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Who's the greatest athlete...


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Posted by: SuperFlex

of all-time?



Posted by: TJ Cline

This poll sucks.....big surprise.



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
This poll sucks.....big surprise.
And your vote would be?


Don't even say it...



Posted by: SuperFlex

Michael Vick, Allen Iverson, Ben Johnson, Mike Tyson, Willie Mays, Rickey Henderson, and a few others should be on there as well... Just not enough room.

Note: other (explain)



Posted by: boilermaker

Jim Thorpe

Gold Medalist in the decathalon, pentathalon, pro football hall of famer, semi-pro baseball player before all of that.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperFlex View Post
And your vote would be?


Don't even say it...
Not you



Posted by: Bakerboy

Those are all Americans, what about the rest of the world?



Posted by: footballmaniac

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bakerboy View Post
Those are all Americans, what about the rest of the world?
Who cares about the rest of the world.



Posted by: Bakerboy

Quote:
Originally Posted by footballmaniac View Post
Who cares about the rest of the world.
Everyone but you.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bakerboy View Post
Everyone but you.
Please don't judge America by idiots like footballmaniac, he is full of hate and arrogant.



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
Not you

You have no clue...besides that's not what I asked.



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by boilermaker View Post
Jim Thorpe

Gold Medalist in the decathalon, pentathalon, pro football hall of famer, semi-pro baseball player before all of that.
Good one...



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bakerboy View Post
Those are all Americans, what about the rest of the world?
I haven't been exposed to what the rest of the world has had to offer Baker. Inform me my friend...



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperFlex View Post
You have no clue...besides that's not what I asked.
I have A clue and it's not you.



Posted by: lnvanry

MJ not because he was the most agile or "atheletic by nature"...but because of his popularity as an athelete.

And he was a chicago bull of course.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by lnvanry View Post
MJ not because he was the most agile or "atheletic by nature"...but because of his popularity as an athelete.

And he was a chicago bull of course.
Not even close to Ali son.



Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
Not even close to Ali son.
Ali wasn't in Space Jam.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by fufu View Post
Ali wasn't in Space Jam.




Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post


why is that funny???



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
I have A clue and it's not you.
I'd bash his head with my baseball bat after hitting 120HR's that year!



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by lnvanry View Post
MJ not because he was the most agile or "atheletic by nature"...but because of his popularity as an athelete.

And he was a chicago bull of course.
I agree. It's Jordan... He did so at 6'6 too.

Honorable meantions going to Bo Jackson and Barry Sanders!



Posted by: fufu

I'd say some gymnist, they are the best atheletes out there IMO.



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by fufu View Post
I'd say some gymnist, they are the best atheletes out there IMO.
That's an 8.7 on the gaydar... Why not throw in ice skaters while you're at it!



Posted by: Doublebase

The most recent winner of the Olympic decatholon.



Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperFlex View Post
That's an 8.7 on the gaydar... Why not throw in ice skaters while you're at it!
Gay porn stars are the best atheletes.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

MJ easy.



Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
The most recent winner of the Olympic decatholon.
10 different events, 10 different skills. I bet this guy could beat MJ in more sports and games.



Posted by: IainDaniel

Santa Claus who else can get around the world and up and down those chimmneys in one night, while carry an infinite number of toys?

Think about it absolute strength and unbelievable speed.



Posted by: Doublebase

Quote:
Originally Posted by IainDaniel View Post
Santa Claus who else can get around the world and up and down those chimmneys in one night, while carry an infinite number of toys?

Think about it absolute strength and unbelievable speed.
Santa Claus is not real.



Posted by: IainDaniel

I still get presents from him. You must be in his bad books.



Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by IainDaniel View Post
Santa Claus who else can get around the world and up and down those chimmneys in one night, while carry an infinite number of toys?

Think about it absolute strength and unbelievable speed.
Yeah but he cheats, he uses Christmas magic!



Posted by: IainDaniel

Blah.... I smell Jealousy.

All these punks using steroids are just jealous of old st.nick



Posted by: Bakerboy

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
Santa Claus is not real.
Not true! Here is his trusty cat, Tito, holding down the fort until Mr. and Mrs. Claus come back from their holidays in Cuba.




Posted by: fufu

...Tito.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
MJ easy.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
The most recent winner of the Olympic decatholon.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Doublebase View Post
10 different events, 10 different skills. I bet this guy could beat MJ in more sports and games.




Posted by: boilermaker

I forgot to include this about Thorpe:

"In baseball, Thorpe played with the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds, and finished the 1919 Boston Braves season with a .327 bating average."



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by fufu View Post
Gay porn stars are the best atheletes.
Are you training hard for the 06 games?



Posted by: Goodfella9783

I chose Jordan because he could do everything. Run, Jump, shoot, dunk, defend, ect. He could play any position if he wanted to. He also won 3 championships that wouldn't have been possible without him as seen in the 1994 season. Came out of retirement and won 3 more. Retired. Came out of retirement again and still competed at high level. I'm pretty sure if you stuck him in any sport he'd be unbelievable. Even if he spent more time and stayed dedicated to baseball he probably would have done great (51 RBI's, 30 Stolen bases isn't too shabby for a 6'6" dude btw. Especially since he hadn't played since high school). And I'm pretty sure most sports critics who have been doing it for years rank MJ pretty high so I don't know what the confused smilies are all about in Foreman's post.



