The greatest athletes of all time are a hotly debated topic, with many contenders from various sports and eras. From the ancient Olympic games to modern day professional sports, there have been countless athletes who have amazed and inspired us with their talents and achievements. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most legendary athletes in history, and what made them so great.
One of the earliest and most iconic athletes in history is the ancient Greek runner, Pheidippides. According to legend, Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver the news of the Athenian victory over the Persians in 490 BCE. He is said to have run the distance without stopping to rest and delivered his message before collapsing and dying from exhaustion. The modern marathon race, which covers the same distance, is named in honor of Pheidippides and his legendary run.
Another ancient athlete who left a lasting legacy is the wrestler Milo of Croton. Milo was a six-time Olympic champion in the ancient Olympic games, which were held in Olympia, Greece. He was said to be incredibly strong and was able to hold a calf on his shoulders and walk with it until it grew into a full-grown bull, all the while maintaining his strength and skill as a wrestler. Milo’s legend lives on as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
Moving forward in time, we come to the athlete who is considered by many to be the greatest of all time: Michael Jordan. Jordan is a retired American professional basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time. He is a six-time NBA champion, a five-time MVP, and a ten-time All-NBA first team selection. Jordan’s incredible skills and competitive drive helped him lead the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and earned him a reputation as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Another iconic athlete is Muhammad Ali, widely considered as one of the greatest boxers of all time. Ali was a three-time heavyweight champion and an Olympic gold medalist. He was known for his quick and powerful punches, as well as his bold and charismatic personality. Ali was also an influential figure outside of the ring, using his platform to speak out on issues of race and politics. He will always be remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the sport of boxing and a symbol of courage and conviction.
Pelé, a Brazilian former professional soccer player, is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. He is the only player to have been a part of three World Cup-winning teams, and he also scored a record 1,281 goals over the course of his career. Pelé was known for his incredible skills on the field, including his speed, accuracy, and ability to score goals from any position. He brought a new level of skill and flair to the game of soccer and is considered the best player ever by many experts.
Another legendary athlete is Babe Ruth, an American baseball player who is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Ruth was a dominant pitcher and outfielder for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees, and he set several records that still stand today, including the most home runs in a single season and the most home runs in a career. Babe Ruth was known for his powerful swing, great throwing arm and overall raw strength, his larger than life personality, and his impact on the game of baseball.
Lastly, it would be remiss not to mention the greatest athlete of the 20th century , Usain Bolt. He is a retired Jamaican sprinter. He is widely considered the greatest sprinter of all time, he holds the world record and Olympic record in the 100 metres
