Lee 2-9. Who gives a ****?

[batnkevlar]

Rugby?
That is kinda what I said in my 1st post.

Yeah, I know... it's a pity rugby's not as prevalent in America as it is in every other country in the world... a pity really...

[logansoldcigar]

10. Bo Jackson (I put him at 10- because he got injured and had to suffer some bad seasons)
9. Jim Thorpe (If you don't know who he is, look him up football star, track star, a true athlete)
8. David Bekham (phenomenal)
7. Lance Armstrong
6. Wayne Gretzky
5. Tiger Woods (No golfer has done what he's done, and I doubt any ever will.)
4. Hank Aaron (He did everything that Babe Ruth did, and did it better)
3. Muhammad Ali
2. Bruce Lee (I almost put him at # 1. He's talented and as competitive as Jordan)
1. Michael Jordan (No questions asked)

I almost put Jackie Joyner Kersey on the list.

Beckham? phenominally overated would be a better way to put it.

Tiger Woods? not even the greatest golfer ever.
No Pete Sampras?

and it has to be Lance Armstrong. his cancer markers were increasing at such a rate of knots that they could tell the difference in tests taken on an hourly basis. to have that, go through the level of chemo he had to, and then become the best in the world at his sport is just something unique.
Then Jesse Owens. simply for the emotional value of what he did.
and Michael Jordan above Mohammed Ali? Ali is the most famous sportsman of all time.

[The Riddler]

joe montana is the greatest quarterback in nfl history, imo.

he's not a great athlete, but he's a great player.

also, where's pistol pete?

[The Riddler]

is bruce lee considered an athlete?

http://members.cox.net/naptyme/lee.gif

[Immortalfire]

David Robinson
Nolan Ryan
Pete Maravich
Michael Jordan
Wayne Gretzky
Joe Montanta
Walter Payton
Hank Aaron
Will Clark
Kevin Butler

[Dark Donnie]

Who in your opinion are the 10 greatest athletes?

My picks would be:

10. Joe Montana
9. Tiger Woods
8. Magic Johnson
7. Wayne Gretzky
6. Barry Sanders
5. Dan Marino
4. Bill Russell
3. Babe Ruth
2. Muhammad Ali
1. Michael Jordan

I think it is very difficult to pick between Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali, Ali was the greatest boxer, but I'd have to pick Jordan as the greatest athlete because there is no other athlete that stands out as clearly as he does as the greatest player in his or her sport.

http://www.webgalleria.com/img/9653-9.jpg
No Jerry Rice or Wilt? :(

[Kaleb]

10. Bo Jackson (I put him at 10- because he got injured and had to suffer some bad seasons)
9. Jim Thorpe (If you don't know who he is, look him up football star, track star, a true athlete)
8. David Bekham (phenomenal)
7. Lance Armstrong
6. Wayne Gretzky
5. Tiger Woods (No golfer has done what he's done, and I doubt any ever will.)
4. Hank Aaron (He did everything that Babe Ruth did, and did it better)
3. Muhammad Ali
2. Bruce Lee (I almost put him at # 1. He's talented and as competitive as Jordan)
1. Michael Jordan (No questions asked)

I almost put Jackie Joyner Kersey on the list. thank you for been the only person to put Lance Armstrong in

[terry78]

See, I wanna put Shaq in because of some of the stuff he's done in the past as a mere physical presence, but he hasn't done anything impressive recently.

[Kaleb]

Lance Armstrong
sorry Morg didnt see u put Lance in

[rigel7soldiers]

!. Dr. J
2. Muhammed Ali
3. Sugar Ray Robinson
4. Gretzky
5. Bill Mazerowski. Look him up. Or, Hell, watch the Jack Lemmon/Walter Mathau "Odd Couple" movie. He's in it.

[danielisthor]

Here is my take on the top 10, but i only base my opinion on players that i have seen. I'm 32, and i have never seen Jim Thorpe, Babe Ruth, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Roberto Clemente, Dick Butkus or any other of the great old time players play. So how can i give an actual truthful grade to them when my opinion is solely going to be based on others opinions, news stories and hearsay.

10. Bo Jackson - Baseball and Football cut short by a major hip injury
9. Mario Lemiux - Never had the "don't touch" protection that Gretzky did
8. Dion Sanders - The greatest corner to ever play, and i hate him, but i give props
7. Magic Johnson -
6. Barry Bonds - Even before the roids he was baseball's best
5. Barry Sanders - No back has ever had his moves, to bad he played on bad teams
4. Ray Lewis -
3. Lance Armstrong - bicycling is rough, try doing it as a sport
2. Muhammad Ali - nuff said
1. Micheal Jordan - nuff said

I have a great problem putting Qb's on an athletic list. Though great, their stats are based highly on thier ability to read defenses and hit their receivers. If others put them on their lists thats cool, but if your going to then you would have to say that Elway, Cunningham and Young are far superior athletes than Marino (who is a god in my household) or Montana.

[wetgorilla]

Jackie Robinson
One of my personal heroes, Jackie had great atheletic skills enabling him to play both football and baseball. He was the first African-American to enter the National Baseball league. During his first season he easily won the batting crown, hitting .342.

More importantly than his athleticism, I believe Jackie Robinson deserves to be on this list because of his mind - Despite the personal attacks on him both verbally and physically while entering the all-white league in 1947, Jackie kept cool and level-headed. He understood peoples perception of him would affect the future of the game along with the opportunities for other African-American ballplayers.

Awsome athlete! Check out the Jackie Robinson Story on DVD (Jackie plays himself).

Roberto Clemente
For those of you who aren't familiar with Roberto Clemente, he was a Puerto Rican-born American baseball player who spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1955-1972). He batted .300 thirteen times and had exactly 3,000 hits before he was killed in a plane crash. He was a right fielder and was capable of throwing out a runner from his knees (unheard of before or since)! He had a lifetime average of .317 and 240 homers. I was amazed when a buddy of mine first told me about him and even more so after watching the old baseball highlights.

