T&FN Favourite Athletes THE RESULTS No1 Haile Gebrselassie

[Vault-emort]

Oerter was one of mine. How can you not vote for a guy who wins 4 Olympic golds in a row (and would still have been competitive 12 years after the last one)?

6 more of mine left in the last dozen.

[vencio2]

I think Mutola was either my No.2 or No.3 athlete. She just struck me as being an absolute professional. The fact she was pretty much at the top of 800m running for twenty years (and she competed in full indoor seasons in at least ten of them!) must take unwavering dedication and it's remarkable she stayed virtually injury free until the very tail-end of her career. Just a shame she never broke the 1:55-barrier seeing as her 1:55.19 was run in pouring rain.

Absolutely love Mutola. I think she's probably my favorite person in the world, ever

I must have first seen her on tv at the 91 World Champs and I think I must have felt sorry for her because she was wearing a bizarre flowery vest, as opposed to all the regular team uniforms that everyone else had. Apparently the Moz federation failed to provide her any kit, so this was all she had that didn't have massive logos all over it.

Really interesting to read back on old articles from around the time she moved to the US as a teenager in 1991 and to see the hostility she had to endure. All kinds of derogatory comments from other athletes and coaches about the fact that she must be a man, on drugs, lying about her age, etc. I think it was Pattisue Plumer who said words to the effect of 'If she's had a gender test and is really a woman, then I feel sorry for her looking like that.' Joetta Clark refused to refer to her by name, calling her 'that individual' in interviews instead. Charming Having to put up with that, when you're a lonely teenager in a country where you don't yet speak the language ... it can't have been easy.

[dukehjsteve]

With Al Oerter now named, my list is complete. I won't repeat all the typical reasons for naming him, as they are mine too, but I will add a slight personal touch:

My father worked at Grumman Aircraft in Bethpage, NY , as did Al. They were not close friends but had a passing acquaintance. Al was aware that my brother and I were big tracksters both as fans and competitors, and were also members of the same college fraternity ( Duke for us, Kansas for him) as Al. Whenever Al saw my Dad he would always ask about us.

[donley2]

I think Mutola was my number 8. Like many of my others I love folks with long careers and tons of competitions. I think I have 6 left of the final 12.

[8aldP|23]

Mutola also my #8. I saw her at an all comers meet in Canby OR..must have been 1991 or 1992. The same year that the Korean Jr. National team was there.
Then all the great races at Prefontaine!

[nevetsllim]

I think Mutola was either my No.2 or No.3 athlete. She just struck me as being an absolute professional. The fact she was pretty much at the top of 800m running for twenty years (and she competed in full indoor seasons in at least ten of them!) must take unwavering dedication and it's remarkable she stayed virtually injury free until the very tail-end of her career. Just a shame she never broke the 1:55-barrier seeing as her 1:55.19 was run in pouring rain.

Absolutely love Mutola. I think she's probably my favorite person in the world, ever

I must have first seen her on tv at the 91 World Champs and I think I must have felt sorry for her because she was wearing a bizarre flowery vest, as opposed to all the regular team uniforms that everyone else had. Apparently the Moz federation failed to provide her any kit, so this was all she had that didn't have massive logos all over it.

Yeah - I recall that floral vest!

She'd only ran 1:59 in the build-up but she really could have won that final if things opened up for her a bit more. Mutola's positioning wasn't great in the final but she ran a much more even-paced race than most of her rivals (Quirot and Nurutdinova raced through in 26sec) and she was really charging in the home-straight. She just ran into a wall of athletes and clashed badly with Kovacs just before the line which cost her at least the bronze medal.

I liked how she was never one to duck a race and as has been mentioned earlier in this thread (or somewhere else), she and Quirot put on a superb series of races in 97. You'd never see the sprinters race against each other so frequently.

Just checked my list and she was my No.2. Just a shame I only got into athletics recently because I just missed her when she was at her prime but I was absolutely delighted when she won the world indoor title in 2006. Just like in 2001 she hadn't run sub-two minutes or won a race in the build-up but she ran a very savvy race to win the title.

[Tuariki]

Al Oerter

My #8 and I go 3 left.

What can you say about a guy who wins 4 in a row and then at age 43 comes out of retirement and throws over 69 metres and comes 4th at the US trials. The guy was truly a legend

[gh]

I say, "yawn." For whatever reason, I was a huge Silvester fan in '68 and was most disappointed when Oerter beat him.

