Human nature causes us to quickly classify the latest amazing feat as the “greatest ever”. Whether it is a quarterback’s superb season, a golfer dominating the field, a basketball player scoring at will, a tennis player winning title after title, or a swimmer smashing world records, we as fans and the media jump the gun to give the title of “Greatest Athlete” prematurely.
Think about all the different athletes we have given this title to, and then stripped it from, over the years. Michael Jordan was once considered the greatest athlete only to be followed by the likes of Michael Johnson, Lance Armstrong, Lebron James, Tiger Woods, and now most recently Michael Phelps. Each of the aforementioned athletes is undoubtedly among the best in the world. However, being the best in the world at a particular sport does not necessarily translate to being the greatest athlete.
One of the reasons we hear the title of “Greatest Athlete” being thrown around so freely is because the definition has evolved over the years and varies in interpretation. Some view an athlete as simply as anyone who participates in a professional sport. If one dominates the sport, he is considered a great athlete by default.
Others view a great athlete as a human being who pushes the limits of strength and endurance. A renowned cyclist like Lance Armstrong fits the bill.
Yet another viewpoint takes the overall difficulty to complete an event as a factor to consider. An example would be a winner of a triathlon (Swimming, biking and running all in one race). Most would agree that a triathlon is among the hardest tests of physical and mental ability in sports.
If there are so many different variations and understandings of the title “Greatest Athlete”, how are we to determine who is deserving of the honor?
Is it fair to say Tiger Woods is a greater athlete than Lance Armstrong? Some don’t even consider golfers to be athletes when the likes of Phil Mickelson and John Daly are among the better players. The argument could be made that Armstrong exerted more strength and physical ability in becoming the best in his sport than Tiger did in his.
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The counter to that argument would be that it is not Woods’ fault that his sport of choice does not require pedaling up a stretch of mountains or having his lungs adapt to different altitudes. His sport is one that requires hand-eye coordination, mental toughness, and the ability to judge terrain. Each would have an argument but both have been named “Greatest Athlete in the World” at some point in different publications.
The hottest athlete right now is Michael Phelps. Could one say that he is a greater athlete than Michael Jordan was? Maybe Phelps can swim faster, burn more calories in a day and hold more oxygen in his lungs for a longer duration. But can he hang in the air while defying gravity the way Jordan did? Can he move with the agility and quickness that Jordan did while controlling a ball? Can Phelps jump from the free throw line and hang in the air on his way to a one handed slam?
The answer is no. But that does not mean that Phelps is an inferior athlete to Jordan or vice versa.
Each athlete mentioned plays in a different sport which requires different skill sets. While Tiger is working on his backswing, Phelps is working on his backstroke. While Jordan was working on his lateral defense, Michael Johnson was working on sprinting 100 meters. While Lebron works on his jumpshot, Roger Federer is working on his backhand. Each athlete is the best at what they do, but each does something different.
The term “athlete” combines all those who participate in sports into one general category. It doesn’t take anything else into consideration. This presents a significant problem because it opens the door to not only a lot of controversy and jealousy, but a breeding ground of disrespect.
I heard the topic come up on national radio last week as Phelps was on his way to his eighth gold medal. A heavy debate broke out about whether Phelps can be considered the greatest athlete in the world. One analyst believed he could while the other was on the polar opposite. Their argument led to each presenting examples of great athletes.
When one brought up Tiger Woods, the other quickly and rather disrespectfully shot it down by saying “Tiger Woods doesn’t even play a real sport. He plays a glorified version of billiards or croquet.”
After hearing this, the opposing analyst barked back saying that Phelps doesn’t have the athletic ability of Gilbert Arenas or Kobe Bryant. Back and forth they went, unnecessarily ripping various elite athletes and their sports. At one point, the argument got so off base that the debate turned into whether all football players are even athletes (since linemen regularly weigh in at 300-plus pounds).
The reason I present this example is to show you the ignorant and downright disrespectful remarks that can be made about others and their sports based on an argument on who’s the greatest athlete in the world; an argument that lacks a conclusion.
There is no way of definitively knowing who is the greatest. The one thing in common that each of the elite has is their drive, passion, and mental toughness. Each elite athlete shares these characteristics along with many others, such as determination. However, since each has a completely different craft, you cannot compare them. It would be like deciding who is more successful; a wealthy banker or a wealthy real estate agent.
Unless we can turn back the hands of time and see how successful Tiger Woods would have been as a swimmer, or Michael Phelps as a basketball player, or Michael Jordan as a cyclist, there is no way of knowing who the greatest athlete is.
So I conclude by saying that there is no “Greatest Athlete” in the United States, let alone the world. Instead, there are a select few of five, maybe ten athletes who together comprise the group of “Greatest Athletes in the World”. But understanding the desire and necessity for debate, I will leave you with a more constructive topic to tackle.
Who is the most dominant athlete in the world? Have at it.