Check out the old-school reels on this guy. Had he not died, he might have become one of baseball's all time players. This guy had heart, skills and the mind along with the admiration from guys like Mantle DiMaggio and Mays.

Without a doubt, this guy was an all-round athlete who just happened to be playing baseball!

Michael Jordan
MJ is the best-known player in the history of pro basketball. He won the NBA's MVP award 5 times and six times led the Chicago Bulls to the championship. Although, I'm a Magic Johnson/Lakers fan - I can't disregard the place MJ has earned in professional sports.

Bo Jackson
Played professional football and Major League Baseball simultaneously, and was the first athlete named an All-Star in both sports. Winner of the 1985 Heisman Trophy and was named MVP of both the Sugar Bowl (83) and the Liberty Bowl (84). Bo was an amazing athlete and set many records all without steriods (unlike many of the chumps out there now) or any other performance drugs. Remember - Bo Knows! LOL

Wetgorilla
:wolverine

[Victor Von Doom]

Beckham? phenominally overated would be a better way to put it.

Very Clever. You should be a writer.

Tiger Woods? not even the greatest golfer ever.

Yes he is.

No Pete Sampras?

Nope.

and it has to be Lance Armstrong. his cancer markers were increasing at such a rate of knots that they could tell the difference in tests taken on an hourly basis. to have that, go through the level of chemo he had to, and then become the best in the world at his sport is just something unique.
Then Jesse Owens. simply for the emotional value of what he did.

I almost put Jessie Owens in there also.

and Michael Jordan above Mohammed Ali? Ali is the most famous sportsman of all time.

I disagree. Jordan is.


And yes, Bruce Lee is an athlete. (To whomever said that.)

[Batman15]

Peter Lafleur
Roy Hobbes
and Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez

[Victor Von Doom]

Benny "the Jet" Rodriguez
You're killing me smalls!

[the_ultimate_evil]

if your going on footballers, the prat beckham should be no wear near the list, footballers that should be on the list without a second thought inculde george best and Pelé

[Victor Von Doom]

I forgot about Pele, I'd substitute him for bekham.

[logansoldcigar]

And yes, Bruce Lee is an athlete. (To whomever said that.)

No, i think you might find that Jack Nicklaus is the greatest Golfer ever.

113 tournament wins in total, including 18 majors.

Woods 43 wins, 8 majors.

Now, it may be that in the long run, he overtakes Nicklaus. Which is when Ill be quite happy to say he is the greatest Golfer ever. but until that time, he isnt.

and any list that includes David Beckham, who isnt even in the top 10 in his own sport (best player in the world? try Ronaldinho, at Barca, or Thierry Henry.), but doesnt include the greatest male tennis player ever (or in fact, Martina Navratilova, the greatest female tennis player ever) has to be considered questionable.

and Ali is the most famous sportsman ever.

[the_ultimate_evil]

I forgot about Pele, I'd substitute him for bekham.


so what you would take pele off and put on beckham, cause thats the way you worded your post

[St. Evil Stevil]

Top 10 athletes of all time:

1. Pele
2. Pele
3. Pele
4. Pele
5. Pele
6. Pele
7. Pele
8. Pele
9. Pele
10. Pele

When we're watching the world cup this year, it would be a good idea for us Americans to reflect on the merits of the most global sport's greatest player ever. (Yes, even more global than boxing.)

Edson Arantes do Nasicmento.

O Rei.

A Perola Negra.
Pele:
1265 goals... EXCLUDING his years with the New York Cosmos.
The greatest player in the game today, David Beckham, has like... 352. Diego Maradona: 588. Just look at the stats on "soccer gods" like Best, Beckenbauer, etc. Ronaldo. And so on. Then look at THE KING. I mean... this guy scored double hat tricks! Who the ***** even gets hat tricks these days... let alone SIX GOALS IN ONE GAME!!! So dominant was The Black Pearl at the zenith of his career that... or so I've heard... the Santos fans would be sitting in cafes, drinking cachaca or cafezinhos, and when they'd announce "gol, Pele" on the radio... the response would be like...

"Oh, yeah. Goal. Pele. Another. And so you were saying?..."

So routine was it for this soccer machine to pop one in the back of the net... it would be like... for example... take basketball...

Jabbar is the #1 scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points. Chamberlain... 31,419. Now, what if Kareem had not only passed Wilt but had wound up his career with, say... 60,000 points.

That's like Pele.

And how about another global sport...

How do you compare Sugar Ray Robinson, Roberto Duran, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, etc. You simply can't compare them. It's a toss up.

You can't compare any other soccer player to Pele... but not because it's a toss up. There was only ONE king.

Look at the stats for yourself. He was not just the most dominant player in the world's most widely played sport...

HE WAS, IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE SOCCER ITSELF!

[bored]

Jim Brown
Muhammad Ali
Lance Armstrong
Dan Marino
Roger Maris
Hank Aaron
Wayne Gretzky
Michael Jordan
Wilt Chamberlain
Jack Niklaus

[D.Rex]

If were basing this on just pure athletic skill my list (in no specific order) would inculde

Bruce Lee (guy was in amazing physical shape and had the fastest reflexes and hand speed I've ever seen)

Bo Jackson (Amazing two sport athlete. Great combination of speed and strength)

Muhammed Ali (Greatest boxer of all time. Amazing durability, stamina, power, and speed)

Micheal Jordan (Greatest basketball player of all time. The man could do anything)

Ken Griffey Jr. (In his prime easily the best baseball player I've ever seen. Could run, catch, throw, and hit better than almost anyone else playing period)

Ted Williams (They say he had the greatest hand eye coordination of anyone in the history of the game. Probably helped him out in the war)

Carl Lewis (World class speed, world record long jumper, need I say more)

Jim Thorpe (What sport didn't he play? Another guy who could do anything)

Michael Vick (One of the best all around athletes I've ever seen. Lightning quick, throws the ball a mile with a flick of the wrist, extremely agile, remarkably strong, guy has it all)

Lance Armstrong (Legendary endurance, greatest biker in history, cancer didn't slow him down)

[Iceman]

Are we talking greatest athletes in the world? Or just in America? Cuz if it's America, your athlete lists are probably spot on... but if in the world, there's some athletes you guys didn't list...

