Throughout history, certain individuals have transcended their respective sports, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics. These extraordinary athletes have not only dominated their disciplines but have also inspired generations, broken barriers, and redefined what is possible in human physical achievement. This comprehensive list aims to celebrate the 100 best athletes of all time, spanning various sports, eras, and cultures.
Methodology
Compiling a list of the greatest athletes in history is an inherently challenging and subjective task. Our selection criteria include:
- Dominance in their sport
- Longevity and consistency of performance
- Impact on their sport and broader culture
- Records and achievements
- Innovation and influence on future generations
- Versatility and all-around athletic ability
It’s important to note that comparing athletes across different sports and eras presents unique challenges. We’ve attempted to balance these factors to create a representative list of the most exceptional athletes in history.
The List
1. Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
- Olympic gold medalist (1960)
- Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
- Known for his unparalleled speed, agility, and showmanship
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, revolutionized boxing with his unique style, combining speed, agility, and power. Beyond his athletic achievements, Ali’s impact on social and political issues cemented his status as a global icon.
2. Michael Jordan (Basketball)
- Six-time NBA Champion
- Five-time NBA MVP
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist
Jordan’s unparalleled combination of skill, competitiveness, and marketing appeal made him the face of basketball globally. His influence extended far beyond the court, revolutionizing sports marketing and athlete branding.
3. Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
- Eight-time Olympic gold medalist
- World record holder in 100m and 200m sprints
- Dominated sprinting for over a decade
Bolt’s unprecedented dominance in sprinting, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a global sensation. He redefined the limits of human speed and brought unprecedented attention to track and field.
4. Pelé (Football/Soccer)
- Three-time FIFA World Cup winner
- Scored over 1,000 professional goals
- Revolutionized the sport with his skill and creativity
Pelé’s impact on football is immeasurable. His skill, creativity, and success on the world stage helped popularize soccer globally, earning him the nickname “O Rei” (The King).
5. Michael Phelps (Swimming)
- 23 Olympic gold medals (28 total)
- Holds multiple world records
- Dominated swimming across multiple Olympics
Phelps’ unprecedented Olympic success and versatility across swimming disciplines make him arguably the greatest Olympian of all time. His impact on swimming raised the sport’s profile globally.
6. Serena Williams (Tennis)
- 23 Grand Slam singles titles
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated women’s tennis for over two decades
Williams’ power, skill, and longevity revolutionized women’s tennis. Her impact extends beyond the court, as she’s become a cultural icon and advocate for various social issues.
7. Wayne Gretzky (Ice Hockey)
- Four-time Stanley Cup champion
- Holds numerous NHL records, including most career points
- Known as “The Great One” for his unparalleled skill and vision
Gretzky’s impact on ice hockey is unparalleled. His vision, passing ability, and scoring prowess set him apart as perhaps the most dominant player in any team sport.
8. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- 19-time World Champion
- Revolutionized gymnastics with innovative skills
Biles’ combination of difficulty, execution, and consistency has redefined women’s gymnastics. Her ability to perform skills previously thought impossible has elevated the sport to new heights.
9. Roger Federer (Tennis)
- 20 Grand Slam singles titles
- 310 weeks ranked as world No. 1
- Known for his versatility and graceful playing style
Federer’s longevity, consistency, and elegant playing style have made him one of the most beloved athletes in tennis history. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic defined an era of men’s tennis.
10. Lionel Messi (Football/Soccer)
- Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Numerous club titles with Barcelona and PSG
- FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina (2022)
Messi’s incredible dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most decorated and admired footballers of all time. His World Cup victory in 2022 cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever.
11. Babe Ruth (Baseball)
- 714 career home runs
- Seven-time World Series champion
- Revolutionized baseball with his power hitting
Ruth’s power hitting transformed baseball, ushering in a new era of the sport. His larger-than-life personality made him one of America’s first celebrity athletes.
