Who’s the greatest athlete or sports person who has ever lived?
It’s an impossible question to be definitive, but it has never stopped sports fans from having a go.
Opinions can be spiked if you’re involved in a sport and therefore have a greater appreciation of individuals.
Will Swanton in The Australian today has done a feature piece naming Roger Federer as the greatest ever following his eighth Wimbledon win.
He ranks Federer ahead of in no particular order Pele, Don Bradman, Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicklaus, Babe Ruth, Wayne Gretzky, Michael Jordan and Usain Bolt.
He says the greatest have to capture the imagination. The greatest has to be a champion of the people and someone you set the alarm for in the middle of the night because an esteemed figure is slated to perform.
For me, even though boxing has its modern day detractors Ali ticks all the boxes for someone to be the greatest.
A title Ali bestowed on himself – and he has my vote.
I’m KB, that’s my take.