ESPN recently released their list of the top 100 athletes of the century, sparking outrage and controversy among fans. Many felt that some notable athletes were snubbed, leading to heated discussions on social media.
Summary
- Fans were shocked at the absence of distance runner Eliud Kipchoge.
- Some users criticized the US bias in the rankings.
- Many felt the list was flawed in comparing athletes from different sports.
- Others questioned the absence of endurance athletes and cyclists.
Outrage and Disbelief
Many users expressed shock and disappointment at Eliud Kipchoge’s absence from the list, given his impressive career achievements. One user commented, ‘Wow, Kipchoge not being on the list is baffling 😢.’ The snub of Kipchoge, a former marathon world record holder and Olympic medalist, left fans questioning the validity of the rankings.
US Bias and Criticism
Several users pointed out the perceived bias towards American athletes in the rankings. One user remarked, ‘7 of the top 10 are muricans, I think that tells you everything you need to know.’ The discussion highlighted the influence of national biases in determining the ranking of athletes.
Flawed Comparisons
Users criticized the list for comparing athletes from different sports, arguing that it was unfair to pit individuals from individual and team sports against each other. The disparities in equipment-dependent sports versus those reliant on physical prowess were also brought into question, with users highlighting Lewis Hamilton’s performance in Formula 1 as an example.
Call for Inclusion
Many users expressed surprise at the lack of representation for endurance athletes and cyclists in the rankings. The absence of notable figures from these sports led to disappointment among fans, with one user stating, ‘Surprised to not see more endurance athletes. But also… no cyclists??? Too many basketball players imo.’
The controversy surrounding ESPN’s athlete ranking list showcases the passionate opinions of sports fans and the complexities of comparing athletes across different disciplines. As debates continue to rage on social media, it’s clear that the criteria for evaluating sporting greatness remains a contentious topic.