When you're getting on a bit in years

Silent 47 · 22nd May 2007, 22:37

and you've seen hundreds of sporting stars along the way you have to have your favourites.

Here are mine :-

MUHAMMAD ALI
From the world of boxing there is only one choice for me, not only as the best boxer/fighter but as the supreme sportsman of the all. In a career that lasted just a shade too long at 20 years, and the winner of some tremendous fights that todays heavyweights (lardasses) should quake in fear at the thought of undertaking.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER
From Formula 1, I have heard the older policemans favourite quote when catching a speeding motorist 'Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?' and his name was instantly recognisable to all us Brits, but he never was World Champion. I used to watch Ronnie Peterson in the John Player Special, and always thought he was a better driver than Mario Andretti. But I have to come forward to state my opinion of the greatest driver I have seen, but whether he is the greatest driver of al time is probably debateable.

LESTER PIGGOTT
On to horse racing, and I've had my share of winners and losers with him in the plate. I admired the style of Steve Cauthen, and the way John Francome could present a horse at a fence at 40 m.p.h. he leaves McCoy in his wake in that respect imo. But I rest my case on style, thrills, and the unparallelled skills of the Epsom Maestro himself. Who can forget the win on Roberto in 1972, or the Breeders Cup win on Royal Academy?

As for other sports, I don't like football so there's no vote there, and have not watched enough cricket to cast a vote there either. After watching Wimbledon for 30 years I have decided that the most exciting player to watch was JIMMY CONNORS, but BJORN BORG was the best player I have seen, with a special mention to BORIS BECKER. I'm loathe to admit that Roger Federer bores me to tears. On the athletics track, ED MOSES was in a class of his own.

Any otters got there favoreets?

Come on chaps, I'm after a Silver award here...

Fat Ron · 22nd May 2007, 22:43

DIEGO MARADONA

Probably be hated for saying him after '86 but I just think what he could do with a football was breathtaking. I could watch footage of him all day. Shame he turned the way he did. Lionel Messi, imo, will be just as good in years to come. Gazza could've been.

PS, I'm not getting on that much but I'm new so thought I'd contribute!!

thegreat · 22nd May 2007, 22:48

Michael Johnson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael..._%28athlete%29

U/R not alone · 22nd May 2007, 23:43

Mike Atherton for me

Fat Ron · 22nd May 2007, 23:46

ROFL

Cheeky

U/R not alone · 22nd May 2007, 23:48

I'm being serious

Fat Ron · 22nd May 2007, 23:49

Goodnight!!

feedingthe-ego · 23rd May 2007, 13:50

To me Lester Piggott is peerless. This is an emotionally led thought whilst still factually entirely possible.

He's been with me all my life. I hate the Flat these days but was seriously considering going to Newmarket last weekend - the first trip for over twenty years.

When I heard that he was ill again - I 'welled up'. He doesnt know me and I dont know him but it's something symbolic about my life, living in the time of a legend, and my formative years all based around horse-racing and betting with which Lester was synonimous.

I konwo its not just about Lester (as I said it's emotionally driven) so whilst you others nominate be aware of how much you have an affinity with your respective contender... AND WHY!

ozz · 23rd May 2007, 14:38

Ayrton Senna for me. Peerless as a pure driver. Schumacher was great but he's German!

I'll probably get slaughtered for saying this but Ian Botham was a legend too. Shit gets wickets? Not arf!

Stephen Roche for his one legendary season and especially the ride up La Plagne in the TDF. Unsurpassed to this day

Peter Nicol for being the absolute Guv'nor.

And last but not least; Daley Thompson, my hero as a kid. Notwithstanding his athletic ability, (remember the immortal 'it's a better one, it's a better one, IT'S A BETTER ONE! commentary), anyone who can stand on the podium as Olympic gold medallist and whistle the national anthem has to go down as a legend in my book.

More later once I've given it some proper thought.

riccardo · 23rd May 2007, 14:46

Steve Waugh

I have a natural sympathy for the guy who makes the absolute most of his talent, rather than being a natural. It comes with the territory of being a) not a natural sportsman myself and b) an Evertonian

Very few of these types can really be labelled greats in their game, but Steve Waugh went from being a bowling allrounder struggling to be picked for Australia in a weak era, to a rocklike batting colossus in a truly dominant Australia side, and an innovative captain who changed the way every side played test cricket.

ozz · 23rd May 2007, 14:48

Spot on riccardo.

Shamed to have missed him out

He is the main reason that test cricket has evolved the way it has over the last decade or so. A true legend indeed.

Rosebud · 23rd May 2007, 15:00

Agree about Waugh [I played with his brother Dean in the local league's and was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. Great bloke, though he did once say he was gonna "stuff you pommie bastards" in a rather loud voice when chatting to me and my old man on Old Trafford steps

].

J.P.MCENROE
Has there ever been a more watchable sportsman in the history of the game? Magical hands, absolutely didn't care about a "fitness regime" and shoved two fingers in the face of the All England Club.