12. Martina Navratilova (Tennis)
- 18 Grand Slam singles titles
- 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles
- Dominated women’s tennis in the 1980s
Navratilova’s aggressive playing style and fitness regimen revolutionized women’s tennis. Her longevity and success across singles and doubles make her one of the most accomplished tennis players ever.
13. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football/Soccer)
- Five-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Numerous club titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus
- All-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess, athleticism, and longevity have made him one of the most recognizable and successful footballers in history.
14. Jackie Robinson (Baseball)
- First African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era
- Six-time All-Star
- National League MVP (1949)
Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in MLB was a pivotal moment in sports history and the civil rights movement. His skill and courage in the face of adversity make him one of the most important athletes of the 20th century.
15. Nadia Comăneci (Gymnastics)
- Five-time Olympic gold medalist
- First gymnast to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition
- Revolutionized women’s gymnastics in the 1970s
Comăneci’s perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympics is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Her precision and difficulty level set new standards in gymnastics.
16. Jesse Owens (Track and Field)
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist (1936 Berlin Olympics)
- Set world records in multiple events
- His success challenged Nazi ideology of racial superiority
Owens’ four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics stand as one of the greatest athletic and cultural achievements in Olympic history. His success in the face of racial discrimination had a lasting impact beyond sports.
17. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Basketball)
- Six-time NBA Champion
- Six-time NBA MVP
- All-time leading scorer in NBA history
Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook shot and longevity made him one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His cultural impact and advocacy work extend his influence beyond basketball.
18. Billie Jean King (Tennis)
- 12 Grand Slam singles titles
- Pioneered gender equality in tennis
- Defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match
King’s impact on tennis extends far beyond her on-court achievements. Her advocacy for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights has made her a pivotal figure in sports history.
19. Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
- Eight-time Olympic gold medalist
- World record holder in 100m and 200m sprints
- Dominated sprinting for over a decade
Bolt’s unprecedented dominance in sprinting, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a global sensation. He redefined the limits of human speed and brought unprecedented attention to track and field.
20. Jim Thorpe (Multi-sport)
- Olympic gold medalist in pentathlon and decathlon (1912)
- Played professional football, baseball, and basketball
- Considered one of the most versatile athletes in modern sports
Thorpe’s versatility across multiple sports makes him one of the greatest all-around athletes in history. His Olympic achievements and professional success in multiple sports are unparalleled.
21. Steffi Graf (Tennis)
- 22 Grand Slam singles titles
- Only tennis player to achieve the Golden Slam
- Dominated women’s tennis in the late 1980s and 1990s
Graf’s all-court game and mental toughness made her one of the most dominant tennis players of all time. Her achievement of the Golden Slam (all four majors plus Olympic gold in one year) remains unmatched.
22. Bo Jackson (Multi-sport)
- Only athlete to be named an All-Star in both MLB and NFL
- Known for his exceptional speed and power
- Excelled in football, baseball, and track and field
Jackson’s multi-sport prowess and athleticism make him one of the most versatile athletes in modern sports history. His ability to excel at the highest levels in both the NFL and MLB is unprecedented.
23. Larisa Latynina (Gymnastics)
- 18 Olympic medals (9 gold)
- Dominated gymnastics in the 1950s and 1960s
- Held the record for most Olympic medals for 48 years
Latynina’s Olympic medal haul stood as a record for nearly half a century. Her grace and consistency set the standard for women’s gymnastics for generations.
24. Carl Lewis (Track and Field)
- Nine-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated sprinting and long jump for over a decade
- Named “Olympian of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee
Lewis’ success across multiple Olympics and his dominance in both sprinting and long jump make him one of the most versatile and successful track and field athletes in history.
25. Marta (Football/Soccer)
- Six-time FIFA World Player of the Year
- All-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup tournaments (men’s and women’s)
- Pioneering figure in women’s football
Marta’s skill, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made her one of the most influential figures in women’s football. Her impact on the growth and popularity of the women’s game is immeasurable.
