I always hear this argument whenever sports seasons run into each other… Sure enough, I’m sitting in a water hole last night, or last week, or something like that, and up comes the proclamation that, “Basketball players are the best athletes!” Oh really? Compared to what? Well, obviously most basketball players possess great leaping ability. But that’s important in football, baseball, and soccer too.
I think most people agree that any team sport that has a ball to be moved has to have great runners. Okay, that’s a given. The ability to leap high helps in most of those sports as well. That's probably why a recognized symbol for athletics is Mercury's winged foot.
Here’s my take on the greatest athletes argument:
Boxers/MMA fighters—Probably the best conditioned athletes. However, they don’t have to worry about leaping ability.
Basketball players— physically conditioned, and they can leap. Many are plenty tough also. But they don’t train to take punishment like fighters do.
American football/rugby/hockey players-- In great shape and very tough, since they train to take punishment. Most are good brawlers, but I’d take a boxer over them in an even-weight match against each other. Leaping is highly valued in football. What Cowboys fan old enough to remember isn’t still haunted by “The Catch” of the 49ers Dwight Clark? However, I also remember the numerous leaping catches of Alvin Harper that was contributed much to the Cowboys glory years of the early 90s.
Soccer players— Outstanding physical conditioning, since running is about all they do. Many have good leaping ability as well. A soccer player has to be very tough, because they’re getting the crap kicked out of them as they advance the ball down the field.
Swimmers/Gymnasts-- Both have fine conditioning and ability. I would think swimmers have the least wear and tear on their bodies. Therefore I'm giving them the title of "Best Athletes." Swimmers can probably get ouf of bed easier than the above mentioned sports participants, especially when they're older.
Golfers? Hell yeah golfers are some good athletes. Not only do they have to develop a good swing rythym, they have to have great eyesight: A. For lining up on distant targets, and B, to spot the beercart girl on the horizon!