Posted by: boilermaker

Jordan Hit .202 and struck out one of every 4 at bats. He also made 11 errors in the field. Greatest basketball player of all time. Absolutely. Greatest athlete of all time. Absolutely not.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by boilermaker View Post
Jordan Hit .202 and struck out one of every 4 at bats. He also made 11 errors in the field. Greatest basketball player of all time. Absolutely. Greatest athlete of all time. Absolutely not.
Yeah son. It takes time to get adjusted to Double-A baseball when you haven't played since High School and then played basketball for years.



Posted by: IainDaniel

The only reason he even got a chance to play double-A ball was because of who he was and ticket revenues not his ability.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
I chose Jordan because he could do everything. Run, Jump, shoot, dunk, defend, ect. He could play any position if he wanted to. He also won 3 championships that wouldn't have been possible without him as seen in the 1994 season. Came out of retirement and won 3 more. Retired. Came out of retirement again and still competed at high level. I'm pretty sure if you stuck him in any sport he'd be unbelievable. Even if he spent more time and stayed dedicated to baseball he probably would have done great (51 RBI's, 30 Stolen bases isn't too shabby for a 6'6" dude btw. Especially since he hadn't played since high school). And I'm pretty sure most sports critics who have been doing it for years rank MJ pretty high so I don't know what the confused smilies are all about in Foreman's post.
Jordon was the best basketball player of all time. Not even in the top 100 for the greatest athletes ever.



Posted by: boilermaker

It didn't take Dieon Sanders or Bo Jackson any time to adjust to PRO BALL. It was Jordan's own little fantasy camp. That's all. He wasn't good enough. Just like he isn't good enough at golf to play on any circuit.



Posted by: IainDaniel

Lionel Conacher

http://www.histori.ca/sports/conach.html



Posted by: boilermaker

Quote:
Originally Posted by IainDaniel View Post
Interesting read. I hadn't heard about him before. I just hope Kenwood doesn't see that he dropped out of school in the 8th grade and get any wild ideas .



Posted by: Bakerboy

Terry Fox (amature athlete) The guy ran a marathon a day with one leg and cancer without a sponsor.
http://webspace.oanet.com/jaywhy/terry.htm



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
Jordon was the best basketball player of all time. Not even in the top 100 for the greatest athletes ever.
ESPN ranks him at like 8 or something. I think that's too low.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
ESPN ranks him at like 8 or something. I think that's too low.
ESPN is a joke then, Jordon is not even close to top 50.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
ESPN is a joke then, Jordon is not even close to top 50.
Why what's so unathletic about him?



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
Why what's so unathletic about him?
He was only good at one sport....big deal. Every Olympic decathlon winner is a better athlete than Jordon was.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
He was only good at one sport....big deal. Every Olympic decathlon winner is a better athlete than Jordon was.
Never know. Jordan didn't do any decathalons. I like real sports anyway. Fuck discus, pole vault, shot put & javelin bs.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
Never know. Jordan didn't do any decathalons. I like real sports anyway. Fuck discus, pole vault, shot put & javelin bs.
The thread is about the best athlete, not the best basketball player.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
The thread is about the best athlete, not the best basketball player.
Yeah I know I just couldn't give the honor of best athlete to someone who tries to throw heavy balls far or chuck a javelin. Sports have evolved since shit like that. That's why dudes like Jordan get so much money.



Posted by: lnvanry

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
Not even close to Ali son.
wayyy better and much more class than ali son



Posted by: fufu

Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperFlex View Post
Are you training hard for the 06 games?
Yes, I recently came off a pulled sphincter, a disheartening set back. I should be good though.



Posted by: Bakerboy

Quote:
Originally Posted by fufu View Post
Yes, I recently came off a pulled sphincter, a disheartening set back. I should be good though.




Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by fufu View Post
Yes, I recently came off a pulled sphincter, a disheartening set back. I should be good though.

Damn dude, that's a picture I could have done without...



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by lnvanry View Post
wayyy better and much more class than ali son
I hate both and both have no class and cheated on their wives



Posted by: ubercoach

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
Never know. Jordan didn't do any decathalons. I like real sports anyway. Fuck discus, pole vault, shot put & javelin bs.
Obviously spoken by a complete fool with no athletic ability. I'd be impressed if you could hang with one of my college decathletes for JUST two days of training, much less do all 10 events. Why do you think the Olympic Decathlon Champ holds the title of World's Best Athlete? Because they can do it ALL!
Having played on a Ca. state championship basketball team, competed with Bill Walton (we went to the same high school), trained with people like Russ Hodge, (former World Record Holder in the Decathlon) when I threw the javelin and the shot, in addition to strength training numerous field athletes, I can argue from authority.
One "plays" basketball, so skill development is reasonably pleasurable, the hard part's conditioning.
Mastering the 10 different events in the Decathlon requires not only the skills, put the power and muscular endurance to compete for two days. And the training is nothing but YEARS of HARD HARD WORK.
Not even a close contest IMHO.
Goodfella9783 - You are quite clueless, please keep your ignorance to yourself, the Decathlon's the original Olympic sport, show some respect.