George Grieggan...
Richie McCaw...
Lote Taquiri...
Jonah Lomu...
Doug Howlett...
Joe Rockocoko...

*ten brownie points to whoever knows what the hell I'm tlaking about...*I don't think amyone cares about rugby here :(

[BRUTAL]

Lance Armstrong

[kit1982]

Top 10 athletes of all time:

1. Pele
2. Pele
3. Pele
4. Pele
5. Pele
6. Pele
7. Pele
8. Pele
9. Pele
10. Pele

When we're watching the world cup this year, it would be a good idea for us Americans to reflect on the merits of the most global sport's greatest player ever. (Yes, even more global than boxing.)

Edson Arantes do Nasicmento.

O Rei.

A Perola Negra.
Pele:
1265 goals... EXCLUDING his years with the New York Cosmos.
The greatest player in the game today, David Beckham, has like... 352. Diego Maradona: 588. Just look at the stats on "soccer gods" like Best, Beckenbauer, etc. Ronaldo. And so on. Then look at THE KING. I mean... this guy scored double hat tricks! Who the ***** even gets hat tricks these days... let alone SIX GOALS IN ONE GAME!!! So dominant was The Black Pearl at the zenith of his career that... or so I've heard... the Santos fans would be sitting in cafes, drinking cachaca or cafezinhos, and when they'd announce "gol, Pele" on the radio... the response would be like...

"Oh, yeah. Goal. Pele. Another. And so you were saying?..."

So routine was it for this soccer machine to pop one in the back of the net... it would be like... for example... take basketball...

Jabbar is the #1 scorer in NBA history with 38,387 points. Chamberlain... 31,419. Now, what if Kareem had not only passed Wilt but had wound up his career with, say... 60,000 points.

That's like Pele.

And how about another global sport...

How do you compare Sugar Ray Robinson, Roberto Duran, Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, etc. You simply can't compare them. It's a toss up.

You can't compare any other soccer player to Pele... but not because it's a toss up. There was only ONE king.

Look at the stats for yourself. He was not just the most dominant player in the world's most widely played sport...

HE WAS, IS AND WILL ALWAYS BE SOCCER ITSELF!

In alot of peoples eyes Maradonna was the better player, Maradonna didn't have the likes of Garrincha, Jarzinho or Carlos Alberto in his team. Diego had a bunch of very ordinary players around him and still won the World Cup, Marradonna also played in a more competitive league.

There also can't be stats to sum up a player like Beckenbauer its not all about Goals, the Kaizer was a defensive midfielder possibly the best ever at what he did maybe Socrates comes close. Pele had a luxury of playing in some of the best sides with some of the best players.

[rdh007]

Muhammad Ali
Michael Jordan
Wayne Gretzky
Lance Armstrong


Joe Montana
Barry Sanders
Babe Ruth
Mario Lemieux
Magic Johnson
Paul O'Neill (Had to have my favorite baseball player, sorry)
Pele

I know there's eleven and O'Neill probably doesn't belong, but I couldn't list him last and I'm not a big football/futbol/soccer guy.

[ShadowBoxing]

If were basing this on just pure athletic skill my list (in no specific order) would inculde

Bruce Lee (guy was in amazing physical shape and had the fastest reflexes and hand speed I've ever seen)
Bruce Lee is an actor, martial artists and street fighter....but not an athlete really. To be an athlete you need to compete, and Bruce Lee did not have a huge competition record...in fact from what I understand he strayed away from competition for various reasons...however regardless he is in amazing shape, but not really an athlete.

[Iceman]

The greatest player in the game today, David Beckham, has like... 352. Diego Maradona: 588. Just look at the stats on "soccer gods" like Best, Beckenbauer, etc. Ronaldo. And so on. Then look at THE KING. I mean... this guy scored double hat tricks! Who the ***** even gets hat tricks these days... let alone SIX GOALS IN ONE GAME!!! Pele is widely recognised as the best but you can't compare stats that easily. Only strikers can be judged on goals per game and even then those who create goals rather than score are often as or more important than those who put the ball in the back of the net.

Beckham is also not the world's best all round player in anyone's opinion that regularly watches football. Even English fans wouldn't make that claim. He is probably the most famous though (resulting in the US myth that he is the best) and is still a great player from right midfield.

[D.Rex]

Bruce Lee is an actor, martial artists and street fighter....but not an athlete really. To be an athlete you need to compete, and Bruce Lee did not have a huge competition record...in fact from what I understand he strayed away from competition for various reasons...however regardless he is in amazing shape, but not really an athlete.
Hmm. I don't know. Maybe. I guess it just depends on your definition of the word athlete. The guy was a world class martial artist possibly the best in this century. Though he didn't have a large competiton record he did have one. He trained in multiple form of both eastern and western martial arts and perfected a style of his own. He was an amazing fighter who beat many opponents. I'd consider him an athlete. I really don't have a strict definition of the word, it's kind of subject to interpretation. I wouldn't argue with you if you think otherwise but I think he falls into the athlete category.

[ShadowBoxing]

Hmm. I don't know. Maybe. I guess it just depends on your definition of the word athlete. The guy was a world class martial artist possibly the best in this century. Though he didn't have a large competiton record he did have one. He trained in multiple form of both eastern and western martial arts and perfected a style of his own. He was an amazing fighter who beat many opponents. I'd consider him an athlete. I really don't have a strict definition of the word, it's kind of subject to interpretation. I wouldn't argue with you if you think otherwise but I think he falls into the athlete category.Well athletes as far as most lists would be concerned are defined by their competition records. For example most would consider Jack Nicholas a better golf athlete than Tiger because Jack won more majors and was a better golfer. You cannot really compare Bruce Lee to anyone, Bruce even said himself he felt Muhammad Ali would own his a$$, so how exactly does he make an athlete list without a competition record. Shall I compare him to Randy Coutour who has a much bigger record. I knew people who trained with Bruce Lee and all said the same exact thing, "he was very arrogant"...and not in a nice way. They said he was good, however most of his critics say he was a showman...which unfortunately he never produced a record to show otherwise. Everyone thinks he is the fastest man alive, but in truth their are boxers, MMA's and competitors who are much faster than he.

