Who would be your choice of Greatest Olympian ?

[derekpara]

There's been some discussion on Radio 4 today as to whether Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian of all time ( 19 Olympic Medals). Lord Coe didn't seem to agree, but did not name his choice. Who would be yours ?

Mine would be Jesse Owens (1936 Olympics)

Cheers.

D

[mazie]

Jesse Owens for me

[bibblebub]

Paavo Nurmi

[Buenchico]

Jim Thorpe for me.

[sunny-dave]

It depends whether you go for one stupendous achievement (Bob Beaman - long jump, Mexico 1968) or for a prolonged career (Birgit Fischer - 12 medals between 1980 and 2004), or a large number of medals (Michael Phelps, Carl Lewis)

They are all heroes (or heroines) to me.

[Prudie]

Steve Redgrave must be up for consideration

[Mick-Talbot]

No greatest for me.

Greatest at what you do , maybe.

[Duncer]

Lasse Viren.

[askyourgran]

Roger Bannister was the hero for his 4 minute mile. Kris Akabouki (sp) if only for his lunchbox.

[craft1948]

Emil Zatopek..................

[jake-the-peg]

Steve Redgrave just won over 3 Olympics

Aladár Gerevich only athlete to win the same event *6* times in a row - that's 24 years at the top.

http://en.wikipedia.o.../Alad%C3%A1r_Gerevich




Why don't we know him?

I guess it's because he's not an

[Jeza]

Steve Redgrave disagreed because M Phelps has only done 3 games. Even though he is the most medals. For me, still thinking on it.

[jake-the-peg]

...english speaker

(Damn keyboard)

[Duncer]

Now that is impressive.

[bibblebub]

the 4 minute mile wasn't run during an Olympics and Banister only finished 4th in the 1500m in the 1952 Olympics

[Psybbo]

Kelly Holmes for me

[tamborine]

Gotta be Michael with 15 golds & still at it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps

[Mick-Talbot]

Millions around the world will have a go at running, swimming, boxing etc but how many have a go at fencing?


That is why I would discount, Aladar,

[Arksided]

Tessa Sanderson, she once came to our school and encouraged a lot of enthusiasm towards sport, and at the time did 1984/5-ish.

IMO, though Lord Coe.... yawn...

[Jeza]

Redgrave won 5 golds in 5 consecutive Olympics. He also won a bronze the year before his first gold. Jake that is 20 years not 24.

[Mick-Talbot]

And .... having just googled him, he only won 1 individual gold.