Jordan couldn't carry Robert Zmelik's jock, much less begin to be competitive in the Decathlon. Jordan's insufficiently disciplined, just for starters. Zmelik won the Decathlon in '92 Barcelona, completely self coached and on a budget less than what Jordan tips his caddy for a day on the links. In addition, Zmelik came very close to repeating in '96. His performances in training right up to Atlanta had him on track to break the world record in the Decathlon. Unfortunately he got a tooth infection the week of the games and ended up 7th.

BILL TOOMEY is an obvious American choice that should be in the top 2 or 3. Toomey won the Gold in '68, still holds the record of 5 time US National Champion and he won 23 major Decathlon meets.

As for the all time best Athlete...tough call, but Toomey deserves to be right near the top.

Ubercoach



Posted by: P-funk

I gotta agree with Foreman and ubercoach....a decathlete is no fucking joke!! those dudes are athletic on a whole different level.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ubercoach View Post
Obviously spoken by a complete fool with no athletic ability. I'd be impressed if you could hang with one of my college decathletes for JUST two days of training, much less do all 10 events. Why do you think the Olympic Decathlon Champ holds the title of World's Best Athlete? Because they can do it ALL!
Having played on a Ca. state championship basketball team, competed with Bill Walton (we went to the same high school), trained with people like Russ Hodge, (former World Record Holder in the Decathlon) when I threw the javelin and the shot, in addition to strength training numerous field athletes, I can argue from authority.
One "plays" basketball, so skill development is reasonably pleasurable, the hard part's conditioning.
Mastering the 10 different events in the Decathlon requires not only the skills, put the power and muscular endurance to compete for two days. And the training is nothing but YEARS of HARD HARD WORK.
Not even a close contest IMHO.
Goodfella9783 - You are quite clueless, please keep your ignorance to yourself, the Decathlon's the original Olympic sport, show some respect.

Jordan couldn't carry Robert Zmelik's jock, much less begin to be competitive in the Decathlon. Jordan's insufficiently disciplined, just for starters. Zmelik won the Decathlon in '92 Barcelona, completely self coached and on a budget less than what Jordan tips his caddy for a day on the links. In addition, Zmelik came very close to repeating in '96. His performances in training right up to Atlanta had him on track to break the world record in the Decathlon. Unfortunately he got a tooth infection the week of the games and ended up 7th.

BILL TOOMEY is an obvious American choice that should be in the top 2 or 3. Toomey won the Gold in '68, still holds the record of 5 time US National Champion and he won 23 major Decathlon meets.

As for the all time best Athlete...tough call, but Toomey deserves to be right near the top.

Ubercoach
I never questioned their conditioning or skill you dumbass. I just never paid any attention to decathalon events ever in my whole life because I think it is boring as shit and does not entertain me whatsoever. It's just my opinion. You don't have to respond like a whiny little girl. There's no real answer as to who the greatest athlete ever is so it's all just personal opinion. And you say that Jordan has no discipline and talk shit about him, but this Zmelik clown gets a tooth infection and punks out. I wonder why so many people including experts recognize Jordan as one of the greatest athletes of all time. Just a coincidence? I don't know much about decathletes, I just prefer not to watch dudes jump around in sand, use sticks to jump high and throw sticks.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by ubercoach View Post
Obviously spoken by a complete fool with no athletic ability. I'd be impressed if you could hang with one of my college decathletes for JUST two days of training, much less do all 10 events. Why do you think the Olympic Decathlon Champ holds the title of World's Best Athlete? Because they can do it ALL!
Having played on a Ca. state championship basketball team, competed with Bill Walton (we went to the same high school), trained with people like Russ Hodge, (former World Record Holder in the Decathlon) when I threw the javelin and the shot, in addition to strength training numerous field athletes, I can argue from authority.
One "plays" basketball, so skill development is reasonably pleasurable, the hard part's conditioning.
Mastering the 10 different events in the Decathlon requires not only the skills, put the power and muscular endurance to compete for two days. And the training is nothing but YEARS of HARD HARD WORK.
Not even a close contest IMHO.
Goodfella9783 - You are quite clueless, please keep your ignorance to yourself, the Decathlon's the original Olympic sport, show some respect.

Jordan couldn't carry Robert Zmelik's jock, much less begin to be competitive in the Decathlon. Jordan's insufficiently disciplined, just for starters. Zmelik won the Decathlon in '92 Barcelona, completely self coached and on a budget less than what Jordan tips his caddy for a day on the links. In addition, Zmelik came very close to repeating in '96. His performances in training right up to Atlanta had him on track to break the world record in the Decathlon. Unfortunately he got a tooth infection the week of the games and ended up 7th.

BILL TOOMEY is an obvious American choice that should be in the top 2 or 3. Toomey won the Gold in '68, still holds the record of 5 time US National Champion and he won 23 major Decathlon meets.

As for the all time best Athlete...tough call, but Toomey deserves to be right near the top.

Ubercoach




Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
You don't count. First you say boxers can kick MMA fighters' asses and all of the sudden you're on MMA's dick. Very confused you are.



Posted by: Trouble

Decathlon - check

Worlds best - check

Easy. Daley Thompson

(Just because they aren't household names, doesn't mean they were't great.)