[Equinox]

In no order of preference,

Muhammad Ali(Boxing)
Michael Jordan(Basketball)
Lance Armstrong(Cycling)
Michael Schumacher(Auto Racing)
Pete Sampras(Tennis)
Babe Ruth(Baseball)
Don Bradman(Cricket)
Carl Lewis(Athletics)
Pele(Football)
Mark Spitz(Swimming)

Honorable Mentions,

Wayne Gretzky(Hockey)
Michael Johnson(Athletics)
Steffi Graf(Tennis)
Sachin Tendulkar(Cricket)
Shane Warne(Cricket)
Barry Sanders(NFL)

[Symbiote Hulk]

WAYNE GRETZKY (For best hockey player alive)
http://www.infinit.com/sections/medias/heritagehockey2.jpg
&
Maurice Richard (For best hockey player ever!)
http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/ap/a/a207562.gif

[D.Rex]

Well athletes as far as most lists would be concerned are defined by their competition records. For example most would consider Jack Nicholas a better golf athlete than Tiger because Jack won more majors and was a better golfer. You cannot really compare Bruce Lee to anyone, Bruce even said himself he felt Muhammad Ali would own his a$$, so how exactly does he make an athlete list without a competition record. Shall I compare him to Randy Coutour who has a much bigger record. I knew people who trained with Bruce Lee and all said the same exact thing, "he was very arrogant"...and not in a nice way. They said he was good, however most of his critics say he was a showman...which unfortunately he never produced a record to show otherwise. Everyone thinks he is the fastest man alive, but in truth their are boxers, MMA's and competitors who are much faster than he.

Thats fine. You're probably right. My list was based on pure athleticism. The strongest, fastest, best hand eye coordination, best verticle leap, stuff like that. Not nessacarily the best but who was most athletic. I guess thats what I should have said. Thats why Michael Vick is on my list. He definetly isn't the best quarterback ever. But the man is so athletic, so fluid. Thats why I picked him. Bruce Lee was an extremely athletic human being thats why I put him on my list. I mean the guys strike speed was ridiculous. He was timed using an electric timer from standing arms down position to full extended punch. He clocked in at .05 seconds. He was also in 99-100% percentile for bicep curls for 130-140 pund weight class. You can't deny that the man was ridiculously talented. My whole list is based on people who possess the most raw talent, the most athletic people. When I made the list thats what I had in mind. But I totally understand where you are coming from.

[ShadowBoxing]

Thats fine. You're probably right. My list was based on pure athleticism. The strongest, fastest, best hand eye coordination, best verticle leap, stuff like that. Not nessacarily the best but who was most athletic. I guess thats what I should have said. Thats why Michael Vick is on my list. He definetly isn't the best quarterback ever. But the man is so athletic, so fluid. Thats why I picked him. Bruce Lee was an extremely athletic human being thats why I put him on my list. I mean the guys strike speed was ridiculous. He was timed using an electric timer from standing arms down position to full extended punch. He clocked in at .05 seconds. He was also in 99-100% percentile for bicep curls for 130-140 pund weight class. You can't deny that the man was ridiculously talented. My whole list is based on people who possess the most raw talent, the most athletic people. When I made the list thats what I had in mind. But I totally understand where you are coming from.He is certainly very talented...however how talented it up to speculation.

[D.Rex]

He is certainly very talented...however how talented it up to speculation.
Yes definetly. It is really quite a shame he died so young. He still had so much he could have accomplished. We may never know how just how good he actually was. It is very sad when anybody dies young but especially those who have so much to offer the world.

[deemar325]

Who in your opinion are the 10 greatest athletes?

My picks would be:

10. Joe Montana
9. Tiger Woods
8. Magic Johnson
7. Wayne Gretzky
6. Barry Sanders
5. Dan Marino
4. Bill Russell
3. Babe Ruth
2. Muhammad Ali
1. Michael Jordan

I think it is very difficult to pick between Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali, Ali was the greatest boxer, but I'd have to pick Jordan as the greatest athlete because there is no other athlete that stands out as clearly as he does as the greatest player in his or her sport.

http://www.webgalleria.com/img/9653-9.jpg

That's pretty much my list.

[deemar325]

David Robinson
Nolan Ryan
Pete Maravich
Michael Jordan
Wayne Gretzky
Joe Montanta
Walter Payton
Hank Aaron
Will Clark
Kevin Butler

I met Hank when I was 16yrs old, great guy very statesman like.

[Immortalfire]

Awesome! :up:

[deemar325]

He was at Hartsfield Airport and I just walked up to him and told him how much he meant to my father and he put his hand on my shoulder, dude it has like being Knighted by the Queen of England or blessed by the pope.

[Incrediblejeff]

1.)Andre the Giant
2.)"Macho Man" Randy Savage
3.)Hulk Hogan
4.)Rowdy Roddy Piper
5.)Ravishing Rick Rude
6.)KoKo Beware
7.)"The Nature Boy" Rick Flair
8.)"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson
9.)Bret "the Hitman" Hart
10.)Ultimate Warrior

[deemar325]

^ Lmao!!

[Immortalfire]

That is so cool. I would probably kneel in reverence. Such a legend, a fine man, and of course he is the ultimate royalty to Braves fans.

[Incrediblejeff]

^ Lmao!!

What's so funny?:confused:

[deemar325]

What's so funny?:confused:

The word you used seems kinda 'Ofay' couple that with your avy it made me laugh.

[ScottyBBadd]

Michael Schumacher(Auto Racing)

When it comes to racing no one is better than the late great Dale Earnhardt.

[Incrediblejeff]

The word you used seems kinda 'Ofay' couple that with your avy it made me laugh.

LOL,I know i'm kind of bored right now.so I'm just having fun.

