Greatest Athlete

No questioning the accomplishments of Michael Phelps. The past few weeks NBC and its media brothers and sisters have pounded into my head that Michael Phelps is the only Olympian, in the 112 year history of the Olympics, to win 8 gold medals at one Olympic game. There is no question Michael is a great swimmer, who has been physically blessed, and has the fortitude to train and the intensity to overcome obstacles. But is he the greatest athlete of our time? The original Michael was said to be the greatest athlete of our time and while dominating on the basketball court; he was only at best an average baseball player.

Can Phelps even be called the greatest Olympian? A solid case can be made for Phelps being the greatest Olympian Swimmer, but what about the accomplishments of Jim Thorpe? In the 1912 Olympics Thorpe won the gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon, taking gold in 8 of the 15 events. Phelps swam. Thorpe ran, threw and jumped. Which requires more athletic ability?
It is probably necessary to define an athlete, before picking the greatest athlete. An athlete is defined as a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill.

Who is the greatest athlete?

What do you think?