Posted by: boilermaker

Daley, shmaley. James Thorpe won the decathalon, pentathalon, is in the NFL Hall of Fame and finsished his career in MLB hitting .328. How can you top that?



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
You don't count. First you say boxers can kick MMA fighters' asses and all of the sudden you're on MMA's dick. Very confused you are.
Look Homo, boxing is corrupt and I'm sick of paid off fights. MMA is the only other option so you can look at MMA as the fat girl at the party that's a sure thing. Nothing more nothing less son.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
Look Homo, boxing is corrupt and I'm sick of paid off fights. MMA is the only other option so you can look at MMA as the fat girl at the party that's a sure thing. Nothing more nothing less son.
Like that shit is news anyway. Get with it. Just like I said. You're very confused. You don't know what to like.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
Like that shit is news anyway. Get with it. Just like I said. You're very confused. You don't know what to like.
I'm not here for the news son. Just like all pussy gets old I'm sick of boxing.....grow up kid.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
I'm not here for the news son. Just like all pussy gets old I'm sick of boxing.....grow up kid.
I'm surprised you don't get sick of being online and changing avatars every 3 seconds being the age you are.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
I'm surprised you don't get sick of being online and changing avatars every 3 seconds being the age you are.
My God I can't believe I didn't realise you were in love with me till now.



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
My God I can't believe I didn't realise you were in love with me till now.
Yeah and you're tellin me to grow up



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Goodfella9783 View Post
Yeah and you're tellin me to grow up
Love is not about age son.



Posted by: SuperFlex

Decathlon athletes may be among the most well rounded athletes, but they're not the best. If they were they'd also be playing a sport that paid them millions a year... Dave Winfield is the only person to get drafted in all three major sports, but he's not the best athlete of all-time either. Although very gifted, you could see he didn't possess the athletics of some others...

IMO athletic means performance in running, jumping, quickness, mobility in all directions, coordination, etc... Not how many events you take part in or even how good you are at a given sport. Being good at a sport or 20 sports doesn't mean you're extremely athletic. It means you're good at that sport. Most likely because you've practiced it. Yeah, that takes some degree of athletic ability, but Peyton Manning sure as hell isn't the most athletic football player even though he is easily the best. Just how I see it...



Posted by: ubercoach

consideration has to be compared with Thorpe. He would be my template for comparison when trying determine "The best athlete".

"I just never paid any attention to decathalon events ever in my whole life because I think it is boring as shit and does not entertain me whatsoever."
- Goodfella9783


Goodfella9783,
I'm not sure which is more lame, that you're:
1. Not paying attention to the thread.
2. Use the entertainment factor as part of your criteria to oafishly dismiss several of the original Olympic events. The same skills used by ancient warriors in combat.
3. Use the entertainment factor as part of your critera to determine athletic ability. Way too much MTV and /or video games, not enough time playing sports on a real playing field.
4. Unaware of many factors, for example; the huge difference in being a team member and how much tougher it is competing as an individual, all alone, with no one else to blame for poor performance and no one to help keep you pumped when you're having a bad day.
or,
5. Unable to admit profound ignorance and continuing to rant about it like it's a virtue.

Ubercoach



Posted by: TJ Cline

Decathlon athletes 10

Goodfella9783 0



Posted by: Goodfella9783

Quote:
Originally Posted by ubercoach View Post
consideration has to be compared with Thorpe. He would be my template for comparison when trying determine "The best athlete".

"I just never paid any attention to decathalon events ever in my whole life because I think it is boring as shit and does not entertain me whatsoever."
- Goodfella9783


Goodfella9783,
I'm not sure which is more lame, that you're:
1. Not paying attention to the thread.
2. Use the entertainment factor as part of your criteria to oafishly dismiss several of the original Olympic events. The same skills used by ancient warriors in combat.
3. Use the entertainment factor as part of your critera to determine athletic ability. Way too much MTV and /or video games, not enough time playing sports on a real playing field.
4. Unaware of many factors, for example; the huge difference in being a team member and how much tougher it is competing as an individual, all alone, with no one else to blame for poor performance and no one to help keep you pumped when you're having a bad day.
or,
5. Unable to admit profound ignorance and continuing to rant about it like it's a virtue.

Ubercoach
LMAO. Again, I never said decathaletes are less athletic than more popular pro athletes. I clearly said that it's just my opinion and if you cannot accept that then leave. Or just shuttup because you're just puttin words in my mouth. You obviously didn't even read my last response to you. I pretty much laid down and gave you the benefit because I don't know so much about decathalons. Again (and if this doesn't register with you, I give up).... I know more about more mainstream sports like basketball , football, boxing, ect. than I do about decathalons, skiing, curling & shit so my opinion is based purely off that. And btw, team sports have difficult aspects as well. Like when you don't perform up to par, miss that big shot, you take heat from the coach and teammates. Or trying to mesh with a team so that you can win games/matches more efficiently. Just stop responding with all these stupid lists that try to show me that I'm lame because that is just sad that you'd have to do that. All I said was that other sports entertain me more and I consider them real sports, I never used that factor to determine anything. READ.



Posted by: ubercoach

[quote=SuperFlex;1438086]]
IMO athletic means performance in running, jumping, quickness, mobility in all directions, coordination, etc...

Sounds like you're discribing what it takes to do the Decathlon.

