Athletes of the Decade?

We’re not only nearing the end of the year, we are nearing the end of a decade. As such, the media is filled with the obligatory “best of” lists: best movies, best books, and in the case of Sports Illustrated, best athletes. The magazine released its list of the top 20 male athletes of the last decade:

1. Tiger Woods
2. Roger Federer
3. Michael Phelps
4. Lance Armstrong
5. Usain Bolt
6. Tom Brady
7. Kobe Bryant
8. Peyton Manning
9. Albert Pujols
10. Michael Schumacher
11. Mariano Rivera
12. Tim Duncan
13. Zinedine Zidane
14. Shaquille O’Neal
15. Jimmie Johnson
16. LeBron James
17. Manny Pacquiao
18. Derek Jeter
19. Nicklas Lindstrom
20. Alex Rodriguez

Next group: Kenenisa Bekele et al.

I have some concerns about this list, and not just because only one runner (Bolt) is listed. First, why are Schumacher (10) and Johnson (15) listed? To be sure, their achievements are notable, but are drivers athletes? Some will point out the difficult environmental conditions inside a Formula 1 (I once tried to sit in one and couldn’t squeeze in) or NASCAR vehicle. Yes, it’s hot and drivers have to wear a fire suit. Driving fast takes skill, but I question whether drivers can be considered athletes. (I would also question whether pool players are athletes.) Second, why is Rodriguez (20) listed? This man acknowledged using steroids, and blamed it on youthful naiveté.

I completely agree that Usain Bolt is one of the greatest athletes of the last decade, probably of all time. His achievements speak for themselves: three Olympic gold medals, three World Championships gold medals, two World Championships silver medals, multiple world records, and the first and only human to run under 9.6 seconds for 100 meters.

Kenenisa Bekele should be listed in the top 20. How about this: three Olympic gold medals (including the tough 5000/10,000 double in the same Games), one Olympic silver, five World Championships (again including the tough 5000/10,000 double in the same competition), IAAF Grand Prix Million Dollar Challenge co-winner (must win same event six times in the same season), multiple world records, and six world cross-country titles.

One glaring omission: Haile Gebrselassie. One could argue that his best running took place before 2000, but even if you set aside his achievements from the 1990s (one Olympic gold (10,000 meters) and four World Championships), you are left with a stunning resume: four time winner of the Berlin Marathon, two time winner in Dubai, world half marathon champion, world Championships silver and bronze in the 10,000 meters, indoor 3000 meter world champion, two time world record holder in the marathon (including the fastest all time, 2:03:59).