26. Jack Nicklaus (Golf)
- 18 major championship victories
- 73 PGA Tour wins
- Known as “The Golden Bear”
Nicklaus’ major championship record and longevity make him arguably the greatest golfer of all time. His rivalry with Arnold Palmer helped popularize golf globally.
27. Wilma Rudolph (Track and Field)
- Three-time Olympic gold medalist (1960)
- Overcame childhood polio to become “the fastest woman in the world”
- Pioneering figure for African American athletes
Rudolph’s triumph over adversity and her Olympic success made her a pioneering figure in women’s athletics and civil rights.
28. Diego Maradona (Football/Soccer)
- FIFA World Cup winner (1986)
- Known for the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century”
- Revered figure in football history
Maradona’s skill, creativity, and controversial moments made him one of the most iconic footballers in history. His impact on the sport, particularly in Argentina, is immeasurable.
29. Björn Borg (Tennis)
- 11 Grand Slam singles titles
- Dominated Wimbledon and French Open in the late 1970s
- Known for his cool demeanor and baseline play
Borg’s dominance on both grass and clay courts, coupled with his iconic rivalry with John McEnroe, made him one of the most influential tennis players of his era.
30. Babe Didrikson Zaharias (Multi-sport)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field
- 10 LPGA major championships
- Excelled in multiple sports including basketball and baseball
Zaharias’ versatility across multiple sports makes her one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Her success in both Olympic track and field and professional golf is unparalleled.
31. Pelé (Football/Soccer)
- Three-time FIFA World Cup winner
- Scored over 1,000 professional goals
- Revolutionized the sport with his skill and creativity
Pelé’s impact on football is immeasurable. His skill, creativity, and success on the world stage helped popularize soccer globally, earning him the nickname “O Rei” (The King).
32. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- 19-time World Champion
- Revolutionized gymnastics with innovative skills
Biles’ combination of difficulty, execution, and consistency has redefined women’s gymnastics. Her ability to perform skills previously thought impossible has elevated the sport to new heights.
33. Don Bradman (Cricket)
- Test batting average of 99.94
- Dominated cricket in the 1930s and 1940s
- Considered the greatest batsman of all time
Bradman’s batting average is often cited as the greatest statistical achievement in any major sport. His dominance in cricket is unparalleled.
34. Nadia Comăneci (Gymnastics)
- Five-time Olympic gold medalist
- First gymnast to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition
- Revolutionized women’s gymnastics in the 1970s
Comăneci’s perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympics is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Her precision and difficulty level set new standards in gymnastics.
35. Paavo Nurmi (Track and Field)
- Nine-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated distance running in the 1920s
- Known as the “Flying Finn”
Nurmi’s dominance in distance running and his scientific approach to training revolutionized the sport. His Olympic success remains one of the greatest in track and field history.
36. Martina Navratilova (Tennis)
- 18 Grand Slam singles titles
- 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles
- Dominated women’s tennis in the 1980s
Navratilova’s aggressive playing style and fitness regimen revolutionized women’s tennis. Her longevity and success across singles and doubles make her one of the most accomplished tennis players ever.
37. Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
- Eight-time Olympic gold medalist
- World record holder in 100m and 200m sprints
- Dominated sprinting for over a decade
Bolt’s unprecedented dominance in sprinting, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a global sensation. He redefined the limits of human speed and brought unprecedented attention to track and field.
38. Serena Williams (Tennis)
- 23 Grand Slam singles titles
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated women’s tennis for over two decades
Williams’ power, skill, and longevity revolutionized women’s tennis. Her impact extends beyond the court, as she’s become a cultural icon and advocate for various social issues.
39. Michael Phelps (Swimming)
- 23 Olympic gold medals (28 total)
- Holds multiple world records
- Dominated swimming across multiple Olympics
Phelps’ unprecedented Olympic success and versatility across swimming disciplines make him arguably the greatest Olympian of all time. His impact on swimming raised the sport’s profile globally.
