25 Toughest athletes -- S.I.
Posted by: Brian Wicks in Untagged on
Apr 03, 2008
Sports Illustrated has come up with its list of the most 25 toughest athletes, with my boy, Tiger, listed as number one. Hard to wrap your head around that for most people, but I'm o.k. with it, depending on the definition of 'tough'. Tiger Woods certainly wouldn't stand a chance in the octagon with Matt Serra, or on the grid-iron with the likes of Michael Strahan, or in the corner with Dion Phaneuf. But that base argument is somewhat pointless, as none of them would stand a chance on the 12 tee at Augusta against Tiger either.
No, as S.I. rightl y points out, what makes Tiger the toughest of the tough, amoung other things, is his sheer domination of a sport that just about anyone can play. It amazes me that of the millions of decent golfers in the world, not one can come even close right now to his talent, determination, concentration, intimidation, drive, and/or consistency. The way his competition seems to crumble in his presence is testament to his toughness, or their lack of it. His work ethic is legendary, his attention to detail astounding. No, Tiger Woods may not be able to crush bricks with his bare hands, but toughness is more than just muscle mass, and I can't argue that in professional sport today, there may not be another athlete as 'tough' as he.
Now, just so you know, here is how the top 10 shook down for Sports Illustrated. If you think someone else deserves to be in there, or you can tell me why Tiger doesn't belong at or near the top, let me have it.
1.Tiger Woods
2. Lance Mackey. Sled dog musher. Pack of dogs. 40-below temps. 1100 miles. nuf said.
3. Anderson Silva. MMA--nuf said.
4.Bob Sanders. NFL safety. Only 5'9. 175 lbs. Tough as nails.
5. Zdeno Chara. NHL mountain of a man. Uses his size effectively.
6. Steve Smith. Another NFL small guy who plays bigger than he is.
7. Alan Iverson. Nahhhhh.
8. Fedor Emelianenko. World heavyweight boxing champ. Nuf said.
9. Floyd Mayweather. 6 World boxing championships in 5 different weight classes. 35-0 with 25 k-o's.
10. Chrissie Wellington. World Ironman (woman) champion.
Subscribe to this comment's feedwritten by Carter Wicks , May 22, 2008
oooooooo tiger, he is the best in the world, but another point that you meerly missed is his amazing ability of mental strength or mental "toughness", now if you can name one other person in the world of sports that can handle pressure, and triumph better than the infamous tiger woods then then that person should be number one. Great point though.
written by Brent Askin , April 07, 2008
Hey Brian,
Tiger may be able to handle the pressure of Michelson and Singh nipping at his heals , but how do you think he would fare at lets see H,mmmmmmm 2 rounds at Balm Beachway with 11 pints in his wee belly ????
written by Gord Keen , April 03, 2008
Since you were talking about Triathlon today, consider these two athletes for the Worlds Toughest
American Tim DeBoom completed the 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and half of the marathon at the Hawaii Ironman, before he passed a kidney stone.
Canadian Lisa Bentley started the Hawaii Ironman with a burst appendix and completed the swim, bike and most of the marathon. Both were pulled from the course when doctors advised that they would likely suffer permanent damage if the tried to continue.
Now that is tough!
written by ralf cordes , April 03, 2008
even though (or because) it came unexpected two days late.
off course we all know that golf, a past-time or hobby at best, ranks in toughness (arrrrgh!)on the same basement level as curling, syncronized swimming and bowling. please let us know the REAL list, my tip would be formula 1 (hamilton), perhaps a marathon runner (do i hear iron man?) or the champion in any weight class of the ufc.
signed : still laughing
p.s.:awesome station, keep up the good music mix, lady and gentlemen