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin athleta, from Greek athlEtEs, from athlein to contend for a prize, from athlon prize, contest
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

Let's review the events and then tell me if you have a better test of overall athleticism?

The Nature of the Decathlon

The decathlon is an athletic competition containing ten different track and field (athletics) contests and won by the participant amassing the highest total score. It is an Olympic multi-event sport for men. The women's counterpart is a seven-event contest called "Heptathlon". Virtually all that we offer here about the decathlon can also be applied to the women's heptathlon. The decathlon has its ancestry in the Ancient Greek Games and reveals the Greek model of a balanced, all-around athlete.

The decathlon is a two-day miniature track meet designed to ascertain the sport's best all-around athlete. Within its competitive rules, each athlete must sprint for 100 meters, long jump, heave a 16-pound shotput, high jump and run 400 meters -- all in that very order -- on the first day. On the second day the athlete runs a 110 meter hurdle race over 42 inch barriers, hurls the discus, pole vaults, tosses a javelin and, at the end of the contest, races over 1500 meters, virtually a mile.

All-around contests abound. Many individual sports from gymnastics to rodeo to Nordic skiing to equestrian have all-around contests designed to measure versatility within that sport. But since track and field (athletics) is the most fundamental (some say the first or basic) sport where its participants run, jump and throw, it's all-around test -- the decathlon -- measures those elementary athletic talents. Speed, strength, agility, spring and endurance are embodied within its measurable objectives. While one athlete may be faster, another stronger and yet a third a better jumper, the decathlon attempts to determine who, among the three, is the best all-around or general athlete.

The skills of the decathlete are not specific to any sport. Although all sporting contests need fast, strong and agile athletes, they also demand specific skills. Although those skills (e.g., making a 20-foot jump shot, hitting a curve ball, or kicking a field goal) are difficult to master, they are specific to each sport and not general in nature. This is why there can be no doubt that decathlon champions are the best all-around athletes in the world. Making a case that decathletes are the "world's best athletes" is harder since some athletes with honed specific talents, for example Michael Jordan or Ken Griffey, Jr., may be so proficient in their unique skills as to overshadow a decathlete with terrific general competency.

The decathlete does not have to be exceptional in any one event to be the champion in the ten events. He must range from being at least adequate in his weak events to being outstanding in his stronger events. Because he must do well in three running, one hurdling, three jumping an and three throwing events he has inadequate chance to perfect and polish any one of the events. So he must compromise. And therein lies the nature of the decathlon. It is a compromise where concessions must be made in preparation for the sake of maximizing the total score. In his training he must strive to improve his technique, gain strength without sacrificing speed or spring, (and vice versa) and acquire the endurance that will escort him through a competition which, in many cases, lasts 8-10 hours each day.

An international scoring table is provided to evaluate and award points for each performance. The winner is the athlete who has the most points after ten events. So the decathlon is the only event in which it doesn't really matter if the athlete finishes first, third or worse in a particular event. The score is the thing and the decathlete competes against a scoring table, and in reality, against his own ability and standards. A score of 8000 points (averaging 800 points per event) is a rule of thumb cutoff for a world-class decathlete. Few major international meetings will ever be won with a score of less than 8000 points. There is some subjectivity within the scoring tables.

Mental factors play a greater role than they do in other events. Many coaches talk of a "decathlon mentality," meaning the athlete's ability to stay focused throughout the ten events, to get psyched up for each attempt or race, and to shrug off disappointment and get on with the next trial. In the decathlon there are chances to recuperate from mistakes.

Decathletes also differ from most athletes in their reaction to a completed meet. Ask a decathlete to assess his recently completed performance and invariably they are seldom satisfied, in fact, often frustrated. Rarely does a decathlete achieve personal record (PR) performance in every event. No matter how well he does, whether he wins or sets a record, the decathlete can always find room for improvement. There is always a "wait until next time" attitude.

Additionally the decathlon is the most neighborly of all track events. Because the same athletes are together for the better part of two days and the rules require a minimum of 30 minutes rest between events there is much time to chat on the field. And much of the time is used in helping one another, appraising technique, verifying takeoff points, giving advice and reassurance, even using others' equipment.

In the decathlon the opponent is rarely another athlete. The struggle is against time, distance, fatigue and ones inner fear of weakness or failure and the scoring tables. The opponent is oneself. Other decathletes are comrades, friends who help others do their best. Rarely are they hostile. Every decathlete concentrates on doing his utmost without attempting to diminish the efforts of others.

A Quick Look at the Events

Here is some basic information about each of the ten decathlon events:

100 METERS This event measures basic leg speed and each race/heat will have between 3 and 8 runners. You will push off a set of starting blocks at the start as a reaction to a starters pistol, sprint for 100 meters and lean at the finish line. The race can be timed with a hand held stopwatch to the tenth of a second, or by an automatic timing device which will catch the runners in 1/100ths of a second.

LONG JUMP The athlete runs toward the landing area, plants his takeoff foot on an 8-inch 'toeboard' (named for obvious reasons) and leaps into a sand filled pit. The distance is measured from the mark made in the pit which is closest to the takeoff board. Speed and accuracy are secondary to leaping ability. Each athlete will have only 3 chances and only the best jump will count in the scoring.

