Athlete of the Decade

Kiptanui

Now that the decade is appraoching an end -what athlete has been deserving of the mantle of athlete of the decade.

I know the Bolt brigade will be out in force on this one but longevity must be a factor in such a discussion.

For me its Kenenisa Bekele.
2nd Yelena Isinbayeva

Both have been utterly dominant and ultra consistent over the years and its a close call between them.

helpisontheway

Kiptanui wrote: »

Now that the decade is appraoching an end -what athlete has been deserving of the mantle of athlete of the decade.

I know the Bolt brigade will be out in force on this one but longevity must be a factor in such a discussion.

For me its Kenenisa Bekele.
2nd Yelena Isinbayeva

Both have been utterly dominant and ultra consistent over the years and its a close call between them.

1.Bolt-May not have been dominant for as long as others but that isnt really his fault as he is young.Without doubt the athlete of the decade!
2.Isinbayeva
3.Bekele

Id love to throw Felix Sanchez in for his utter domination of 400m hurdles for years but i suppose the lack of a world record will probably lead to him being a forgotten man.:(

Kiptanui

helpisontheway wrote: »

1.Bolt-May not have been dominant for as long as others but that isnt really his fault as he is young.Without doubt the athlete of the decade!
2.Isinbayeva
3.Bekele

Id love to throw Felix Sanchez in for his utter domination of 400m hurdles for years but i suppose the lack of a world record will probably lead to him being a forgotten man.:(

Sanchez was a class act but not worthy of inclusion compared to the others - after all, Angelo Taylor won two of the three Olympic titles available in the decade. Both were .47 seconds off the WR by Kevin Young (46.78) with a mere 47.25!!

If we ignore longevity as per Bolt, Hicham El Guerrouj must also feature. Hewas the fastest man in the world for 8 consecutive years, 4 of those in this decade. I don't think his 3 mins 26.00 is in danger any time soon either.

myflipflops

Kiptanui wrote: »

For me its Kenenisa Bekele.
2nd Yelena Isinbayeva

Both have been utterly dominant and ultra consistent over the years and its a close call between them.

Agree with the above.

I don't think it's that close between them though as Ininbayeva dominated in a 'new' event that hasn't reached it's peak in competition yet whereas Bekele dominated for a full decade in an incredibly competitive environment.

I actually don't see how there is any arguement against Bekele being the dominant overall athlete from 2000-2009.

thirtyfoot

3 world records in 1 Olympics when added to what he did again this year is enough to make up for the fact Bolt was only at his peak for 2 of the 10 years. Longevity, longsmevity - he is not only the most exciting thing to happen to the sport this decade but also since Seoul or before that or for as long as I am into athletics. He was runner-up in the Time Magazine Person of the Year in the States. A sportsman from track and Jamaica making that sort of impact outside the sport in the US says a lot. Thats the off the track stuff. The on track stuff speaks for itself - 5 world records at a championships when it really matters at a time we also have the 100m at its most competitive ever. Maybe not only athlete of the decade he would be in the running for sportperson of the decade. He transcends athletics while at the same time delivers better than anyone in the past decade in athletics when it really matters. You could write a thesis on the man!!

For longevity I'd throw in Alekna too.

10 years against the best in the world at a champs and he has:
5 Golds
2 Silver
1 Bronze
2 4th

Gold in Sydney '00
Silver in World 01
Silver in Euros 02 (essentially worlds)
Gold in World 03
Gold in Athens 04
Gold in Worlds 05
Gold in Euros 06
4th:( in Worlds 07
Bronze in Beijing 08
4th in Worlds in 09 aged 37.

In 2005-2007 he was unbeaten in 37 competitions in a row. There is one big event for this guy a year and he was never outside the top 4.

Kiptanui

Couldn't agree more with what you have written about Bolt in terms of impact on the profile of the sport. He does transcend athletics. However when reviewing a decade I feel that longevity is a vital component. Hopefully for the sake of the sport he will be the athlete of the next decade - athletics needs Bolt. Bolt will create more publicity than any african distance runner or russian field eventer due to his charisma and the fact that his english is far better. Maybe he could throw light on "longsmevity" or even dismiss it as a 7 year old like uttering??!!:D

We have rose tinted glasss on though if we think he is sportsman of the decade!! If that pole was taken in September Tiger Woods would have won by a country mile. His ability to score birdies would have placed him a long way clear!

