The (Actual) 20 Most Dominant Athletes Of The Past 20 Years

It’s the worst list ever made — EVER!!

And it’s not even that close.

In celebration of ESPN the Magazine turning 20, Peter Keating put out a list of the 20 Most Dominant Athletes of the Past 20 Years. The concept; great. The execution; not so much.

Keep in mind, this list is the most DOMINANT athletes, not the BEST athletes:

Peter’s “List”                                                                                   DaveTalksSports’ List

20.) Tom Brady                                                                                 20.) Marta

19.) Manny Pacquiao                                                                      19.) Barry Bonds

18.) Mike Trout                                                                              18.) Kobe Bryant

17.) Barry Bonds                                                                              17.) Allyson Felix

16.) Allyson Felix                                                                             16.) Diana Taurasi

15.) Novak Djokovic                                                                      15.) Rafael Nadal

14.) Cristiano Ronaldo                                                                    14.) Cristiano Ronaldo

13.) Lauren Jackson                                                                       13.) Michael Schumacher

12.) Serena Williams                                                                     12.) Lionel Messi

11.) Lionel Messi                                                                              11.) Jimmie Johnson

10.) Usain Bolt                                                                                  10.) Annika Sorenstam

9.) Marta                                                                                              9.) LeBron James

8.) Floyd Mayweather Jr.                                                               8.) Tom Brady

7.) Michael Schumacher                                                                 7.) Floyd Mayweather Jr.

6.) Annika Sorenstam                                                                     6.) Usain Bolt

5.) Roger Federer                                                                             5.) Lance Armstrong

4.) Jimmie Johnson                                                                          4.) Roger Federer

3.) Peyton Manning                                                                        3.) Serena Williams

2.) LeBron James                                                                              2.) Tiger Woods

1.) Tiger Woods                                                                                 1.) Michael Phelps

Honestly, I don’t know where to start. This is literally the worst list ever constructed by man, or woman. My head nearly exploded when I first saw Peter Keating’s list. I highlighted Peter’s most egregious errors.

I’m convinced Peter made this list strictly to garner attention (it’s working) because no one with a wealth of sports’ knowledge could possibly, rationally, reasonably, sanely, proudly publish this list.

• The most dominant athlete of the past 20 years is Michael Phelps. He won multiple gold medals, in multiple events, spanning over 4 Olympics. His only competition for nearly 20 years was himself. He holds the record for most gold medals ever (23). For Peter not to have him on the list is unfathomable.

• Tom Brady and Peyton Manning drew comparisons throughout their careers. They played in the same era, and they often met in the postseason. However, no one in their right mind would ever claim Peyton Manning was better, or more DOMINANT, than Tom Brady. Brady, simply, is the best football player that ever lived.

 

• No disrespect to any of the following athletes, but they don’t belong on this list: Mike Trout, Novak Djokovic, Lauren Jackson, Peyton Manning, and Manny Pacquiao. It’s as simple as that.

• Say what you want about him, but Lance Armstrong not being on this list is almost as egregious as Michael Phelps’ exclusion. Don’t start with me over the drug doping. EVERYBODY CHEATS. Armstrong won 7 Tour De France’s in a row. And if Peter is going to put Barry Bonds on the list, there’s no reason Armstrong can’t join him.

 

I hope this article lands in front of Peter Keating’s eyeballs: PETER, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF!!

Did I leave anyone out?? Do I have someone who doesn’t belong?? Post your list in the comment section below.

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