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3 months ago
The decathlete would be my primary choice as the overall 'greatest athlete' prototype.
I think that 'well rounded' and 'physical toll' might be a pre-requisite in considering candidates also.
I think we all know that there are hidden gems out there in sports that don't make the front page regularly.
Off the cuff I'm looking in the Ice Hockey, Lacrosse (LAX as we call it here in it's home base) and Basketball categories in addition to the Olympic Decathlon.
As far as total mind/body exertion, endurance and agility those are sports that highlight total athletic prowess while being 'contact' sports also.
Whataya think?
from 3 months ago
I agree LJ. I think the only way you can determine who is the best athlete is if you see certain individuals compete in events that may be outside their comfort zone, but still require athletic ability. That's probably the only way you can evenly judge people, or even get close.
3 months ago
It just not possible to determine, I find these topics so senseless.
from 3 months ago
Yeah. Greatest Athlete is something that cannot be determined. Only the most dominant
3 months ago
I think being the greatest athlete in your particular sport almost excludes you from being great in many. You've got to be that much of a specialist. It's when I see people like Deon Sanders, who is probably the best cover corner of all-time, and a successful baseball player, that I really start to think of greatest ALL-AROUND athletes. I think you've hit the nail on the head here Shaun. If the world was covered in water we'd all agree Phelps was the man, where if it resembled a basketball court, we'd know it was Jordan. It's not, of course, it's very diverse. To match this, the human species seems to have a startling array of variability to match most any situation/sport/environment. In between, are the generalists and the hairy white guys like me. It's basic evolution, and there is no right answer until you start slapping constraints on what actually constitutes athleticism. Good article.
from 3 months ago
I would have referenced Bo, at least he was an all-star in baseball
from 3 months ago
Yep, I nearly did, but thought one example of a cross-sport athlete was enough. Bo was obviously another great athlete. Nice point.
from 3 months ago
I agree with you 100% Daniel. Each athlete is more of a specialist in their sport.
Justin is right about Bo Jackson. He was a hell of an athlete. Crazy attitude aside, Terrell Owen is also a pretty good athlete. He played football and basketball and the collegiate level.
Deon Sanders also comes to mind.
3 months ago
I think we can drop Phelps out of the race, he will be a distant memory once Football starts up. Sorry, but his name will not be in the debate a year from now.
It is a fun pointless topic that everyone has an opinion on, but a debate that cannot be won.
from 3 months ago
I agree that Phelps will probably be forgotten or put on the backburner, but that is because his sport is not nearly as popular or mainstream. His achievements should still be recognized though and if he competes in the 2012 Olympics (as he plans to) and wins another 6 gold medals giving him a total of 20 golds, he would have to be in the discussion with anybody.
from 3 months ago
Phelp's name will come up every four years for at least the next century. He might not get the frequent mention, but his staying power will last longer than even some of our most celebrated professional athletes.
from 3 months ago
Couldn't agree more Daniel. Once you make an imprint of historical significance, your name will live on much longer than others. Phelps is now synonymous with summer olympics and swimming.
from 3 months ago
evidently they've been hoping to put Spitz to bed for years.
we'll hear Phelps' name like we did Mark's...not so much after the 16-20 year mark.
from 3 months ago
You are correct in regards to Phelps, I do not want to down play his dominance and all of his achievements, but because he does not compete in a sport that is "mainstream" he (in my opinion) will be overlooked in non-olympic years.
3 months ago
I still stand by my stance, that we will not see an Athletic Feat like we did with Phelps' 8 medals in Beijing, and 14 overall (golds that is)
from 3 months ago
He's already committed to the 2012 Olympics in London. He only needs six more to get 20 gold for his career. How amazing would that be
3 months ago
What do you people mean you can't determine the world's greatest athlete. It is simple, get ABC to bring back their "Superstars" show on wide world of sports. I'd love to see Tiger Woods hit the obstacle course against Lance Armstrong. How about Michael Jordan taking on Michael Phelps on the 3-speed bike?
Two words people: THAT'S INCREDIBLE!
from 3 months ago
Haha that would be fun to watch. My money would be on Jordan in an obstacle course.
from 3 months ago
great idea, i'm old enough to remember that.
3 months ago
I would probably change my mind regularly, depending on whether I needed someone to reach the top shelf of my nine foot high cupboard (Michael Jordan), someone to save me after from falling from a boat, which I very easily could (M. Phelps), strain my pasta when I don't have a collander (Federer), beat a rabid rodent in my pasture senseless (Tiger woods and a nine iron), ride for help if I ever get stuck on a mountain trail (Lance Armstrong) or need to fight off my cyber stalker should he arrive on my doorstep, and for that Tito Ortiz could take him I am sure, although GSP would be more fun to visit with afterwards. But that is just me exposing all my quirks.
from 3 months ago
Love the Federer comment! haha
from 3 months ago
HaHa! AWESOME Dorothy.
from 3 months ago
sweet.