In athletic terms though, we should review in it objective rather than subjective terms - performances, records, medals ........ over the course of the decade!!

myflipflops

Kiptanui wrote: »

Couldn't agree more with what you have written about Bolt in terms of impact on the profile of the sport. He does transcend athletics. However when reviewing a decade I feel that longevity is a vital component.

What he said.

Bolt is the greatest athlete/sportsperson on the planet right now. He is also THE MOST IMPORTANT track and field athlete of this decade by a considerable distance. In the context of the opening post and what is being discussed, i think Bekele can lay claim to overall best of the decade.


Edit: fair point on Alekna.

aburke

Bolt, Bekele and Gebreselassie were the names that came to mind for me.

Isinbayeva is in the right place at the right time. At outstanding talent in a 'new' event. Time will tell how good she really is.

But my knowedge of field events is so ridiculously small that I didn't recognise
Alekna, or realise his dominance.

Bolt has the off-track personality, but on the basis that he has dominated from start to finish of the decade - on the track and over the country, in a discipline that has serious depth, it has to be Bekele.

thirtyfoot

Kiptanui wrote: »

In athletic terms though, we should review in it objective rather than subjective terms - performances, records, medals ........ over the course of the decade!!

On these terms I will give it to Alekna then. Medals in 80% of the champs in the decade, gold in 50% of them. If we have to be statistically objective we must give it to him then for 2000-2009. He medalled in every Olympics in the decade.

Look, sprinters/jumpers/throwers etc will give it to Bolt, muckers will give it to Bekele, general knowledgable sports fan will give it to Bolt, casual sports fans will give it to Bolt but will know of but not the name of the little Ethiopean lad and the housewives and average Joe Duffy listener will give it to Bolt or Henry Shefflin and won't have a clue who Bekele is.

robinph

I seem to remember seeing something before along the lines that Radcliffe had more than half of the top ten fastest ever marathon times for women? Apart from when there is an Olympics on she's been pretty unbeatable for a large part of the last decade over the distance.

myflipflops

Tingle wrote: »

general knowledgable sports fan will give it to Bolt, casual sports fans will give it to Bolt but will know of but not the name of the little Ethiopean lad and the housewives and average Joe Duffy listener will give it to Bolt or Henry Shefflin and won't have a clue who Bekele is.

This is a fairly irrelevant point in terms of the conversation i think. Just because the average guy on the street wouldn't know Bekele doesn't take away from his achievements surely? The 9.x seconds Bolt runs the 100 in is about all the average man on the street can take of watching athletics anyway!! It doesn't mean that the 26.17 WR for the 10k should be viewed any less impressively, it's just much harder for the average person to gauge!

I did a quick steal from Wikipedia of Bekele's major victories on the track or World Cross Country which fits in nicely with the thread as it shows him winning a major World title in every year this decade. I know the World Cross is a bit different but the fact that he generally did the long/short course double is unreal consistency.

In 2001, he 'only won the Junior title at World Cross but this is just about the hardest title to win as a distance runner due to numerous factors. He also came out the next day and finished 2nd in the short course senior race.

2009 World Track Champion 5,000 m, Berlin
2009 World Track Champion 10,000 m, Berlin
2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Athletics 5,000 m, Beijing
2008 Beijing Olympic Games in Athletics 10,000 m, Beijing
2008 African Championships in Athletics 5,000 m, Addis Ababa
2008 World Cross Country Championships (12K), Edinburgh
2007 World Track Champion 10,000 m, Osaka
2006 African Championships in Athletics 5,000 m, Bambous
2006 World Cross Country Champion in short race (4K), Fukuoka
2006 World Cross Country Champion in long race (12K), Fukuoka
2006 World Indoor Track Champion 3,000 m, Moscow
2005 World Cross Country Champion in short race (4K), Saint-Étienne
2005 World Cross Country Champion in long race (12K), Saint-Étienne
2005 World Track Champion 10,000 m, Helsinki
2004 World Cross Country Champion in short race (4K), Brussels
2004 World Cross Country Champion in long race (12K), Brussels
2004 Olympic Champion 10,000 m, Athens
2003 World Cross Country Champion in short race (4K), Avenches
2003 World Cross Country Champion in long race (12K), Avenches
2003 World Track Champion 10,000 m, Paris
2002 World Cross Country Champion in short race (4K), Dublin
2002 World Cross Country Champion in long race (12K), Dublin
2001 World Junior Cross Country Champion 8000 m

myflipflops

robinph wrote: »

I seem to remember seeing something before along the lines that Radcliffe had more than half of the top ten fastest ever marathon times for women? Apart from when there is an Olympics on she's been pretty unbeatable for a large part of the last decade over the distance.