SHOT PUT The shot put measures basic arm strength. Again, three tries counting only the best effort for scoring. The athlete attempts to push or 'put' (not throw) a 16-pound iron ball so that it lands within a sector of 40 degrees. The throwing circle is seven feet wide and made of concrete. Efforts do not count if the athlete oversteps the throwing circle or if the shot lands outside of the sector lines.

HIGH JUMP Yet another explosive event where the athlete must approach the bar and landing area, gather himself and leap (always off one foot) over a crossbar. The landing pit is usually made of foam rubber. The crossbar is raised, usually 3cm (@ 1 1/4inches) and an athlete is eliminated after three consecutive misses. The highest height cleared is used for scoring.

400 METERS A century ago, a quarter mile (440 yards) race was deemed an endurance test. Today its metric equivalent is almost an all out sprint. The athlete runs the entire distance in lanes, and like the 100 meter race, may have anywhere from 2 to 7 competitors. The 400 meters tests both speed and stamina and ends the first day's competition.

DAY TWO

110-METER HURDLES The initial event of the second day combines speed and agility. The athletes must sprint (not jump) over a series of ten barriers, 42 inches high (39 inches at the high school level), which are placed 10 yards apart. The athlete must both sprint and stretch his stride pattern so as to only take 3 steps between hurdles. Hurdles may not be deliberately knocked down.

DISCUS THROW The discus, which weighs 2 kilograms (4 1/2 pounds) and is 8'2.5" inches in diameter, has aerodynamic qualities. Again, only three tries are allowed and the athlete, while turning 1 1/2 times, must stay within an 8'2.5" concrete circle. The discus must land within a 40-degree sector. Only the best throw counts in the scoring.

POLE VAULT Technically this is the decathlon's most difficult event. While grasping the upper end of a 14 to 15 foot fiberglass vaulting pole, the athlete races toward the pit, plants the pole in a takeoff box and swings himself up and over a crossbar, eventually landing in a foam rubber pit. Sound easy? It takes lots of practice.

JAVELIN The javelin is a metal spear approximately 8½ feet in length and weighing 800 grams (just under 2 pounds). It must be held by a grip and the throw made behind an arc. At all levels except the high school the javelin must land point first within the sector, which is 29 degrees wide. Each athlete is given three attempts and the best throw is scored.

1500 METERS The final test is one of endurance, 3 3/4 laps around the 400-meter track. Rarely does the decathlete have the luxury of loafing during this event. He must give his best effort since, at approximately 6 points for every second, places, scores and records (personal or otherwise) will be at stake.

Ubercoach



Posted by: TJ Cline

[quote=ubercoach;1438158]
Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperFlex View Post
]

IMO athletic means performance in running, jumping, quickness, mobility in all directions, coordination, etc...

Sounds like you're discribing what it takes to do the Decathlon.

Etymology: Middle English, from Latin athleta, from Greek athlEtEs, from athlein to contend for a prize, from athlon prize, contest
: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

Let's review the events and then tell me if you have a better test of overall athleticism?

The Nature of the Decathlon

The decathlon is an athletic competition containing ten different track and field (athletics) contests and won by the participant amassing the highest total score. It is an Olympic multi-event sport for men. The women's counterpart is a seven-event contest called "Heptathlon". Virtually all that we offer here about the decathlon can also be applied to the women's heptathlon. The decathlon has its ancestry in the Ancient Greek Games and reveals the Greek model of a balanced, all-around athlete.

The decathlon is a two-day miniature track meet designed to ascertain the sport's best all-around athlete. Within its competitive rules, each athlete must sprint for 100 meters, long jump, heave a 16-pound shotput, high jump and run 400 meters -- all in that very order -- on the first day. On the second day the athlete runs a 110 meter hurdle race over 42 inch barriers, hurls the discus, pole vaults, tosses a javelin and, at the end of the contest, races over 1500 meters, virtually a mile.

All-around contests abound. Many individual sports from gymnastics to rodeo to Nordic skiing to equestrian have all-around contests designed to measure versatility within that sport. But since track and field (athletics) is the most fundamental (some say the first or basic) sport where its participants run, jump and throw, it's all-around test -- the decathlon -- measures those elementary athletic talents. Speed, strength, agility, spring and endurance are embodied within its measurable objectives. While one athlete may be faster, another stronger and yet a third a better jumper, the decathlon attempts to determine who, among the three, is the best all-around or general athlete.

The skills of the decathlete are not specific to any sport. Although all sporting contests need fast, strong and agile athletes, they also demand specific skills. Although those skills (e.g., making a 20-foot jump shot, hitting a curve ball, or kicking a field goal) are difficult to master, they are specific to each sport and not general in nature. This is why there can be no doubt that decathlon champions are the best all-around athletes in the world. Making a case that decathletes are the "world's best athletes" is harder since some athletes with honed specific talents, for example Michael Jordan or Ken Griffey, Jr., may be so proficient in their unique skills as to overshadow a decathlete with terrific general competency.