I actually like Kelis Though.

[deemar325]

I think she's hot!!

Kelis is damn sexy if a little weird.

[Equinox]

When it comes to racing no one is better than the late great Dale Earnhardt.

Was he Nascar?

Then you can't really compare Nascar and Formula1..They are so much different..

[Incrediblejeff]

I think she's hot!!

Kelis is damn sexy if a little weird.
The Weirdness is what turns me on to her.I really miss the fro though.:(

[Tangled Web]

Jackie Robinson
Rafier Johnson
Jackie Hoyner-Kersee
Jim Thorpe
Troy Aikman
Ali
Lance Armstrong
Joe Montana
Cade Mcnown

[SuGarRush]

1.)Andre the Giant
2.)"Macho Man" Randy Savage
3.)Hulk Hogan
4.)Rowdy Roddy Piper
5.)Ravishing Rick Rude
6.)KoKo Beware
7.)"The Nature Boy" Rick Flair
8.)"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson
9.)Bret "the Hitman" Hart
10.)Ultimate Warrior

A nice list to be sure, but this is no joking matter. We have to take this seriously. That being said, I would switch Hulk and Savage. I'd move Bret Hart up one. And lastly, I'd throw the Rock in there instead of Koko Beware, because the younger athletes also need to be represented and the Rock has a charisma that is hard to beat today.

[Clobberin' Time]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/sportscotland/asportingnation/images/id/0039/gallery/img04.jpg

Jocky Wilson, get in!

He's big enough to take up my entire top 10.

[Hunter Rider]

The problem with these lists is that they are kinda disparate given the international divide,if we are talking an overview of all countries i would suggest that Babe Routh,Michael Jordan and Pele are the only ones who would make it from the national Fav sports
Haile Gebrselassie would be in it as the greatest distance runner of all time
Roger Federer most likely would make the list
Carl Lewis and Sergi Bubka as well as Daley Thompson wwould be included
Muhammed Ali is a cert
Martina Navratilova would most likely also be included

[Dangerous]

Who in your opinion are the 10 greatest athletes?

My picks would be:

10. Joe Montana
9. Tiger Woods
8. Magic Johnson
7. Wayne Gretzky
6. Barry Sanders
5. Dan Marino
4. Bill Russell
3. Babe Ruth
2. Muhammad Ali
1. Michael Jordan

I think it is very difficult to pick between Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali, Ali was the greatest boxer, but I'd have to pick Jordan as the greatest athlete because there is no other athlete that stands out as clearly as he does as the greatest player in his or her sport.

http://www.webgalleria.com/img/9653-9.jpg


This thread is interesting.

You see Ali and Jordan might be considered the greatest ever combatants of their respective sports,
but the term 'Athlete' as a stand alone concept actually has different connotations.

Greatest athlete would mean who had the most efficient bodies, or who were the fittest people ever.
Not who has the greatest ever skills in their chosen sport. Do you see what I'm saying?

So while Jordan is definitely the greatest basketball player ever, and Ali perhaps the greatest heavyweight boxer ever, If I were to compose a list of who I would consider the top 10 greatest trained, fittest athletes ever w/ the most efficient bodies, which is what I consider by the term 'Athlete' it would go something like this-

(In no order)

1-Carl Lewis
2-Sebastian Coe
3-mario pudzianowski
4-Maurice Green
5-Evander Holyfield
6-Linford Christie
7-Wilson Kipketa
8-Michael Johnson
9-Sugar Ray Leonard
10-Bruce Lee

[Superman79]

1. Lance Armstrong
2. Muhammad Ali
3. Michael Jordan
4. Barry Sanders
5. Ted Williams
6. Walter Payton
7. Wayne Gretzsky
8. Willie Mays
9. Jim Thorpe
10. Cy Young

[Erzengel]

1. Lance Armstrong
2. Muhammad Ali
3. Michael Jordan
4. Barry Sanders
5. Ted Williams
6. Walter Payton
7. Wayne Gretzsky
8. Willie Mays
9. Jim Thorpe
10. Cy Young

Not a Yankee in sight. LOL

Off the top of my head based on the sport.
Baseball: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron
Basketball: Michael Jordon
Hockey: Wayne Gretzky
Football: Joe Montana (even though I'm a Giants fan)
Golf: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus
Boxing: Muhammad Ali

[Incrediblejeff]

A nice list to be sure, but this is no joking matter. We have to take this seriously. That being said, I would switch Hulk and Savage. I'd move Bret Hart up one. And lastly, I'd throw the Rock in there instead of Koko Beware, because the younger athletes also need to be represented and the Rock has a charisma that is hard to beat today.
I was just joking with that list my serious list is:

1.)Kurt Angle
2.)Bret Hart
3.)Chris Benoit
4.)British Bulldogg
5.)Ricky Steamboat
6.)Sting
7.)Chris Jericho
8.)Ric Flair
9.)Rob Van Dam
10.)Jerry Lynn

[Hunter Rider]

If your talking about athletic wrestlers then Rey,Eddie,HBK and AJ Styles should be in the top 10

[Incrediblejeff]

I know I'm forgetting ppl,I'll be back later with a top 20.

[Superman79]

Not a Yankee in sight. LOL

Off the top of my head based on the sport.
Baseball: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron
Basketball: Michael Jordon
Hockey: Wayne Gretzky
Football: Joe Montana (even though I'm a Giants fan)
Golf: Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus
Boxing: Muhammad Ali

actually, looking back I should have included the Babe or Dimaggio...might have to edit that

[terry78]

You have to consider endurance combined with strength as far as that goes. They have to excel in not only their element, but others as well.