(and in another disconnect from fandom to reality [well, "reality"], when I subsequently met Silvester he was one of the more standoffish louts I ever came across; incredible sense of entitlement)

[EastBayprepoftheweek67]

TRIVIA Diversion: Who is my # 16 favorite choice.

I hope mump boy does not mind that I am inserting my own quiz into his post, particularly since he's disqualified from answering as he already has the answer. (Mb, it's on my PM, # 16.)

Until now, my # 16 favorite choice athlete was missing. We are all familiar with mb's spelling issues, and I always suspected that that was the cause for my not finding my # 16 choice in the early rankings. (I managed to recognize "Ron Clark" as the Ron Clarke I voted #1, and I found the two Connollys, Harold and Olga, even though mump boy spelled the married couple's last name wrong, and differently wrong for each of them.) As and more and more of the higher ranks were checked off, it was pretty clear I had missed my # 16, as it would be beyond the realm of possibility that my # 16 would show up this high up in the rankings.

So, when pego and Daisy went to the effort to list all the previously ranked athletes, I found the time to search their lists, and the earlier posts, and on page 7, I found "Sung Kee Chong," who I assume is my #16, ranked in a tie for 348th place, according to pego.

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Two clues:

The first is the aforementioned problem mump boy has with spelling: he spelled 2 of the 3 parts of my # 16's name wrong (in the common Western spelling.)

The second is my belief that for # 16 being acknowledged by his or her real name meant more to this athlete than the Gold Medal won by this athlete.

[mump boy]

12th (11 votes 129 points)

Daley Thompson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daley_Thompson11th (11 votes 134 points)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0D0BelQu4U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CczobnU ... re=related

11th (11 votes 134 points)

Emil Zatopek
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Zátopek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyKIhXNDueY

[mump boy]

I'm pretty sure i voted for Maria she was MAZE

I was also going to write about her flowery top in 91 but it seems to have gone down in history

She ran brilliantly even paced in that race but just losing out on a medal obviously put her off that tactic as come 92 she was running much more aggressively which became her trademark. I always wondered if she would have run faster if she stuck with her even pace running

She actually represented MOZ at the age 15 in 88

[Johnners]

I cannot believe those horrible quotes from Patti Sue and Joetta Clark (if true) - two individuals utterly mediocre compared to a talent like Mutola. I recall the BBC showing MM a short clip of her heat from Seoul and she wanted a copy!When she won in '93 I realkly thought the WR would come soon after (I always thought it was crazy that tiny Mozambique could have achieved a 1-2 in that race, had Paulino not fallen).

[Rog]

Al Oerter and Daley Thompson are two of mine.

When I was getting into athletics I would look up reference books in the library and there were six historical figures who seemed to have been given the most attention - Fanny Blankers Koen, Paavo Nurmi, Jesse Owens, Roger Bannister, Bob Beamon and Al Oerter. Then I discovered that Al Oerter was still competing (and would continue to do so) - I was amazed! Al is assuredly one of the all-time greats and now, as an adult, I can appreciate his achievements in getting everything together to win 4 titles in a row, and then to get his fitness back and be world class in his forties. Really special.

To my mind Daley Thompson's position as the UK's greatest athlete is unassailable. Whilst our other stars seemed to meet any number or reverses in the majors (eg Coe only winning 1 800 gold out of 7 attempts), Daley won every time out against the strongest competition - 80 to 86 inclusive, 7 major champsionships in a row). Even when he faced a setback in one event he came straight back with a great performance in the next. Very charismatic too and a lot of fun. A star!

[26mi235]

Zatopek was my #6; I still have four left.

[DecFan]

Thompson was my #11. As others have noted, his competitive record is amazing given the exceptionally strong decathletes of his era, and he accomplished it all with considerable flair. I was attracted to him also because of what seemed to be a great love of the competition itself. But in retrospect, I wonder: Did he just love competition, or did he really love winning? Sebrle has shown us that he clearly loves competing, whether or not he can win. Thompson's career was so successful it's hard to distinguish between a love for competition and a love of winning.

I have 5 left . . .

