Author Topic: Greatest athlete (Read 977 times)

Conan The Librarian · « **on:** April 10, 2011, 04:32:01 AM »

I vote for Jack Nicklaus, the golfer. He dominated a highly competitive and popular game for forty years. I don't think anybody else has ever been able to do that. It's an incredible accomplishment. Yes, there are athletes in more vigorous games, but they come and go.

Land_Owner · « **Reply #1 on:** April 10, 2011, 04:39:38 AM »

I think Johnny Weissmuller was spectacular in his day. He went on to become the legendary Tarzan for many of us.

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #2 on:** April 10, 2011, 05:01:14 AM »

Jim Thorpe, the Indian from Ok.

Hodr · « **Reply #3 on:** April 10, 2011, 05:14:12 AM »

I nominate Fred Austerlitz. Mr Austerlitz was in a constant intensive athletic enviroment for 65 years, 1916-1981, at the top of his field and recognised by most of his peers as the best in the world in his craft. Most males in his line of expertise last less than ten years at the peak of athleticisim. Born in I believe Omaha Mr Austerlitz was the son of european immigrants. Don't know Fred Austerlitz---Try Fred Astaire. Don't think a pro dancer is an athlete---Try doing what he did.

Hodr

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #4 on:** April 10, 2011, 05:18:11 AM »

I greatly admire Thorpe and Weismuller. Real greats!

Lance Armstrong the cyclist and Brian Zins the pistol champion are two amazing athletes.

Conan The Librarian · « **Reply #5 on:** April 10, 2011, 05:19:46 AM »

I have to agree with Astaire. Excellent.

squirrellluck · « **Reply #6 on:** April 10, 2011, 12:07:36 PM »

Not technically an athlete but I would say the man that made the run for medicine in Alaska years ago. Is now a famous sled race up there. Sorry but my memory stinks. One of our Alaskans can be more informative but that man was ...

dukkillr · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2011, 12:16:30 PM »

Michael Jordan.

mirage1988 · « **Reply #8 on:** April 10, 2011, 12:22:52 PM »

There will never be another quarterback like Favre.

DDZ · « **Reply #9 on:** April 10, 2011, 01:38:23 PM »

When I read the topic of this thread My first thought was Michael Jordan, and after thinking about it, its still Michael Jordon.
Basketball has some of the best athletes there are, and Jordon did it better than anyone else that has ever played the game. Jordon could have played any sport and excelled in it. In Jordon's early years he was the best baseball player in the state, and maybe in the country. No one has dominated his sport of choice like Jordon dominated in basketball.
We are talking about athletes here, and I can't think of another athlete that is in the same category as Jordon.

maddogg · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2011, 03:27:37 PM »

Albert Pujols
Batted over .300 and hit an average of 40+ home runs his first 10 years in the league.
This has never been done before.

Spirithawk · « **Reply #11 on:** April 10, 2011, 03:30:50 PM »

Thorpe and Weismuller get my votes.

highwayman · « **Reply #12 on:** April 10, 2011, 03:48:13 PM »

jerry rice

victorcharlie · « **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2011, 04:08:28 PM »

Ali....

Old Fart · « **Reply #14 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:52:53 AM »

Jim Thorpe would be mine.

slim rem 7 · « **Reply #15 on:** April 11, 2011, 04:32:56 AM »

seen many great atletes..phenomenal at thier best.. guess if i had to pick it would be secretariat..

bobg · « **Reply #16 on:** April 11, 2011, 05:20:55 AM »

I agree with victorcharlie. Ali

Hodr · « **Reply #17 on:** April 11, 2011, 11:55:10 AM »

bobg
If I can't have Fred Astaire, like you I would pick a horse. Not Secratariat, Man O War. One loss in his lifetime I believe and a legacy of his blood line that included Secratariat, War Admiral and many others still racing today.

Land_Owner · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2011, 01:15:34 PM »

VictorCharlie...where have you been? I hope all has been well. Welcome back.

hunt-m-up · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2011, 03:49:52 PM »

Not familiar firsthand with Thorpe, but from what I've read, going with him.

Heather · « **Reply #20 on:** April 14, 2011, 10:09:14 AM »

I have to vote for Muhammad Al all the way!

oldsoldja · « **Reply #21 on:** April 14, 2011, 01:17:46 PM »

Dick Butkus, 8 probowls in a row, even rookie year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxR9qYSHt8U

brett farve would have retired early If Butkus had played against him.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 14, 2011, 03:47:22 PM »

George St. Pierre.

FourBee · « **Reply #23 on:** April 14, 2011, 04:31:43 PM »

That would be my neighbor back when I was a tad. His name was Bob Mathias. He was the first man to win two Olympic Gold Medals in the Decathlon in the 1948 and 1952 ...
My parents said he was a very sickley child, and his Dad (a doctor) worked very hard trying to make him healthy.

nw_hunter · « **Reply #24 on:** April 15, 2011, 04:41:06 AM »

An impossible task! So many greats in their respective fields. Weissmuller, Jordan, Farve,Montana,Ali (Clay). How about George Blanda?Thorpe.... Most hits as worlds greatest

FRED Astaire?lol! very athletic, but "worlds greatest athlete

I'll add Pat Tillman to the mix. He may not have been the greatest football player that ever played the game, but he sure gave his all for his country.In my mind that qualifies him as a candidate.

bluedog6 · « **Reply #25 on:** April 17, 2011, 03:22:37 PM »

My vote is for Bo Jackson or Hershel Walker. They both were the best in more than one sport. Walker even competes in MMA bouts today.

Shu · « **Reply #26 on:** April 18, 2011, 03:10:24 AM »

The greatest athelete would have to be the guy in the best physical shape. Bruce Lee at 5'5'' and 170 lbs could hold his own weight at arms length. Bill Wallace another great fighter. Beeny Urguidez an all time great fighter. Bicyclist would be Major Thomas, knocked off bicycles and beaten up then riding to win the race. Jesse Owens, Jim Thorpe the list goes on of the greats.

Greatest athlete, if you consider ethics and sportsmanship you can discount Brian Zins. He has showed he has neither on Top Shot. Not manning up for poor performance and playing popularity contest high school games during elimination rounds. I lost all respect for him.

oneoldsap · « **Reply #27 on:** April 18, 2011, 09:32:57 AM »

For me it's a toss up between Jesse Owens and Jim Thorpe . Most of the athletes in the last 15-20 years have had access to Steroids , thus their feats are tainted . I'm not saying they all used them , but they may have !

crab cake · « **Reply #28 on:** April 18, 2011, 09:39:54 AM »

Johnny Unitas and Cal Ripken
and I'm totally unbiased

ToadHill · « **Reply #29 on:** April 18, 2011, 12:20:08 PM »

Ted Williams lifetime batting average of over .300 and he spent the best years of his available playing days flying a fighter in WW2.