Radcliffe's record in major championships rules her out of the debate in my opinion.

The nature of marathon running and the traning involved has meant that she wasn't in peak shape for the Olympics on 04 or 08 but outside that, her record in major global championships is step or 2 below the athletes already mentioned.

Kiptanui

Tingle wrote: »

On these terms I will give it to Alekna then. Medals in 80% of the champs in the decade, gold in 50% of them. If we have to be statistically objective we must give it to him then for 2000-2009. He medalled in every Olympics in the decade.

Look, sprinters/jumpers/throwers etc will give it to Bolt, muckers will give it to Bekele, general knowledgable sports fan will give it to Bolt, casual sports fans will give it to Bolt but will know of but not the name of the little Ethiopean lad and the housewives and average Joe Duffy listener will give it to Bolt or Henry Shefflin and won't have a clue who Bekele is.

Muckers will give it to Bekele!! Thats akin to saying that EPO/Human growth hormone munching sprinters will give it to Bolt!! It appears when the facts don't back up your opinions you resort to this type of trash. :rolleyes:

As an aside, as has already been pointed out in this thread, Bekele's championship achievments far outweigh Alekna's. That is no slight on Alekna either - he had a wonderful decade.

helpisontheway

Kiptanui wrote: »

As an aside, as has already been pointed out in this thread, Bekele's championship achievments far outweigh Alekna's. That is no slight on Alekna either - he had a wonderful decade.

Thats not really a fair statement as Bekele had far more global championships available too him due to cross country.Alekna had Worlds every 2 years and Olympics every 4.Bekele had that plus a choice of two world XC distances every year.

thirtyfoot

Kiptanui wrote: »

Muckers will give it to Bekele!! Thats akin to saying that EPO/Human growth hormone munching sprinters will give it to Bolt!! It appears when the facts don't back up your opinions you resort to this type of trash. :rolleyes:

The muckers was a bit of craic, should have used a smilie. Mucker is a term of endearment, see this - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=59209497&postcount=73. We all fit in somewhere.

If you are a mucker and as a mucker you take offence with the term mucker, I apologise. I regularly call muckers I know muckers and they are fine with it;)

Would EPO really benefit a sprinter, must get on that stuff:cool:

But obviously the facet of the sport that most interests you will define who you think is the best of the decade. For the record, Alekna as a thrower has only only one comp a year, so 10 in the decade and he medalled in 8 of those. That, on paper, to me is the most impressive statistical return from the decade. See, its hard to be objective even when you use stats. Alekna has one event a year, Bekele or Bolt may have 2 or even 3 if Bekele fancied indoors. There has to be some level of subjectivity. Its all opninion anyway. I'm saying I wouldn't base it on solely stats over the 10 year period so whether Bekele has a better record than Alekna is irrelevant to me as Bolt wins.

myflipflops

helpisontheway wrote: »

Thats not really a fair statement as Bekele had far more global championships available too him due to cross country.Alekna had Worlds every 2 years and Olympics every 4.Bekele had that plus a choice of two world XC distances every year.

Quoting World Champs & Olympics only:

Alekna - 2 x Olympic Gold & 1 x Bronze
2 x World Gold & 1 x silver


Bekele - 3 x Olympic Gold & 1 Silver
5 x World Champs Gold.


Both competed in about the same number of Champs at peak with Bekele missing 2001 Worlds due to age and Alekna being 'past' (relative!!) his best in 2009.

Alekna got all 3 Olympic available in the decade though which partly evens up the fact that Bekele had a more readily made double available to him (5k/10k).

thirtyfoot

myflipflops wrote: »

This is a fairly irrelevant point in terms of the conversation i think.

I agree, the absence of smilies from my post gave people the impression I was serious. I wasn't;)

Krusty_Clown

Hi, just wondering why Gebreselassie doesn't feature more predominantly? Too much specificity?

efb

Bolt, took athletics back from the brink.