[Daisy]

Thompson was my number #2. It was a thrill to follow his decathlons, partly because he had some incredible competition from the German stable of decathletes. The most amazing moment was his last discus attempt in LA. He was way down on what he needed to beat Hingsen and with all that pressure managed a monster throw, for him.

Here is that throw with the great Ron Pickering commentating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f27wbw4dLm0

I have three left, Two American, One Ethiopian.

Also see the article linked on the TFN front page.

IAAF Creates Track & Field Hall Of Fame
Which dozen athletes make up the first class to be honored?...

Will we have all 12 in our list here?

[Daisy]

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Possibly C.K. Yang?

[Atanvarno]

Emil Zatopek

From their 1982 book Fast Tracks - The History of Distance Running authors Raymond Krise and Bill Squires describe the 1952 Olympic 5,000 Meter Final:

The final lap: Schade, Chataway, Mimoun, along with Zátopek who is in agony. One of these will win; the rest are dead or dying. At the sound of the bell Zátopek punches maniacally, leaping the entourage in a single bound, his eyes barely visible under his brow's furrows. He can't shake his attackers! The strategic kick gains him NOTHING, costs him nearly everything.

In 100 meters Chataway sails past him, Schade in his shadow. 200 meters from the medals Chataway, Schade, Mimoun run inside each others shorts. Zátopek is two meters behind them, his speed unequal to their's, his massive strength drained. Schade asserts his right to the lead. Chataway disputs it, taking command heading into the final turn. The crowd is frantic, howling wildly.

Then the howls coalesce. They are screaming Zá-to-PEK! Zá-to-PEK! From deep within, the Czech Locomotive has summonded the courage of the angels! Chataway, who in two years will push Bannister through the 4-minute barrier, leans hard into the turn, balancing himself for a devastating sprint. It never comes. Zátopek springs like Blake's tyger, his jaws slavering, his driving leg pummeling the dirt track. Panicked by Zátopek's fury, Schade and Mimoun blast past Chataway.

It's too late. Zátopek is all over them and away, his upper and lower bodies almost going in different directions as he powers through the turn far wider than any of the others. Chataway, passed by three different men in the space of four footsteps, brushes against the turn's pole and crashes to the track.

Zátopek's face is crucified with noble effort, his eyes closed, his mouth agape. Mimoun claws the air with arm thrusts, as if to grasp Zátopek's singlet and halt him. Schade in third, glares angrily through his eyeglasses, his top speed gaining him naught on Zátopek's courage.

"Zá-to-PEK! Zá-to-PEK! Zá-to-PEK!" The Beast of Prague breaks the tape, after breaking the field, in 14:06.6. Mimoun crosses second in 14:07.4. Schade, third, in 14:08.6. Zátopek takes nearly 9 seconds off Schade's still wet Olympic record. The final lap takes 57.9 seconds, and many years of pain and determination.

Emil Zátopek has his 5K gold. The rest of him is steel.

I have one left, and I am pleasantly surprised, that he is still in the running.

[LopenUupunut]

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Possibly C.K. Yang?

Sohn Kee-chung, surely?

[Daisy]

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Possibly C.K. Yang?

Sohn Kee-chung, surely?

Makes more sense, but never underestimate mumps typos

[mump boy]

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Possibly C.K. Yang?

It's nothing so complicated, just change 2 letters and you'll have your answer

[mump boy]

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Possibly C.K. Yang?

Sohn Kee-chung, surely?

there you go, how did you ever guess ??

[mump boy]

I know i've promised to get to the end today but i've changed my mind

it doesn't seem right to just throw away our top 10 in a unneccesary race to the finish (like a Kenyan in a 10k heat)

Seeing as we have the WI to occupy us for the next 3 days you will get a top 10 countdown 1 per day from Monday

I think we should take the time to show some respect for

Track and Field News' Official Top 10 Favourite Athletes of All Time

[72]

Zatopek was my no 1 not because of his Olympic achievememts but his courage and nobility. A man who stood up to his government of the day and suffered for his democratic ideals, but mostly to recognise another fine athlete in Clarke to whom he gave one of his Goldies for his contribution of longe distance running.

What really interests me now is not who are the top ten but the great personal experiences that I have read for the last few months.

