World's best ever athlete does it again

Discussion in 'Other Sports' started by Carpy, Oct 1, 2008.

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  1. HornedToad10

    HornedToad10 Camp Fodder

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    Obviously you're comparision isn't quite fair. And what do you even mean by 'Track'? Same thing with the other sports, but I understand you're general point.

    But if you scored it somewhat related to the number of events/effort in each event(however you decide that), and by Track you mean the decathlon(4 sprints, 3 jumps, 3 throws) + distance running or at least a variety of events in Track, I'd stick with Bryan Clay as my athlete. He's a flat out athlete. Pretty amazing considering his size. Here's his numbers:

    100m - 10.36
    200m - 21.34
    400m - 47.78
    110m hurdles - 13.74
    1500m - 4:38.93
    long jump - 7.96m
    high jump - 2.10m
    pole vault - 5.15m
    shot put - 16.27m
    discus throw - 55.87m (world decathlon best)
    javelin throw - 72.00m

    60m - 6.65
    60m hurdles - 7.77
    1000m - 2:49.41
    decathlon - 8832 (I think this is somewhere around 3rd-5th best in Decathlon history, and he has a very good chance of breaking the world record)
    heptathlon - 6371

    Edit:
    But I do agree with the problems calling a distance runner the best ever athlete. It all depends on what you mean by 'athlete' and I stick with the idea that the best athlete should be a generalist, not a specialist.
    Here's a previous article and listing on the term World's Greatest Athlete and how they came up with their criteria. Go to Performance Criteria to read more about it. I don't entirely agree with the list, but it's interesting for sure.

    http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-GREATEST08.html
     
  2. Michi40

    Michi40 Lost bullet

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    I would probably choose a surfer....

    C'mon, there is no such a thing as the best athlete overall... no disscussion... I would like to see TO, Phelps or you name it at Pipeline catching 19 feet waves, or jumping at Garmisch-Partenkirchen at new years.


    What if a virtual penthatlon was as an example: bike racing, Surfing, Speed skating, polo, and Kayak descent.

    You name me 5 one person can win, i'll name you a combination of 5 that the same person will be dead last.

    I mean, considering that to many chess is a sport, there are incredibly difficult sports out there to compare, and which need both incredibly phisical and a learning curve few could make like surf, ski, snowboard, skate, kite surf, car racing, motorbike racing, etc etc etc etc etc.

    BTW, endurance in my opinion (and in many others too ) the most "trainable" skill man has, followed second by brute strength.

    But being trainable does not mean to take props out of people who can resist great struggles, which is what endurers do, resist pain longer, which has all my respect for me.
     
  3. TheSureThing

    TheSureThing Straight Cash Homie

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    catching a wave really has nothing to do with strength or athleticism...I've done it..
     
  4. TheSureThing

    TheSureThing Straight Cash Homie

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    I'd say 99% of the people here can bench press what the marathon runner could and then some.

    I'd say 99.9% of the people here couldn't bench half of what Terrell Owens, Antonio Gates, LeBron James, or any other "all around" athlete could.

    according to your argument, Tiger Woods is pretty much a god among men in terms of athleticism.
     
  5. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    So? Point is anyone can bench press.

    Most of us here couldn't run an endurance race.

    How are they 'all-round' athletes? They can do what anyone without a handicap can do.

    I can run, jump and dodge.

    ok? how?
     
  6. HornedToad10

    HornedToad10 Camp Fodder

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    Comparing professional sports to being able to run, jump and dodge is the same as comparing a 2 mile run to a marathon as being able to do 'endurance/distance running'.
     
  7. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    Not really. What they do is basic human skills. Sure they might be a little better than me at it, but they are not Usain Bolt/Carl Lewis types.
     
  8. Deuce Wayne

    Deuce Wayne NOW Y'ALL GET THE MESSICH?!

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    lol @ I can run jump and dodge.

    Yet, you probably wouldn't crack the roster on my local high school's basketball or football team. This guy runs 1 speed for a long distance. That doesn't require athleticism. Determination? Yes. Endurance? Yes. Skill? Eh...yes. But athleticism? Look at half the people competing in marathons - they're toothpicks and old farts.

    There's no sport that requires more all around athleticism than football. Hand-eye coordination, speed, strength, agility and toughness. A jogger = no respect, IMO. On the grander scale at least.
     
  9. Gunny

    Gunny Shoutbox Fuhrer

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    Funny. You wouldn't have the slightest clue on how to kick a football, play rugby, cricket.

    I'd easily get on the football team. Basketball I wouldn't.

    And I would easily be better than you at most sports.

    Every ball handling sport requires that genius.

    Rugby requires it and they don't use pads.
     
  10. TheSureThing

    TheSureThing Straight Cash Homie

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    Well then its settled, I change my vote to Gunny for best overall athlete.

    because he can do all of the things listed above. Not only can he do them, he can do them better then gloat. :rolleyes:

    Once again, there are many things a lot of people can't do like running a marathon. The hardest thing to do in sports is hit a major league baseball, does that make Prince Fielder a great athlete? I doubt very many people have what it takes to climb mount everest, does that make those who did climb it the worlds best athletes? My 6th grade 60 year old history teacher did it, should SI be doing an article on him?

    No. Because the name of the game isn't who can do what and who can't. Yes, running a marathon takes an unbelievable amount of athleticism and determination, and doing it at his speed is amazing, but overall, this guy could only match up against a wide receiver in the NFL at 1 thing and thats long distance running, in every other category he would get his but smacked by even Tyrone Calico.
     
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