Who is the greatest athlete ever?

Question

On NBC they have referred to Michael Phelps as the "greatest athlete ever". While he is the most decorated Olympic athlete, does that make him the greatest overall athlete of all time?

Who do you think is the greatest athlete?

My pick is Lance Armstrong.

Answer 1

Michael Phelps's shoulders are far too big.

Answer 2

definetely michael phelps! have uve seen the olympics (2008 Beijing) they r still goin on. hes a fantastic swimmer that is an 11 time gold medalist in the olympics.

Answer 3

lebron james is the best athlete now and soon the best ever.  

Answer 4

Phelps!!! and i don't care if his shoulders are too big!

Answer 5

i think phelps because by winning all those olympic medals he's proven to the world that he can beat pretty much anyone and everyone, but lance armstrong isn't bad either ;]

they're different sports though so it's hard to say.

Answer 6

still have to go with jim thorpe . city named after him . played five pro sports . i know it all started 96 years ago. i was not there. but i dont think jim had the media exposure todays athletes have . athelete/humanatarian. always will be the greatest muhamad ali . great greqat human . understand he could box a bit also  

Answer 7

did u all forget michael jordan

Answer 8

Rodney Mullen (skateboarder) he is sick!

him and Tony Hawk pretty much ARE skateboarding. no one can top them.