[LopenUupunut]

Seeing as we have the WI to occupy us for the next 3 days you will get a top 10 countdown 1 per day from Monday

I think we should take the time to show some respect for

Track and Field News' Official Top 10 Favourite Athletes of All Time

Maybe now would be a good time to triple-check there are indeed exactly 10 athletes left

[mump boy]

Seeing as we have the WI to occupy us for the next 3 days you will get a top 10 countdown 1 per day from Monday

I think we should take the time to show some respect for

Track and Field News' Official Top 10 Favourite Athletes of All Time

Maybe now would be a good time to triple-check there are indeed exactly 10 athletes left

Haha triple checked

[EastBayprepoftheweek67]

But, here's trivia question: Who is "Sung Kee Chong" and why should this athlete deserve to ranked as a favorite, even at 348?

Possibly C.K. Yang?

Sohn Kee-chung, surely?

Surely, you are correct, LopenUupunut.

I put Korean Sohn Kee-chung # 16 on my favorites list because of his gutsy performance on the world stage in winning the 1936 Berlin Olympics marathon Gold while living running under the brutal yoke of the Japanese Empire.
Second, because I felt that Sohn never gave up trying to erase the official name he is credited with for winning the race, a name imposed on him by his country's brutal Japanese conquerers and occupiers for 35 years, and being credit with the gold under his name.

It apears that Sohn had some pleasure in 1988 when the World's media had to introduce him as the Korean Gold medalist Sohn Kee-chung when he was given the honor of lighting Olympic flame during the Opening Ceremonies at the Seoul Olympics. But, still, he has no official credit in his own name.

As with many of us, I have only seen Sohn running in Leni Riefenstahl's beautiful depiction of of the 1936 race in her film "Olympia" which I first viewed at the old Cinema Guild theater in Berkeley in the early '60s. I learned more about Sohn when I lived in Korea in early '70s. Then, I experienced directly the hatred Koreans had for the forced, by violence, imposition for all purposes of Japanese names on Koreans during the occupation.

Koreans are a very tough people, rightly proud of their language and names. I think it's only right that all reference to Sohn's Japanese imposed name be erased from the official Olympics record books in the same way that drug cheats names are disappeared. Sohn and Nam Sung-Yong, the marathon Bronze medalist and a true fellow Korean teammate, deserve no less than official credit for their medals in their own names.

Mump boy, you're a good guy, please amend your listing for Sohn Kee-Chung at page 7 of this post to reflect his correct name. I'm sure pego and Daisy will do the same to their comprehensive list of ranked favorites here. Thank you.

Wikipedia picture of Sohn Kee-Chong crossing the finish line at Berlin:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... C_Sohn.jpg

Wikipedia picture of Nam Sung-Yong during Berlin marathon:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... SR_Nam.jpg

[Pego]

12th (11 votes 129 points)

Daley Thompson
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daley_Thompson11th (11 votes 134 points)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0D0BelQu4U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CczobnU ... re=related

11th (11 votes 134 points)

Emil Zatopek
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Zátopek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyKIhXNDueY

Zátopek was my #1 with the second far distant.

Until now, my # 16 favorite choice athlete was missing.

He is on my list now correctly.

[gh]

Zát was my No. 20

[gh]

oh yeah, and that kills my entire roster, so none of my people are consensus top 10ers.

[Daisy]

Mump boy, you're a good guy, please amend your listing for Sohn Kee-Chung at page 7 of this post to reflect his correct name. I'm sure pego and Daisy will do the same to their comprehensive list of ranked favorites here. Thank you.

I did that. Also, I updated the total count of athletes and, including the ten to come, I make it a total of 412 on this list of favorites.

Is the C in chung capitalised (Kee-chung or Sohn Kee-Chung)?

And along those lines would Adhemar Ferreira da Silva be listed under F, D or S?

[gh]

I believe that the accepted convention is that North Koreans cap the second part of the hyphenated name, South Koreans do not.

None of your guess is right for da Silva: he goes under "d"

[Pego]

would Adhemar Ferreira da Silva be listed under F, D or S?

Good question. I listed him under F, will correct it, if somebody knows better.

[Daisy]

None of your guess is right for da Silva: he goes under "d"

Is that before A or after Z? Or between C and D? Or are you just pulling my leg?

[Vault-emort]

Another two of mine down with Zatopek (11) and Thompson (18) gone.

Four left - my #3, #5, and #8 and #16 to go. I wonder if there is more than one currently competing athlete in the top ten?