ChickenTikka

For me despite his short while on the scene, it has to be Bolt. Can't put my hand on the detail now ... but newspapers reckoned he knocked more off the 100m record in the last 2 years than all the greats of the previous 30 years put together. I'd vote for him as sportsperson of the decade.
And I'd vote for Tiger Woods as sportsperson of the decadent.:D

Kiptanui

efb wrote: »

Bolt, took athletics back from the brink.

Lets not get carried away. Global athletics was not on the brink. Sprinting was tarnished due to Gatlin, Marion Jones, Montgomery, Chambers, the two greeks etc etc.

Maybe the same money wasn' in Grand Prix meetings but there are lots of positives.

myflipflops

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Hi, just wondering why Gebreselassie doesn't feature more predominantly? Too much specificity?

The vast, vast majority of his medal collection was won previous to 2000. The Olympic gold is his 'only' major outdoor gold in this decade.

Also, his marathon career, while terrific in terms of time, has lacked any major victory that I can recall. He has dominated Berlin and Dubai over the previous 5 years but these races were set up as time trials for him. He is missing a win in London, NY, Boston or Chicago against a really world class field.

Obviously, it's not easy to be critical in any way of a guy who has run 2.03.59 in this decade but i don't think his achievements stand up to anybody previously mentioned in this thread.

efb

Kiptanui wrote: »

Maybe the same money wasn' in Grand Prix meetings but there are lots of positives.

wasn't that the problem?

Kiptanui

Tingle wrote: »

Would EPO really benefit a sprinter, must get on that stuff:cool:

Meant THG. :rolleyes:

Just a reminder to Helpisontheway. Alekna never broke the World Record either so that ends that really!!

Kiptanui

efb wrote: »

wasn't that the problem?

It was an issue but hardly had the sport "on the brink"!!!! Lets be realistic.

Pisco Sour

I'm amazed that Carolina Kluft isnt getting a mention:

2002 European Gold
2003 World Gold
2004 Olympic Gold
2005 World Gold
2006 European Gold
2007 World Gold

Add to that:

2003 World Indoor Gold
2005 European Indoor Gold
2007 European Indoor Gold

A remarkable run of results and her dominance in her event is of the same level as Bolt and Bekele (minus a world record). She was untouchable.

thirtyfoot

Kiptanui wrote: »

Lets not get carried away. Global athletics was not on the brink. Sprinting was tarnished due to Gatlin, Marion Jones, Montgomery, Chambers, the two greeks etc etc.

Maybe the same money wasn' in Grand Prix meetings but there are lots of positives.

I would agree with efb and say that athletics was on the brink. Nobody was watching it anymore and nobody outside of the sport really cared. That in my opinion is undeniable and I would say widely accepted. Yes, there are many positives over the past 10 years but until Beijing when Bolt re-ignited it, it was a very ordinary decade after Sydney. Everybody knows Bolt. People might start watching athletics again. Imagine if Gay starts beating him what it will be like. Another great rivalry like Johnson/Lewis or Coe/Ovett.

Outside of the ever decreasing hardcore nobody wants to see 15 Africans flying around a track in single file for 13-20 odd minutes in some Grand Prix or rounds and rounds of 100m heats at a champs. I might or you might but not the public. Thats why changes are being put forward. No false starts, talk of no races over 5k in stadia, prelim rounds in the 100s at majors, only 7 efforts in the jumps. All these are being tried or debated so as to make the sport more appealing to TV and the public. Even here at local level, marathon 8 hour days at the track, event after event.

I'll be honest I say I find the longer races dead boring these days. Thats a main reason why I could never vote for Bekele being athlete of the decade. He is a legend of an athlete but I don't know if I would get excited like I did when El Geurroj won the 1500/5000 in '04 or when Bolt got the records in Beijing or Berlin. Coghlan says there are no personalities around in middle or long distance anymore, I think he could be right. Its like watching pursuit.