40. Eliud Kipchoge (Marathon)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist in marathon
- First person to run a marathon in under two hours (in a non-competition event)
- Dominated marathon running in the 2010s
Kipchoge’s consistency and record-breaking performances have made him the greatest marathoner in history. His sub-two-hour marathon, albeit in controlled conditions, pushed the boundaries of human endurance.
41. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Basketball)
- Six-time NBA Champion
- Six-time NBA MVP
- All-time leading scorer in NBA history
Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook shot and longevity made him one of the most dominant centers in NBA history. His cultural impact and advocacy work extend his influence beyond basketball.
42. Steffi Graf (Tennis)
- 22 Grand Slam singles titles
- Only tennis player to achieve the Golden Slam
- Dominated women’s tennis in the late 1980s and 1990s
Graf’s all-court game and mental toughness made her one of the most dominant tennis players of all time. Her achievement of the Golden Slam (all four majors plus Olympic gold in one year) remains unmatched.
43. Wayne Gretzky (Ice Hockey)
- Four-time Stanley Cup champion
- Holds numerous NHL records, including most career points
- Known as “The Great One” for his unparalleled skill and vision
Gretzky’s impact on ice hockey is unparalleled. His vision, passing ability, and scoring prowess set him apart as perhaps the most dominant player in any team sport.
44. Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Track and Field)
- Three-time Olympic gold medalist
- Former world record holder in heptathlon and long jump
- Considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time
Joyner-Kersee’s versatility and dominance in multiple track and field events make her one of the most accomplished athletes in Olympic history.
45. Roger Federer (Tennis)
- 20 Grand Slam singles titles
- 310 weeks ranked as world No. 1
- Known for his versatility and graceful playing style
Federer’s longevity, consistency, and elegant playing style have made him one of the most beloved athletes in tennis history. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic defined an era of men’s tennis.
46. Mia Hamm (Football/Soccer)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist
- Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion
- Pioneering figure in women’s soccer
Hamm’s skill, leadership, and marketability helped popularize women’s soccer in the United States and globally. Her impact on the growth of the women’s game is immeasurable.
47. Lionel Messi (Football/Soccer)
- Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Numerous club titles with Barcelona and PSG
- FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina (2022)
Messi’s incredible dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most decorated and admired footballers of all time. His World Cup victory in 2022 cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever.
48. Larisa Latynina (Gymnastics)
- 18 Olympic medals (9 gold)
- Dominated gymnastics in the 1950s and 1960s
- Held the record for most Olympic medals for 48 years
Latynina’s Olympic medal haul stood as a record for nearly half a century. Her grace and consistency set the standard for women’s gymnastics for generations.
49. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football/Soccer)
- Five-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Numerous club titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus
- All-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring prowess, athleticism, and longevity have made him one of the most recognizable and successful footballers in history.
50. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- 19-time World Champion
- Revolutionized gymnastics with innovative skills
Biles’ combination of difficulty, execution, and consistency has redefined women’s gymnastics. Her ability to perform skills previously thought impossible has elevated the sport to new heights.
51. Hank Aaron (Baseball)
- 755 career home runs (second all-time)
- 25-time All-Star
- Broke Babe Ruth’s home run record
Aaron’s consistency and longevity made him one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. His breaking of Babe Ruth’s home run record was a significant moment in American sports history.
52. Nadia Comăneci (Gymnastics)
- Five-time Olympic gold medalist
- First gymnast to score a perfect 10 in Olympic competition
- Revolutionized women’s gymnastics in the 1970s
Comăneci’s perfect 10 at the 1976 Olympics is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Her precision and difficulty level set new standards in gymnastics.
53. Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
- Eight-time Olympic gold medalist
- World record holder in 100m and 200m sprints
- Dominated sprinting for over a decade
Bolt’s unprecedented dominance in sprinting, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a global sensation. He redefined the limits of human speed and brought unprecedented attention to track and field.