3 months ago
its really tough to choose the greatest athlete of world. all of the above are best in their business.
but i would choose like this.....
basketball- Jordan
football- pele
cycling- Armstrong
boxing- Ali
lawn tennis- Bjorn Borg
golf- tiger woods
swimming- Phelps
athletics- Lewis
nice article its really a very tough question who is greatest athlete?
3 months ago
its really tough to choose the greatest athlete of world. all of the above are best in their business.
but i would choose like this.....
basketball- Jordan
football- pele
cycling- Armstrong
boxing- Ali
lawn tennis- Bjorn Borg
golf- tiger woods
swimming- Phelps
athletics- Lewis
nice article its really a very tough question who is greatest athlete?
from 3 months ago
I would agree with most of your selections. Great points.
3 months ago
Hands down, Jackie Robinson. Rookie of the Year in MLB, in six consecutive MLB All-Star Games, National League MVP winner, in the Baseball Hall of Fame, his #42 retired in all of MLB.
While at UCLA: lettered in four sports - baseball, track & field, basketball, and football.
Social significance: Many staunch civil rights historians say after Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr., Jackie Robinson was the 3rd most significant individual in sparking America's Civil Rights Movement. He was the first full example of successful integration in a major American institution. Only Muhammad Ali had arguably more social significance than Robinson.
Great post Shaun. I've been waiting to see this with Phelps' recent accomplishment. It's a debate that will go on forever...
from 3 months ago
Thanks David. It's funny how many people have forgotten about past great athletes like Jackie Robinson or Jesse Owens. They didn't have nearly the training facilities or technological advances that athletes do today. Who's to say how, hands down, great Robinson would have been in today's generation.
from 3 months ago
Great point David. I have heard that Baseball was Jackie's 3rd best sport, which is mind blowing.
3 months ago
I will never forget either one of them; Jesse for educating Hitler in what makes a man great (and that itis not blonde hair and blue eyes), and Jackie Robinson for being not only a legend but a man who every baseball fan had to respect. Both were very likable men apart from their talents.
3 months ago
I still don't get the Tiger Woods nominations...never will.
That's like saying a stock car driver is athletic...
shhh, don't tell 'em I said that.
from 3 months ago
I won't tell b/c I have said it too!
from 3 months ago
I'm going to try and sway you on this one LJ haha.
I can see why people argue Tigers title as an athlete and I get the stock car example. But if you can consider a DH an athlete or a goalie in soccer an athlete, the same should be said for Tiger.
Think about it, all a DH has to do is hit. All a goalie has to do is defend a goal. So why can't Tiger be given the same title of "athlete" for his sport?
from 3 months ago
Have you played golf LJ? To go out there for four hours a day, four days running and never falter, despite the intense pressure of thousands of fans surrounding you, just metres away takes physical and mental steel. Sure, he can't run as fast as an NFL wide receiver, throw as hard as an MLB pitcher, but his achievements deserve to stand up there with the best.
Also, Woods has broken a race barrier in golf. He remains the only African-American golfer at the top of the game and has forced many country clubs to look deeply at themselves. Obviously, its nothing compared to Owens, Robinson, Ali or Tommie Smith, but its worth noting nonetheless.
Oh, and Shaun... nice article and helluva debate you've kicked off here.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the compliment Nick. Yeah i'm one of the people who views Woods as a superb athlete, but I do know for a fact that there are lot of people who disagree with me on that.
from 3 months ago
Sorry Nick, I do not think golf is a sport, I think that it is a competition.
I would have the confidence to ask Willie Mays to play any sport extant but I'd double clutch on Tiger playing 154 games in Center Field...especially on that knee.
3 months ago
Oh! No,no,no,no...what I'm saying is that there are few, few, few '5 tool' athletes in the world.
I'm focusing on pure strength, ability and VERSATILITY...and I'm gonna start some crap here by saying that, in Baseball you'll find only a small, small percentage of true athletes on any given roster and more than likely you'll find them in Center Field.
In Basketball a starting point would be the PG position, in US football, the running back...maybe with 30+ carries. Shaq? No way, a 300lb OG? nope.
No goalies, exactly! DH, no way...I am re-considering tennis though...on a smaller stage.
Tiger may be the best athlete in golf, I don't know, I'm big on golf as a competition not a sport...same as motorsports...shhh.
I still hug the Decathlon and sports of that '5 tool' ilk as a measure of athletic versatility in determining 'Greatest Athlete'.
from 3 months ago
Ah okay.. Yeah I agree with that and i've been in agreement with the Decathlon aspect. Good points as usual LJ
3 months ago
This is an unbelievably well-written article. It is almost impossible to figure out who is the best all-around athlete, since every sport requires different skills. The only honest way to figure out is if you had every athlete compete in every sport and figure out who does the best at everything in general. And that ain't gonna happen lol. But this is truly a tough decision.
2 months ago
nice article. enjoyed it.
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