Greatest sportsperson of all time

[Russ Greaves]

Sachin Tendulkar's retirement prompted a discussion in the office about who is the greatest sportsperson of all time.

There were some issues of contention, such as whether the sportsperson's personality should come into it, but for me, obviously disregarding the stuff not pertaining to his technical ability, the winner is Tiger Woods.

It's odd that his legend has almost increased since he suffered his self-imposed break from the game and subsequent dip in form. With him out of the frame, the last 21 majors have been won by 19 different players.

It has proven that golf is such a difficult sport to dominate and yet Woods was sweeping all before him year after year. For the same reason, I guess Jack Nicklaus would have to come close.

Some things might count against Woods or, moreover, the notion that the greatest sportsperson should be a golfer. Though it requires tremendous skill (more than most sports, I'd suggest), it doesn't take much physical exertion.

I'd guess that many would prefer to go for a true 'athlete', an Olympian, a boxer, or even a footballer.

It's so difficult to compare across sports.

[imp566]

I think it's unfair to call a current sportsman the best of all time. He should be judged when his career is over. If he doesn't overtake Nicklaus' record of Major wins, Nicklaus should be ahead of him (as I think he is anyway - the competition in his day was stronger in my opinon)

I agree with your last statement though, it's very difficult to judge across different sports. Mohammad Ali or Michael Schumacher? Bjorn Borg or Pele? Don Bradman or Daley Thompson. See what I mean?

[Russ Greaves]

Ali, Pele, Bradman

[imp566]

Oct 10, 2013 18:57:35 GMT Russ Greaves said:

Ali, Pele, Bradman

Probably!

[mn1970]

David Weir has to be right up there in my opinion,to win gold medals at 800,1500,5000 metres and a marathon in one olympics is truly increadable,as well as winning the London marathon six times.

[davestacey]

Oct 11, 2013 12:06:07 GMT mn1970 said:

David Weir has to be right up there in my opinion,to win gold medals at 800,1500,5000 metres and a marathon in one olympics is truly increadable,as well as winning the London marathon six times.

Yer, but he just got sacked from Sheffield United so you can't choose him.

[Bendigeidfran]

Shane Williams.

He'd be knighted twice and dipped in gold if he was English.

[imp566]

Oct 11, 2013 18:45:05 GMT Bendigeidfran said:

Shane Williams.

He'd be knighted twice and dipped in gold if he was English.

I know where I'd like to dip him - it wouldn't be in gold!

[richardg]

How about Steve Redgrave five golds at rowing is pretty special. My vote Pele, Muhammad Ali lost too many times

[kdwyellow]

Mark Peters. Standard.

[rocky]

One might argue that the world's greatest sportsperson would be one who has excelled at multiple sports. A couple of commendable examples:

C.B. Fry, who of course excelled at cricket (all-time leading scorer of his day), but also athletics (long jump world record and 100yds), football (Southampton), rugby, and gymnastics.

Jim Thorpe: athletics (Olympic gold medals in the pentathlon and the decathlon), followed by outstanding careers in professional baseball, American football and eventually basketball.

[squibbon]

Lance Armstrong

[face]

Phil Taylor.

Darts = sport?

[scooterboy]

This is a bit subjective so many to choose from, but my choice would be Graham Hill a damn good driver and the epitomy of an english gentleman.

[jimbo8082]

Pete Sampras