[sinewave]

cecil fielder

http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Arena/5866/fielder.jpg

[supzfan]

no order:
1) Jim Thorpe
2) Johnny Weismuller
3) Babe Ruth
4) Jim Brown
5) Rocky Marciano
6) Wilt Chamberlin
7) Jack Nicklaus
8) Secretariat
9) Rod Laver
10) Bobby Orr

[Spider-Nerd]

1.)Andre the Giant
2.)"Macho Man" Randy Savage
3.)Hulk Hogan
4.)Rowdy Roddy Piper
5.)Ravishing Rick Rude
6.)KoKo Beware
7.)"The Nature Boy" Rick Flair
8.)"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson
9.)Bret "the Hitman" Hart
10.)Ultimate Warrior
well, if you wanna talk wrestlers as athletes, then you don't put andre or koko on there, nor do i put warrior. As far as the pure athletes go, it's something like this,

1. Ric Flair
2. Shawn Michaels/Bret Hart
3. Curt Hennig
4. Randy Savage
5. Ricky Steamboat
6. Harley Race
7. Bruno Sammartino
8. Undertaker
9. Dusty Rhodes
10. Bob Backlund/Rick Rude.

[RogueLDN]

Baseball: dont care
Basketball: Michael Jordon agreed
Hockey: don't care
Football: Geoff Hurst
Golf: don't care
Boxing: Muhammad Ali agreed
NFL: sucks dont care


What about some european sportsmen, Martin Johnson, Carl Lewis, Paula Radcliffe, Denise Lewis, Keith Wood.

[reggiebar]

North American Athletes (BTW, some of yoru lists that are supposed to be serious are pretty funny)

1) ALI
2) BABE RUTH
3) MICHAEL JORDON
4) WAYNE GRETZKY
5) JIM BROWN
6) JIM THORPE
7) JACK NICKLAUS
8) BABE DIDRIKSON
9) JESSE OWENS
10) WILLIE MAYS

[terry78]

Baseball: dont care
Basketball: Michael Jordon agreed
Hockey: don't care
Football: Geoff Hurst
Golf: don't care
Boxing: Muhammad Ali agreed
NFL: sucks dont care


What about some european sportsmen, Martin Johnson, Carl Lewis, Paula Radcliffe, Denise Lewis, Keith Wood.
Golf? You better care. -

http://www.defoged.dk/pebble/images/2005/Michelle%20Wie/MichelleWie4.jpg

6ft. tall, and all wiry muscle.

[IronMan_2005]

ok, to all those writing Muhammad Ali as the greatest boxer, NOPE, "Sugar" Ray Robinson was the greatest boxer ever.

[reggiebar]

ok, to all those writing Muhammad Ali as the greatest boxer, NOPE, "Sugar" Ray Robinson was the greatest boxer ever.

In no way, shape or form did Ray Robinson have near the impact as an athlete that ALI had on not just America, but the World.

[IronMan_2005]

In no way, shape or form did Ray Robinson have near the impact as an athlete that ALI had on not just America, but the World.

do you follow boxing or just what you read on ESPN, or on tv. A true fight fan knows Ray Robinson was P4P(pound for pound) the greatest boxer ever, even though he wasn't as famous as Ali.

fame and impact as a boxer - Muhammad Ali

Pound for pound the greatest boxer to ever lace them up - "Sugar" Ray Robinson

[reggiebar]

do you follow boxing or just what you read on ESPN, or on tv. A true fight fan knows Ray Robinson was P4P(pound for pound) the greatest boxer ever, even though he wasn't as famous as Ali.

fame and impact as a boxer - Muhammad Ali

Pound for pound the greatest boxer to ever lace them up - "Sugar" Ray Robinson

What part of "In no way, shape or form did Ray Robinson have near the impact as an athlete that ALI had on not just America, but the World" do you not understand? Where did I say that Ali was pound for pound the greatest of all time? BTW, as a Heavyweight, Ali did things in the ring that were extraordinary for his weight class. There was never a boxer like him and there will never be a boxer like him.

For the record, I would put Robinson in the top 25 athletes and the third boxer after Ali and Joe Louis. When discussing greatest athletes, there is no way, absolutely NO WAY, to guage pure ability, so one has to look at their impact on their sport. Robinson didn't have near the impact of ALI. No athlete in the history of the World had the impact on a Global scale like ALI.

[reggiebar]

For the record again, I have been following boxing since the early 80s when I grew up watching the likes of Hagler, Leonard, Hearns, Duran etc...I know boxing and if you knew how to read, IronMan_2005, you would have been able to comprehend that my statement on Ali had nothing to do with what some fight fans like to call "pure" boxing ability with the pound for pound conversations.

[IronMan_2005]

For the record again, I have been following boxing since the early 80s when I grew up watching the likes of Hagler, Leonard, Hearns, Duran etc...I know boxing and if you knew how to read, IronMan_2005, you would have been able to comprehend that my statement on Ali had nothing to do with what some fight fans like to call "pure" boxing ability with the pound for pound conversations.


look dude, I didn't insult you, so don't f***ing start insulting me ok?:mad:

Yes I did get what you were saying, my goddamn point was Ray Robinson POUND FOR POUND was the greatest boxer ever.

and yeah I have been watching boxing for about as long as you have, I know my ****!

[Tangled Web]

Geatest player in their respective sport?
Baseball: Ted Williams
Football: Joe Montana
Basketball: Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Hockey: Wayne Gretsky

[Tangled Web]

look dude, I didn't insult you, so don't f***ing start insulting me ok?:mad:

Yes I did get what you were saying, my goddamn point was Ray Robinson POUND FOR POUND was the greatest boxer ever.

and yeah I have been watching boxing for about as long as you have, I know my ****!
Pund for Pound eh?
Sugar Ray Robinson
Oscar De la Hoya
Ali.

[reggiebar]

look dude, I didn't insult you, so don't f***ing start insulting me ok?:mad:

Yes I did get what you were saying, my goddamn point was Ray Robinson POUND FOR POUND was the greatest boxer ever.

and yeah I have been watching boxing for about as long as you have, I know my ****!

No, you didn't insult me with "do you follow boxing or just what you read on ESPN, or on tv. A true fight fan knows Ray Robinson was P4P(pound for pound) the greatest boxer ever, even though he wasn't as famous as Ali." :rolleyes:

Next time make your goddamn point in a discussion of the pound for pound best boxers not in a greatest athlete conversation. Anyone who knows the sport of boxing will list ALI higher than Ray Robinson in a list of the greatest in sport - period. From Emanuel Stewart to Jim Lamply to Burt Sugar to you name the boxing person, none of them will list Robisnon higher in a poll of geatest athletes ever - not a one. So, raffle down and save it.