54. Martina Navratilova (Tennis)
- 18 Grand Slam singles titles
- 31 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles
- Dominated women’s tennis in the 1980s
Navratilova’s aggressive playing style and fitness regimen revolutionized women’s tennis. Her longevity and success across singles and doubles make her one of the most accomplished tennis players ever.
55. Michael Jordan (Basketball)
- Six-time NBA Champion
- Five-time NBA MVP
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist
Jordan’s unparalleled combination of skill, competitiveness, and marketing appeal made him the face of basketball globally. His influence extended far beyond the court, revolutionizing sports marketing and athlete branding.
56. Pelé (Football/Soccer)
- Three-time FIFA World Cup winner
- Scored over 1,000 professional goals
- Revolutionized the sport with his skill and creativity
Pelé’s impact on football is immeasurable. His skill, creativity, and success on the world stage helped popularize soccer globally, earning him the nickname “O Rei” (The King).
57. Serena Williams (Tennis)
- 23 Grand Slam singles titles
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated women’s tennis for over two decades
Williams’ power, skill, and longevity revolutionized women’s tennis. Her impact extends beyond the court, as she’s become a cultural icon and advocate for various social issues.
58. Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
- Olympic gold medalist (1960)
- Three-time World Heavyweight Champion
- Known for his unparalleled speed, agility, and showmanship
Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, revolutionized boxing with his unique style, combining speed, agility, and power. Beyond his athletic achievements, Ali’s impact on social and political issues cemented his status as a global icon.
59. Michael Phelps (Swimming)
- 23 Olympic gold medals (28 total)
- Holds multiple world records
- Dominated swimming across multiple Olympics
Phelps’ unprecedented Olympic success and versatility across swimming disciplines make him arguably the greatest Olympian of all time. His impact on swimming raised the sport’s profile globally.
60. Jackie Robinson (Baseball)
- First African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era
- Six-time All-Star
- National League MVP (1949)
Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in MLB was a pivotal moment in sports history and the civil rights movement. His skill and courage in the face of adversity make him one of the most important athletes of the 20th century.
61. Babe Ruth (Baseball)
- 714 career home runs
- Seven-time World Series champion
- Revolutionized baseball with his power hitting
Ruth’s power hitting transformed baseball, ushering in a new era of the sport. His larger-than-life personality made him one of America’s first celebrity athletes.
62. Billie Jean King (Tennis)
- 12 Grand Slam singles titles
- Pioneered gender equality in tennis
- Defeated Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match
King’s impact on tennis extends far beyond her on-court achievements. Her advocacy for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights has made her a pivotal figure in sports history.
63. Jesse Owens (Track and Field)
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist (1936 Berlin Olympics)
- Set world records in multiple events
- His success challenged Nazi ideology of racial superiority
Owens’ four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics stand as one of the greatest athletic and cultural achievements in Olympic history. His success in the face of racial discrimination had a lasting impact beyond sports.
64. Wayne Gretzky (Ice Hockey)
- Four-time Stanley Cup champion
- Holds numerous NHL records, including most career points
- Known as “The Great One” for his unparalleled skill and vision
Gretzky’s impact on ice hockey is unparalleled. His vision, passing ability, and scoring prowess set him apart as perhaps the most dominant player in any team sport.
65. Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
- Four-time Olympic gold medalist
- 19-time World Champion
- Revolutionized gymnastics with innovative skills
Biles’ combination of difficulty, execution, and consistency has redefined women’s gymnastics. Her ability to perform skills previously thought impossible has elevated the sport to new heights.
66. Roger Federer (Tennis)
- 20 Grand Slam singles titles
- 310 weeks ranked as world No. 1
- Known for his versatility and graceful playing style
Federer’s longevity, consistency, and elegant playing style have made him one of the most beloved athletes in tennis history. His rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic defined an era of men’s tennis.
67. Lionel Messi (Football/Soccer)
- Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner
- Numerous club titles with Barcelona and PSG
- FIFA World Cup winner with Argentina (2022)
Messi’s incredible dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most decorated and admired footballers of all time. His World Cup victory in 2022 cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever.
68. Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
- Eight-time Olympic gold medalist
- World record holder in 100m and 200m sprints
- Dominated sprinting for over a decade
Bolt’s unprecedented dominance in sprinting, coupled with his charismatic personality, made him a global sensation. He redefined the limits of human speed and brought unprecedented attention to track and field.
69. Jim Thorpe (Multi-sport)
- Olympic gold medalist in pentathlon and decathlon (1912)
- Played professional football, baseball, and basketball
- Considered one of the most versatile athletes in modern sports
Thorpe’s versatility across multiple sports makes him one of the greatest all-around athletes in history. His Olympic achievements and professional success in multiple sports are unparalleled.
70. Steffi Graf (Tennis)
- 22 Grand Slam singles titles
- Only tennis player to achieve the Golden Slam
- Dominated women’s tennis in the late 1980s and 1990s
Graf’s all-court game and mental toughness made her one of the most dominant tennis players of all time. Her achievement of the Golden Slam (all four majors plus Olympic gold in one year) remains unmatched.
71. Carl Lewis (Track and Field)
- Nine-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated sprinting and long jump for over a decade
- Named “Olympian of the Century” by the International Olympic Committee
Lewis’ success across multiple Olympics and his dominance in both sprinting and long jump make him one of the most versatile and successful track and field athletes in history.
72. Marta (Football/Soccer)
- Six-time FIFA World Player of the Year
- All-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup tournaments (men’s and women’s)
- Pioneering figure in women’s football
Marta’s skill, creativity, and goal-scoring ability have made her one of the most influential figures in women’s football. Her impact on the growth and popularity of the women’s game is immeasurable.
73. Jack Nicklaus (Golf)
- 18 major championship victories
- 73 PGA Tour wins
- Known as “The Golden Bear”
Nicklaus’ major championship record and longevity make him arguably the greatest golfer of all time. His rivalry with Arnold Palmer helped popularize golf globally.
74. Wilma Rudolph (Track and Field)
- Three-time Olympic gold medalist (1960)
- Overcame childhood polio to become “the fastest woman in the world”
- Pioneering figure for African American athletes
Rudolph’s triumph over adversity and her Olympic success made her a pioneering figure in women’s athletics and civil rights.
75. Diego Maradona (Football/Soccer)
- FIFA World Cup winner (1986)
- Known for the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century”
- Revered figure in football history
Maradona’s skill, creativity, and controversial moments made him one of the most iconic footballers in history. His impact on the sport, particularly in Argentina, is immeasurable.
76. Björn Borg (Tennis)
- 11 Grand Slam singles titles
- Dominated Wimbledon and French Open in the late 1970s
- Known for his cool demeanor and baseline play
Borg’s dominance on both grass and clay courts, coupled with his iconic rivalry with John McEnroe, made him one of the most influential tennis players of his era.
77. Babe Didrikson Zaharias (Multi-sport)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field
- 10 LPGA major championships
- Excelled in multiple sports including basketball and baseball
Zaharias’ versatility across multiple sports makes her one of the greatest female athletes of all time. Her success in both Olympic track and field and professional golf is unparalleled.
78. Don Bradman (Cricket)
- Test batting average of 99.94
- Dominated cricket in the 1930s and 1940s
- Considered the greatest batsman of all time
Bradman’s batting average is often cited as the greatest statistical achievement in any major sport. His dominance in cricket is unparalleled.
79. Paavo Nurmi (Track and Field)
- Nine-time Olympic gold medalist
- Dominated distance running in the 1920s
- Known as the “Flying Finn”
Nurmi’s dominance in distance running and his scientific approach to training revolutionized the sport. His Olympic success remains one of the greatest in track and field history.
80. Eliud Kipchoge (Marathon)
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist in marathon
- First person to run a marathon in under two hours (in a non-competition event)
