Creating a definitive list of the greatest athletes in history is challenging, as it involves comparing achievements and skills across various sports and eras. The criteria for greatness can vary, including dominance in their respective fields, records set, impact on their sport, and cultural significance. However, there’s a general table featuring some of the most prominent athletes from various sports and eras.
| Rank | Athlete | Sport | Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muhammad Ali | Boxing | 1960s-1980s |
| 2 | Michael Jordan | Basketball | 1980s-2000s |
| 3 | Usain Bolt | Track and Field | 2000s-2010s |
| 4 | Serena Williams | Tennis | 2000s-present |
| 5 | Pelé | Soccer | 1950s-1970s |
| 6 | Babe Ruth | Baseball | 1910s-1930s |
| 7 | Tiger Woods | Golf | 1990s-present |
| 8 | Simone Biles | Gymnastics | 2010s-present |
| 9 | Michael Phelps | Swimming | 2000s-2010s |
| 10 | Diego Maradona | Soccer | 1980s-1990s |
| 11 | LeBron James | Basketball | 2000s-present |
| 12 | Roger Federer | Tennis | 2000s-present |
| 13 | Jesse Owens | Track and Field | 1930s |
| 14 | Jackie Robinson | Baseball | 1940s-1950s |
| 15 | Tom Brady | American Football | 2000s-present |
| 16 | Martina Navratilova | Tennis | 1970s-1990s |
| 17 | Diego Maradona | Soccer | 1980s-1990s |
| 18 | Carl Lewis | Track and Field | 1980s-1990s |
| 19 | Wayne Gretzky | Ice Hockey | 1970s-1990s |
| 20 | Nadia Comăneci | Gymnastics | 1970s-1980s |
Please note that this table is a broad overview and is not exhaustive. It’s important to remember that greatness can be subjective and influenced by individual preferences, the sports one is familiar with, and cultural factors. Many other athletes from various sports deserve recognition for their contributions to their respective fields.
Frequently Asked Questions about Greatest Athletes
Who is the Greatest Athlete in history?
Muhammad Ali (boxer) is considered the greatest athlete in the history of the world.
Is Cristiano Ronaldo the Greatest Athlete in the World?
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players in history, but when it comes to all-time greatest athletes, he is not at the top of the list. History has many other greatest athletes.