[Spider-Nerd]

some of you guys are just putting in guys who you think are "the greatest at their sports". We're talking about ATHLETES here. Great as babe ruth was on the baseball field, how much of an ATHLETE was he? Running, jumping, speed, flexibility, endurance, stamina. That makes up an athlete, at least IMO.

[Immortalfire]

Golf? You better care. -

http://www.defoged.dk/pebble/images/2005/Michelle%20Wie/MichelleWie4.jpg

6ft. tall, and all wiry muscle. The heck with her, Natalie Gulbis is where the hotness of golf is.

[moop501]

Anna Kounikova...

[U.S War Machine]

Pete Maravich nuff saidhttp://www.onlinesports.com/images/phf-aafv003.jpg

[bored]

some of you guys are just putting in guys who you think are "the greatest at their sports". We're talking about ATHLETES here. Great as babe ruth was on the baseball field, how much of an ATHLETE was he? Running, jumping, speed, flexibility, endurance, stamina. That makes up an athlete, at least IMO.


An athlete is someone who competes in a sport. Greatest is a subjective standard, and if people want to define it by best at a certain sport, there's no reason they can't.

[spideymusprime]

Michael Jordon
Wayne Gretzski
Joe Montana
Hank Arron
Tiger Woods

[Stringer]

I dont think Magic should be on there. Sure he's one of the 3 greatest bball players ever imo but he wasnt that much of an athlete. He's in like single digit dunks for his career isnt he?

[ScottyBBadd]

1.)Andre the Giant
2.)"Macho Man" Randy Savage
3.)Hulk Hogan
4.)Rowdy Roddy Piper
5.)Ravishing Rick Rude
6.)KoKo Beware
7.)"The Nature Boy" Rick Flair
8.)"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson
9.)Bret "the Hitman" Hart
10.)Ultimate Warrior

Great list.

[ScottyBBadd]

Was he Nascar?

Then you can't really compare Nascar and Formula1..They are so much different..

"The Intimadator" Dale Earnhardt defined NASCAR. Seven Winston/Nextel Cup titles. The Big E trancends racing leauges.

[Equinox]

"The Intimadator" Dale Earnhardt defined NASCAR. Seven Winston/Nextel Cup titles. The Big E trancends racing leauges.

Really..No one outside of America follows Nascar you know!

[MajinShenron]

In a contest of the 10 greatest athletes Chuck Norris would kill them all and will be the only athlete in existence.

[ScottyBBadd]

Really..No one outside of America follows Nascar you know!

And Yet NASCAR is the only racing that matters.

[MajinShenron]

And Yet NASCAR is the only racing that matters.

Thats not true.

Monster Trucks > Nascar.

[ScottyBBadd]

Thats not true.

Monster Trucks > Nascar.

Not really NASCAR > monster trucks.

[MajinShenron]

Yes, going in circles is so much fun.

[R_9]

I don't know if anyone have said M. Schumacher, but since he is a F-1 pilot I don't know if he should be considered an athlete. :confused:

[ScottyBBadd]

Yes, going in circles is so much fun.

Unless it's a road course.

[tkenji69]

Has to be Wilt Chamberlain... for all his off court contributions...DOH

[Equinox]

I don't know if anyone have said M. Schumacher

I did :)

[Equinox]

And Yet NASCAR is the only racing that matters.

Only to you I hope.

[ScottyBBadd]

Only to you I hope.

Just look @ tv ratings and attendance.

[Equinox]

Just look @ tv ratings and attendance.

In America or throughout the world?

[ScottyBBadd]

In America or throughout the world?

NASCAR rules where it counts. F-1 cancels its races if the drivers complian the track is too fast.

[Equinox]

NASCAR rules where it counts. F-1 cancels its races if the drivers complian the track is too fast.

When did that happen? :rolleyes:

[DBella]

And Yet NASCAR is the only racing that matters.
What about the A1 Grand Prix?

[ScottyBBadd]

TMS a few years. F-1 is barred form Texas.

[ScottyBBadd]

What about the A1 Grand Prix?

Give me The Daytona 500, The Brickyard 400, and the 2 races @ TMS.

[Equinox]

TMS a few years. F-1 is barred form Texas.

:confused:.. That wasn't because drivers complained the track was too fast.. What are you talking about?

That's because Texas is a barren land ;)

[ScottyBBadd]

:confused:.. That's because Texas is a barren land ;)

And yet it is the 3rd largest in the union (and growing).

[DBella]

The only reason I watch car racing is to watch cars crash. :(

I prefer motorcycle racing.

[Equinox]

The only reason I watch car racing is to watch cars crash. :(


:eek:
Somebody arrest this woman :mad:

:p

[DBella]

:eek:
Somebody arrest this woman :mad:

:p
What?! That's the most fun part. :o :(

[Equinox]

What?! That's the most fun part. :o :(

You like people getting hurt don't you? :(

[DBella]

You like people getting hurt don't you? :(
Not really. I just like watching cars crash but I keep my fingers crossed that the drivers don't get hurt. :(

[ScottyBBadd]

I prefer motorcycle racing.

I have seen some on Speed. Especally on long road courses.

[DBella]

I have seen some on Speed. Especally on long road courses.
I would get me a motorcycle but my Mom said she'd disown me if I do that. Not fair since my brother has one! :mad: :(

I've always loved watching GP motorcycle racing. :up: Just couldn't get into NASCAR though. Or any car racing for that matter.

[ScottyBBadd]

I would get me a motorcycle but my Mom said she'd disown me if I do that. Not fair since my brother has one! :mad: :(

I've always loved watching GP motorcycle racing. :up: Just couldn't get into NASCAR though. Or any car racing for that matter.

I watched some on Speed. It is good. Different ways of attacking a road course on 2 wheels as opposed to 4.