Thats the way it was going and added to the drug stories the sport to the general public was non-existent. I think Bolt changed that. Athletics is now cool again. Kids know who Bolt is, they might want to do athletics as opposed to football, GAA or rugby as opposed to not even knowing what the sport was previously. The fact he is so outgoing and great craic is a big factor. You can't but like him. There is a lot riding on his shoulders. Because of that and what he has done, he has to be the Athlete of the Decade. I wonder if we were around in the 30's would we have discounted Jess Owens as he had only had 1 good year?

thirtyfoot

04072511 wrote: »

I'm amazed that Carolina Kluft isnt getting a mention:

2002 European Gold
2003 World Gold
2004 Olympic Gold
2005 World Gold
2006 European Gold
2007 World Gold

Add to that:

2003 World Indoor Gold
2005 European Indoor Gold
2007 European Indoor Gold

A remarkable run of results and her dominance in her event is of the same level as Bolt and Bekele (minus a world record). She was untouchable.

Very true. An amazing sequence. Was she unbeaten in that time? I think she might be.

Lets hope a comeback for 2012 could be on the cards. Ennis vs Kluft in London would be something else.

myflipflops

04072511 wrote: »

I'm amazed that Carolina Kluft isnt getting a mention:
.

Yep, no disagreeing with this.

Maybe the fact that she didn't compete on the Hepatathlon in Beijing put her out of mind a bit?? Class act all round.

Pisco Sour

Tingle wrote: »

Very true. An amazing sequence. Was she unbeaten in that time? I think she might be.

Lets hope a comeback for 2012 could be on the cards. Ennis vs Kluft in London would be something else.

Yep, she hasnt lost an international heptathlon since March 2002 winning 22 including 9 major championships. A major shame that she decided not to defend her Olympic title. I dont know why she couldnt have waited until after Olympic year to experiment with new events (triple jump) and to focus on the long jump.

Perhaps the cause of her demotivation was that there was nothing left for her to achieve in the event, as the World Record is so far out of sight its scary!

myflipflops

Tingle wrote: »

I'll be honest I say I find the longer races dead boring these days. Thats a main reason why I could never vote for Bekele being athlete of the decade. He is a legend of an athlete but I don't know if I would get excited like I did when El Geurroj won the 1500/5000 in '04 or when Bolt got the records in Beijing or Berlin. Coghlan says there are no personalities around in middle or long distance anymore, I think he could be right. Its like watching pursuit.

All fair enough and true enough Tingle.

The age of the 'personality free' distance race is an issue for the side of the sport. The days of John Walker, Coughlan, Coe, Ovett, Sonia, Miruts Yifter, Prefontaine, el Guerrouj and Gebrselassie seem to be gone.

I still don't see why this has any effect on the debate at hand though. I find Bekele a dislikeable enough character and wouldn't be a fan of his generally but his record just speaks for itself.

The fact that Bolt is a big personality, a likeable guy and a general totem pole for the sport doesn't come into the equation of this specific debate for me.

helpisontheway

Kiptanui wrote: »

Tingle wrote: »

Would EPO really benefit a sprinter, must get on that stuff:cool:

Meant THG. :rolleyes:

Just a reminder to Helpisontheway. Alekna never broke the World Record either so that ends that really!!

I am aware of that Kiptanui.I never actually said i tought Alekna deserved it.I was just making the point so you would realise that Alekna[or most other non distance athletes] have less Global events to take part in therefore how much they have won cannot be the only reason taken into account when deciding on Athlete of the decade.
Stick a poll up there and we will see who wins-Bolt maybe?:eek:

thirtyfoot

myflipflops wrote: »

All fair enough and true enough Tingle.

The age of the 'personality free' distance race is an issue for the side of the sport. The days of John Walker, Coughlan, Coe, Ovett, Sonia, Miruts Yifter, Prefontaine, el Guerrouj and Gebrselassie seem to be gone.

I still don't see why this has any effect on the debate at hand though. I find Bekele a dislikeable enough character and wouldn't be a fan of his generally but his record just speaks for itself.

The fact that Bolt is a big personality, a likeable guy and a general totem pole for the sport doesn't come into the equation of this specific debate for me.

Can't argue with your argument, I admit defeat.

I'd still vote Bolt though:P

Kiptanui

helpisontheway wrote: »

Kiptanui wrote: »

I am aware of that Kiptanui.I never actually said i tought Alekna deserved it.I was just making the point so you would realise that Alekna[or most other non distance athletes] have less Global events to take part in therefore how much they have won cannot be the only reason taken into account when deciding on Athlete of the decade.
Stick a poll up there and we will see who wins-Bolt maybe?:eek:

A poll on boards?? The place that didn't believe Olive Loughnane should get athlete of the quarter when winning world silver??!! We have since seen what the general public thinks of that!! Nominated for Irish sportsperson of the year and recipient of athlete of the year!