The decathlete does not have to be exceptional in any one event to be the champion in the ten events. He must range from being at least adequate in his weak events to being outstanding in his stronger events. Because he must do well in three running, one hurdling, three jumping an and three throwing events he has inadequate chance to perfect and polish any one of the events. So he must compromise. And therein lies the nature of the decathlon. It is a compromise where concessions must be made in preparation for the sake of maximizing the total score. In his training he must strive to improve his technique, gain strength without sacrificing speed or spring, (and vice versa) and acquire the endurance that will escort him through a competition which, in many cases, lasts 8-10 hours each day.

An international scoring table is provided to evaluate and award points for each performance. The winner is the athlete who has the most points after ten events. So the decathlon is the only event in which it doesn't really matter if the athlete finishes first, third or worse in a particular event. The score is the thing and the decathlete competes against a scoring table, and in reality, against his own ability and standards. A score of 8000 points (averaging 800 points per event) is a rule of thumb cutoff for a world-class decathlete. Few major international meetings will ever be won with a score of less than 8000 points. There is some subjectivity within the scoring tables.

Mental factors play a greater role than they do in other events. Many coaches talk of a "decathlon mentality," meaning the athlete's ability to stay focused throughout the ten events, to get psyched up for each attempt or race, and to shrug off disappointment and get on with the next trial. In the decathlon there are chances to recuperate from mistakes.

Decathletes also differ from most athletes in their reaction to a completed meet. Ask a decathlete to assess his recently completed performance and invariably they are seldom satisfied, in fact, often frustrated. Rarely does a decathlete achieve personal record (PR) performance in every event. No matter how well he does, whether he wins or sets a record, the decathlete can always find room for improvement. There is always a "wait until next time" attitude.

Additionally the decathlon is the most neighborly of all track events. Because the same athletes are together for the better part of two days and the rules require a minimum of 30 minutes rest between events there is much time to chat on the field. And much of the time is used in helping one another, appraising technique, verifying takeoff points, giving advice and reassurance, even using others' equipment.

In the decathlon the opponent is rarely another athlete. The struggle is against time, distance, fatigue and ones inner fear of weakness or failure and the scoring tables. The opponent is oneself. Other decathletes are comrades, friends who help others do their best. Rarely are they hostile. Every decathlete concentrates on doing his utmost without attempting to diminish the efforts of others.

A Quick Look at the Events

Here is some basic information about each of the ten decathlon events:

100 METERS This event measures basic leg speed and each race/heat will have between 3 and 8 runners. You will push off a set of starting blocks at the start as a reaction to a starters pistol, sprint for 100 meters and lean at the finish line. The race can be timed with a hand held stopwatch to the tenth of a second, or by an automatic timing device which will catch the runners in 1/100ths of a second.

LONG JUMP The athlete runs toward the landing area, plants his takeoff foot on an 8-inch 'toeboard' (named for obvious reasons) and leaps into a sand filled pit. The distance is measured from the mark made in the pit which is closest to the takeoff board. Speed and accuracy are secondary to leaping ability. Each athlete will have only 3 chances and only the best jump will count in the scoring.

SHOT PUT The shot put measures basic arm strength. Again, three tries counting only the best effort for scoring. The athlete attempts to push or 'put' (not throw) a 16-pound iron ball so that it lands within a sector of 40 degrees. The throwing circle is seven feet wide and made of concrete. Efforts do not count if the athlete oversteps the throwing circle or if the shot lands outside of the sector lines.

HIGH JUMP Yet another explosive event where the athlete must approach the bar and landing area, gather himself and leap (always off one foot) over a crossbar. The landing pit is usually made of foam rubber. The crossbar is raised, usually 3cm (@ 1 1/4inches) and an athlete is eliminated after three consecutive misses. The highest height cleared is used for scoring.

400 METERS A century ago, a quarter mile (440 yards) race was deemed an endurance test. Today its metric equivalent is almost an all out sprint. The athlete runs the entire distance in lanes, and like the 100 meter race, may have anywhere from 2 to 7 competitors. The 400 meters tests both speed and stamina and ends the first day's competition.

DAY TWO

110-METER HURDLES The initial event of the second day combines speed and agility. The athletes must sprint (not jump) over a series of ten barriers, 42 inches high (39 inches at the high school level), which are placed 10 yards apart. The athlete must both sprint and stretch his stride pattern so as to only take 3 steps between hurdles. Hurdles may not be deliberately knocked down.

DISCUS THROW The discus, which weighs 2 kilograms (4 1/2 pounds) and is 8'2.5" inches in diameter, has aerodynamic qualities. Again, only three tries are allowed and the athlete, while turning 1 1/2 times, must stay within an 8'2.5" concrete circle. The discus must land within a 40-degree sector. Only the best throw counts in the scoring.

POLE VAULT Technically this is the decathlon's most difficult event. While grasping the upper end of a 14 to 15 foot fiberglass vaulting pole, the athlete races toward the pit, plants the pole in a takeoff box and swings himself up and over a crossbar, eventually landing in a foam rubber pit. Sound easy? It takes lots of practice.

JAVELIN The javelin is a metal spear approximately 8½ feet in length and weighing 800 grams (just under 2 pounds). It must be held by a grip and the throw made behind an arc. At all levels except the high school the javelin must land point first within the sector, which is 29 degrees wide. Each athlete is given three attempts and the best throw is scored.

1500 METERS The final test is one of endurance, 3 3/4 laps around the 400-meter track. Rarely does the decathlete have the luxury of loafing during this event. He must give his best effort since, at approximately 6 points for every second, places, scores and records (personal or otherwise) will be at stake.