[DBella]

I watched some on Speed. It is good. Different ways of attacking a road course on 2 wheels as opposed to 4.
One of the few vid games I actually enjoy playing, and I am not a video game person.

[ScottyBBadd]

One of the few vid games I actually enjoy playing, and I am not a video game person.

Cool. Dale Earnhardt did beat Michael Shumacher in IROC.

[bored]

In a contest of the 10 greatest athletes Chuck Norris would kill them all and will be the only athlete in existence.


Could he stand the fury of.....



HAWKINGLACHER!

[Spider-Nerd]

An athlete is someone who competes in a sport..No, an athlete does not have to comptete in a sport to be an athlete. Dictionary.com: A person possessing the natural or acquired traits, such as strength, agility, and endurance, that are necessary for physical exercise or sports, especially those performed in competitive contexts.

Being an athlete requires ability, it does not require that you play a sport.

[El ASESINO]

In My Opinion I Think
Diego Armando Maradona Is The Greatest Athlete
I wish he was Born In MEXICO

[*Id*]

I don't know if anyone have said M. Schumacher, but since he is a F-1 pilot I don't know if he should be considered an athlete. :confused:

He's an athelete in every sense of the word. Not only is he the reigning F1 champion, but he's held his own in exhibition soccer matches against some of the best players in the game (you should really watch the Luis Figo XI vs World All Stars fundraiser from a couple of years ago). I also vaguely recall hearing that he excels at yet another sport but I can't remember which one.

[Victor Von Doom]

Wow I forgot about this thread. . . I stand by my list.

[November Rain]

sampras
armstrong
carl lewis
peter redgrave
that olympic swimmer that came away with 7 golds in one olympic games
there should be a marathon/long distance runner here but i can't remember their name
jonathan edwards
jesse jackson for taking on ze germans in berlin
pele/last brazilian football team he played with 78 i believe...
michael johnson
meh, i'll put micheal jordan here just to fill numbers...


mohamed ali can kiss my ass

wow, not much love for michael johnson.


You do realise that his 200m and 400m would likely stand till the end of civilization???? Same goes for jonathan edwards. which is soooooo big that even if you had an extra jump on the triple jump, you'd only beat it marginally...

[D.Rex]

Yeah Michael Johnson and Carl Lewis are probably the greatest track athletes of the last 30 years. I had Carl Lewis on my list but Michael got squeezed out. He's definetly an honorable mention. I watched him run the 200 and the 400 in Atlanta in 96. The man has incredible speed. The speed he ran that 200 in is probably the fastest I've ever seen a person run. And I watch lots of sports.

[Riven]

1. Batman :D





:batman::up:

[y2jversion1]

Mariuz Pudzianowski - 3 time World's Strongest Man.. and he's not a fat slob like some of the other competitors either.

official site: www.pudzian.pl

[bored]

sampras
armstrong
carl lewis
peter redgrave
that olympic swimmer that came away with 7 golds in one olympic games
there should be a marathon/long distance runner here but i can't remember their name
jonathan edwards
jesse jackson for taking on ze germans in berlin
pele/last brazilian football team he played with 78 i believe...
michael johnson
meh, i'll put micheal jordan here just to fill numbers...


mohamed ali can kiss my ass

wow, not much love for michael johnson.


You do realise that his 200m and 400m would likely stand till the end of civilization???? Same goes for jonathan edwards. which is soooooo big that even if you had an extra jump on the triple jump, you'd only beat it marginally...


I really hope you mean Jesse Owens. Big difference between the two.

[November Rain]

i knew it was jesse somebody....jackson just rolls off the tongue...

thanks for ze correction

[ScottyBBadd]

[quote=November Rain]that olympic swimmer that came away with 7 golds in one olympic games/quote]

Mark Spitz.

[ScottyBBadd]

wow, not much love for michael johnson.

He got busted for using streoids. Like everyone thinks Barry Bonds has.

[Equinox]

He got busted for using streoids. Like everyone thinks Barry Bonds has.

What? When ?:confused:

He never tested positive for steroids.. You must be talking of Ben Johsnon..

[D.Rex]

Yeah Michael Johnson (the American sprinter) never tested positive for steriods. During his olympic days he was 100% clean. Ben Johnson (the Canadian sprinter) did test postive for steriods and has his world record 100 time scrapped from the books and lost his gold medal.

[Victor Von Doom]

10. Bo Jackson (I put him at 10- because he got injured and had to suffer some bad seasons)
9. Jim Thorpe (If you don't know who he is, look him up football star, track star, a true athlete)
8. Pele (phenomenal)
7. Lance Armstrong
6. Wayne Gretzky
5. Tiger Woods (No golfer has done what he's done at his age, and I doubt any ever will.)
4. Hank Aaron (He did everything that Babe Ruth did, and did it better)
3. Muhammad Ali (worlds quickest hands speed. Faster than bruce lee.)
2. Bruce Lee (I almost put him at # 1. He's talented and as competitive as Jordan)
1. Michael Jordan (No questions asked)

I almost put Jackie Joyner Kersey on the list.

My old list a bit revised.

[terry78]

What? When ?:confused:

He never tested positive for steroids.. You must be talking of Ben Johsnon..
All those black athletes look alike apparantly. :o

[Equinox]

All those black athletes look alike apparantly. :o

:confused::down

Michael Johnson is the greatest ever :up:

[Equinox]

Yeah Michael Johnson (the American sprinter) never tested positive for steriods. During his olympic days he was 100% clean. Ben Johnson (the Canadian sprinter) did test postive for steriods and has his world record 100 time scrapped from the books and lost his gold medal.

ScottyBBadd just likes to make statements without even knowing the facts...

He said that last years US F1 Grand Prix was stopped because the drivers were too afraid of going fast... Hilarious :down:down

[November Rain]

that olympic swimmer that came away with 7 golds in one olympic games

Mark Spitz.thanks, he's awesome...

[November Rain]

didn't ben johnson's drugged up hundred metre time only recently get beaten, or does it still stand as faster time (drugs or no drugs)?