You raised the point to echo Tingle!! At first you had Bekele in the top 3 yourself and then came on to champion Alekna. Don't be afraid of independent thought!

helpisontheway

Kiptanui wrote: »

helpisontheway wrote: »

A poll on boards?? The place that didn't believe Olive Loughnane should get athlete of the quarter when winning world silver??!! We have since seen what the general public thinks of that!! Nominated for Irish sportsperson of the year and recipient of athlete of the year!

You raised the point to echo Tingle!! At first you had Bekele in the top 3 yourself and then came on to champion Alekna. Don't be afraid of independent thought!

Nope again i never said Alekna was more deserving than Bekele.I would still have Bekele ahead of him.I posted re Alekna as it was unfair to imply that because Bekele had won more he is better,there is alot more to any athlete than what they have and have not won.

As for Olive Loughnane i think you will find that the poll voted her athlete of the quarter,it was the voting panel that didnt.Stick up the poll as obviously your not going to agree with Bolt even though he will win by a country mile.

thirtyfoot

helpisontheway wrote: »

As for Olive Loughnane i think you will find that the poll voted her athlete of the quarter,it was the voting panel that didnt.

Yep, here it is http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055701635&highlight=olive+loughnane

Never trust those boards polls I say:pac:

Kiptanui

Alekna was very successful but is well behind Bekele in medals, records and just about any relevant measureable there is.

Bolt would probably win a poll due to the event preferences of the people on this site. I wouldn't deem that to be reflective of mainstream athletics opinion - more a reflection of the average man on the street. Thats not really relevant to the thread though

I forgot that sanity prevailed with the previous poll.

helpisontheway

Kiptanui wrote: »

Bolt would probably win a poll due to the event preferences of the people on this site. I wouldn't deem that to be reflective of mainstream athletics opinion - more a reflection of the average man on the street. Thats not really relevant to the thread though

Id imagine that a large percentage of people who read/post here have an interest in athletics so id doubt a poll would be a reflection of the average man on the street,it would be a reflection of ART boardsies! I cant imagine Paddy the local GAA club chairman logging on to vote for Bolt because hes the only athlete he knows.:D Also i dont know what site you have been on for the last year but i would imagine that there are more people posting here in relation to distance running than any other events in athletics so by your logic Bekele would start with an advantage rather than Bolt as you have indicated.

Pisco Sour

I think people are placing too much emphasis on world records in this discussion. This places most women at a disadvantage as the world records in the majority of women's events were set by eastern europeans during the state sponsored doping era and so these records are so far out of reach. So I dont think its fair to be looking at World Records too much. The number of major championships won is a better reflection on who is Athlete of the Decade.

baldykav

Is this about Track and Field or athlete's in general? If so then Phelps has to be in there!!!

Bekele based on the competition he faced, unreal record across 5/10/cc. Bolt for revolutionising sprinting and taking it out of the dark, and Phelps for killing everyone in the pool, specialists in particular. And eating all that food.

Between Bekele, Bolt and Phelps it's too tight to call. although an amazing athlete, I don't think Isinbayeva has had enough close competition to really push her like the others have.

Kiptanui

helpisontheway wrote: »

Id imagine that a large percentage of people who read/post here have an interest in athletics so id doubt a poll would be a reflection of the average man on the street,it would be a reflection of ART boardsies! I cant imagine Paddy the local GAA club chairman logging on to vote for Bolt because hes the only athlete he knows.:D Also i dont know what site you have been on for the last year but i would imagine that there are more people posting here in relation to distance running than any other events in athletics so by your logic Bekele would start with an advantage rather than Bolt as you have indicated.

People on this site have an interest in athletics but it it isn't an accurate reflection of opinions in mainstream athletics. There are huge numbers who aren't members of any club, thats their choice and I have no problem with that. Horses for courses!!

To the man on the street, who in this context is the jogger, the fun runner or the 15 - 25 miles per week guy, Bolt is the face of athletics. He would win any poll here because these catergories comprise the majority of posters. That is not the issue though.