Ubercoach




Posted by: SuperFlex

Shane Hammon deserves a meantion, no doubt... Dude is flat out amazing!



Posted by: SuperFlex

Michael Wilson of the Globetroter's is a bad man. He's got a 55-inch Verticle! Thats crazy!!! He played college ball at Memphis and holds the world record at dunking on a 12' goal he's goin for 12'6" now!



Posted by: Yanick

decathletes all the way.

i would also like to say alexander kerelin(sp?). he literally struck fear into the hearts of his competitors.



Posted by: ubercoach

is one of my heros and all time favorite athletes. An amazing combination of tremendous genetics, the incredible dedication and discipline to engage in awesomely intense training for decades and the heart of a warrior. Certainly in the top 10. Too specialized to be the absolute best, but a phenomenal athlete.

Ubercoach

Check out this photo of Karelin tossing Blatnick. Karelin was a monster, take a look at his legs. Yeah, he intimidated opponents.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Roman_wrestling



Posted by: Dub guy

Simple.............TIGER WOODS!

There is a reason why next year he will be the first sports billionaire



Posted by: ubercoach

is hardly a standard of athleticism. Woods is a pencil necked geek with good core strength and reasonable hand eye coordination who's recreational activity pays extremely well. Woods doesn't qualifiy to be in the top 100. He plays a "sport" like darts or pool, just more popular. No real strength or conditioning involved. Sorry, not even close in my book.

Ubercoach



Posted by: Dub guy

your nuts.....tiger gain 25lbs of lean muscle just to increase his distance alone. You utilize many muscles in the game of golf. Tiger woods has achieved more records and wins in his sport in the time he has been playing 10 years than any other sports star will in their career....plus he can golf pro for 25 more years if he likes...

nice try dumbass



Posted by: Bakerboy

The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei are on a whole other level: read this article and you will see what I mean: http://www.lehigh.edu/~dmd1/holly.html



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dub guy View Post
Simple.............TIGER WOODS!

There is a reason why next year he will be the first sports billionaire



A golfer is your top athlete pic



Posted by: ubercoach

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dub guy View Post
your nuts.....tiger gain 25lbs of lean muscle just to increase his distance alone. You utilize many muscles in the game of golf. Tiger woods has achieved more records and wins in his sport in the time he has been playing 10 years than any other sports star will in their career....plus he can golf pro for 25 more years if he likes...

nice try dumbass
Being the head moron still means you're a moron...you should know that.

As an Olympic level strength and conditioning coach who has trained numerous golfers I know precisely how athletic one must be to play the game. That's why Woods wouldn't be in the Top 100. Like people that successfully play Darts and Billiards, great golfers control their nerves. Has next to nothing to do with physical athletic ability, which is the question here...the psychobiologic component is a seperate issue. Woods as attained his high level skills by starting golf as a child and has the experience and confidence to control his nerves.

Please forgo the inane ad hominems, they do nothing to bolster your stature in this forum or your "opinion". Further, I can at least spell "your" correctly, it's "your are". I can also construct coherent sentences.

Dub guy, when you have the educational and experiential background to offer a qualified opinion on the subject of athleticism, get back to us. Meanwhile I suggest you shut your rude, ignorant pie hole.

Ubercoach



Posted by: maniclion

Mario Andretti.



Posted by: TJ Cline

Quote:
Originally Posted by maniclion View Post
Mario Andretti.


Top 10 athlete of all time and also a very sexy man



Posted by: ubercoach

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post


Top 10 athlete of all time and also a very sexy man
Hey, he's Italian, the sexy man stuff's pretty much a given.

And no I am not Italian.

But my wife's Sicilian,
Ubercoach



Posted by: SuperFlex

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGvzk...related&search=



Posted by: ubercoach

music sucks.

Ubercoach



Posted by: SuperFlex

Quote:
Originally Posted by ubercoach View Post
music sucks.

Ubercoach
Agreed



Posted by: LoadedBats

Quote:
Originally Posted by ForemanRules View Post
The thread is about the best athlete, not the best basketball player.
Wrong. It's about the "greatest" athlete. Greatness is measured not only by accomplishments in they're sport, but the impact that athlete has had on society. Go to any corner of the earth and any person you run into who wasn't born in the past 5 years will know the name Micheal Jordan, Muhammid Ali, Tiger Woods, etc. etc. No shit they are not the most athletically skilled in all events across the board. But you know damn well that's not what he means by "greatest" athlete.



Posted by: IainDaniel

So you are defining an athlete the greatest cause of how well they were marketed. Get real.



Posted by: LoadedBats

Any Athlete who is at the top of their sport is marketed. It's how that athlete represents himself and the sport that attributes to greatness. Kobe Bryant is probably the NBA's top player right now, and he is marketed well. Yet the NBA's ratings are in the toilet when it comes to viewers. Why? Because basket ball isn't exciting and doesn't have that spark that it had back in the late 80's and 90's when Jordan had his reign. Kobe's a great player, but he's also an asshole......he doesn't carry that off court presence. Jordan was unbelievable to watch, he had a great personality, and he will go down as the best basketball player ever even if all his records are broken.




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