Originally posted by darvlayAlmost entirely agree except I give it as follows:
I will have to strongly disagree there. While the 2008 Olympics was the highlight of Phelps decade and most watched on TV by the general public, let's not forget he also won 6 Golds in 2004 (8 medals total) and has been dominating the International Swimming circuit since 2003 when he was 18 years old. Since 2003, he has set 37 world records.
From Wiki: ...[text shortened]... ade, I might consider him first.
1. M. Phelps
2. L. Armstrong
3. R. Federer
4. T. Woods
1. Phelps/Armstrong
2. Federer
3. Woods
4. Bolt
Originally posted by PalynkaIf we are talking about a single event - a single race - a single athletic moment - then I
Bolt's 100m for me.
would agree that Bolt's 100 was by far the sporting highlight of the decade.
If we're talking about it in any broader of the sense - an accumulation of races at one
meet - a single season - or even the athlete's portfolio over the entire decade - then I
don't think Woods or Federer or Armstrong can match the absolute dominance that
Phelps had. Single meet, single Olympics, single year, or the entire decade...Phelps
wins all of those. But Bolt had the single greatest race.
Originally posted by Traveling AgainNo argument there. I agree wholeheartedly.
If we are talking about a single event - a single race - a single athletic moment - then I
would agree that Bolt's 100 was by far the sporting highlight of the decade.
If we're talking about it in any broader of the sense - an accumulation of races at one
meet - a single season - or even the athlete's portfolio over the entire decade - then ...[text shortened]... , or the entire decade...Phelps
wins all of those. But Bolt had the single greatest race.
Originally posted by Traveling AgainLucky for him he had the opportunity to enter so many similar events. Most olympians can do one event, two perhaps, occasionally three. He may be good, but I don't value his contribution to sport in any way.
Yes, I think you are right. I change my vote.
Here's a breakdown of his performance during the 2008 Olympics:
Gold - 400 individual medley; 4:03.84 (WR)
Gold - 4×100 freestyle relay; 3:08.24 (WR)
Gold - 200 freestyle; 1:42.96 (WR)
Gold - 200 butterfly; 1:52.03 (WR)
Gold - 4×200 freestyle relay; 6:58.56 (WR)
Gold - 200 individual ...[text shortened]... ey; 1:54.23 (WR)
Gold - 100 butterfly; 50.58 (OR)
Gold - 4×100 medley relay; 3:29.34 (WR)