People like the fictional character descibed don't know or care about such discussions on boards. They expect Bolt to test positive at some point because thats what they expect from many of the top sprinters. All athletics people hope it never happens. What I was referring to to as the man on th street is the generalisation I made in the previous paragraph.

As an aside,there is very little discussion about elite distance running on this site. That is not a moan, its a fact. It mainly focus's on club, juvenile and national events. Most of the international chat on this site over the past year has been about 100m up to 400m.

helpisontheway

Kiptanui wrote: »

People on this site have an interest in athletics but it it isn't an accurate reflection of opinions in mainstream athletics. There are huge numbers who aren't members of any club, thats their choice and I have no problem with that. Horses for courses!!

To the man on the street, who in this context is the jogger, the fun runner or the 15 - 25 miles per week guy, Bolt is the face of athletics. He would win any poll here because these catergories comprise the majority of posters. That is not the issue though.

People like the fictional character descibed don't know or care about such discussions on boards. They expect Bolt to test positive at some point because thats what they expect from many of the top sprinters. All athletics people hope it never happens. What I was referring to to as the man on th street is the generalisation I made in the previous paragraph.

As an aside,there is very little discussion about elite distance running on this site. That is not a moan, its a fact. It mainly focus's on club, juvenile and national events. Most of the international chat on this site over the past year has been about 100m up to 400m.

My last word on it as your boring me.
Usain Bolt Athlete of the Decade!!!

Kiptanui

Shouting in bold makes no difference.
Sorry I bore you with logic and facts. I'm off to book my holidays to a major championships next summer. I hope to meet a few top junior athletes there on their hols too. If not I'll chain myself to the fence to protest my dissatisfaction.

myflipflops

Tingle wrote: »

But for all the uh-ohs, the 2000s were also about excellence. An argument can be made that the decade featured the greatest men’s tennis player ever (Roger Federer), the greatest racecar driver ever (Michael Schumacher), the greatest cyclist ever (Lance Armstrong), the greatest motorcycle racer ever (Valentino Rossi), the greatest swimmer ever (Phelps), the greatest sprinter ever (Bolt), the greatest distance runner ever (Bekele) and the greatest golfer ever(Woods).

Aside from the on topic debate, here's an interesting quote from an interesting piece (below) on sports generally this decade.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/sports/21clarey.html?_r=1

downthemiddle

Even though Bolt, Cluft, Bekele etc. all come under the umbrella of track and field you are not comparing like with like. Their events require different physiological make ups. All the athletes mentioned on this thread are freaks of nature as you have to be to excel at this level. We can debate this issue for eternity but will never reach agreement.
The posters on the golf board are up in arms because Derval compared winning a medal at the World Champs to winning a golf major. It's like asking who is better Sonia, BOD or Harrington.
Enjoy them for the exceptional athletes they are.

p.s. My money is on Bolt

Pisco Sour

downthemiddle wrote: »

The posters on the golf board are up in arms because Derval compared winning a medal at the World Champs to winning a golf major.

I had a read of that there on the golf forum. Some very ignorant statements over there. I've left my two cents.

myflipflops

04072511 wrote: »

I had a read of that there on the golf forum. Some very ignorant statements over there. I've left my two cents.

I had a look. The comments weren't worth justifying with a response to be honest.

thirtyfoot

downthemiddle wrote: »

We can debate this issue for eternity but will never reach agreement.

One solution - Bolt vs Bekele over 600m. G'wan the Bolt.

efb

Live in little nieve little athletics land.

Derval has Spar, Padraig has Omega

--amadeus--

Did she really say that? That a World Champs medal is equivalent to a golf major?

That is outrageous.






We all know golf is just a game, athletics is a sport

efb wrote: »

Live in little nieve little athletics land.

Derval has Spar, Padraig has Omega

You're welcome to come in here and argue your case but no need to be insulting about it. But, frankly, if your case consists of "na na na na na my sponsors are richer than yours!" then you might be better off not bothering...

thirtyfoot

04072511 wrote: »

I had a read of that there on the golf forum. Some very ignorant statements over there. I've left my two cents.

In fairness its just one poster, efb, who seems to have had one sherry too many down in the clubhouse after shooting another 92. The other posters there made reasonable and articulate points on the topic and some quite glowing of our sport.