I.T.BOTHAM
This is where a few people slaughter me, but I'm with ozz on Botham. I consider myself fortunate to have watched in the flesh Woods, Jordan and Botham. I stood behind the nets at Old Trafford watching him smash Derek Underwood into the main ground over the main stand. I thought he was an absolute colossus at the time. No helmet against Dilley & Willis in the nets....fearless

G.C.GREENIDGE
OK, so Viv was the Master Blaster, but GG was my idol. In-between sessions at a match between Hants and Lancs mid-80's I happened to be walking with my old man round the practice ground. In one corner were two of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game having a net.... Marshall & Greenidge. Marshall was coming off his full run, bowling off 15 yards to a pad-less Greenidge who was flaying him to all parts. Looking back I think there must have been some money on it, because neither one was taking a backward step or talking. My Dad and I stood there, spellbound, for about 40 minutes as we got a first-hand lesson in the art of batsmanship.

thegreat · 23rd May 2007, 15:22

Got to respect Boxers who go out at the top and are remembered for being great rather than any comebacks that weaken the memory.

For this reason Lennox Lewis should be mentioned. He beat what was put in front of him and seemed to be a true professional of his sport.

(Obviously I reserve the right to demote him should a comeback materialise)

Marc Feld · 23rd May 2007, 19:58

Football - Maradonna and Gazza
Cricket - Botham - not a great cricket fan
Rugby - don't do Rugby
Boxing - Sugar Ray Leonard
F1 - Ayrton Senna
Jockey - Piggot and Francome

pokernovice · 23rd May 2007, 20:22

John Walker Athletics
John Watson Motor Racing
Teofilio Stephenson Boxing
Roscoe Tanner Tennis
Monty Lynch Cricket

Marc Feld · 23rd May 2007, 20:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by pokernovice

John Walker Athletics
John Watson Motor Racing
Teofilio Stephenson Boxing
Roscoe Tanner Tennis
Monty Lynch Cricket

The only one I know is Roscoe Tanner, perhaps I'm not so getting on a bit after all

Fat Ron · 23rd May 2007, 20:52

Don't kid yourself you old twat

U/R not alone · 23rd May 2007, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozz

[b]
And last but not least; Daley Thompson, my hero as a kid. Notwithstanding his athletic ability, (remember the immortal 'it's a better one, it's a better one, IT'S A BETTER ONE! commentary), anyone who can stand on the podium as Olympic gold medallist and whistle the national anthem has to go down as a legend in my book.

I agree with Daley Thompson, on the subject of athletics I'd have to add:

Michael Johnson - held 200, 400 & 4 x 400 m relay world records, plus his inimitable running style.

Colin Jackson - how long did he hold the world record for? Also so unlucky that he never won olympic gold.

ozz · 23rd May 2007, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by U/R not alone

I agree with Daley Thompson, on the subject of athletics I'd have to add:

Michael Johnson - held 200, 400 & 4 x 400 m relay world records, plus his inimitable running style.

Colin Jackson - how long did he hold the world record for? Also so unlucky that he never won olympic gold.

More bottle trouble than bad luck I'm afraid

U/R not alone · 23rd May 2007, 21:47

You saying he is/was an alchie?

Or have I read that wrong, and you mean bottle as in courage?

22nd May 2007, 22:37	#1 (permalink)
Silent 47 Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 235	When you're getting on a bit in years and you've seen hundreds of sporting stars along the way you have to have your favourites. Here are mine :- MUHAMMAD ALI From the world of boxing there is only one choice for me, not only as the best boxer/fighter but as the supreme sportsman of the all. In a career that lasted just a shade too long at 20 years, and the winner of some tremendous fights that todays heavyweights (lardasses) should quake in fear at the thought of undertaking. MICHAEL SCHUMACHER From Formula 1, I have heard the older policemans favourite quote when catching a speeding motorist 'Who do you think you are, Stirling Moss?' and his name was instantly recognisable to all us Brits, but he never was World Champion. I used to watch Ronnie Peterson in the John Player Special, and always thought he was a better driver than Mario Andretti. But I have to come forward to state my opinion of the greatest driver I have seen, but whether he is the greatest driver of al time is probably debateable. LESTER PIGGOTT On to horse racing, and I've had my share of winners and losers with him in the plate. I admired the style of Steve Cauthen, and the way John Francome could present a horse at a fence at 40 m.p.h. he leaves McCoy in his wake in that respect imo. But I rest my case on style, thrills, and the unparallelled skills of the Epsom Maestro himself. Who can forget the win on Roberto in 1972, or the Breeders Cup win on Royal Academy? As for other sports, I don't like football so there's no vote there, and have not watched enough cricket to cast a vote there either. After watching Wimbledon for 30 years I have decided that the most exciting player to watch was JIMMY CONNORS, but BJORN BORG was the best player I have seen, with a special mention to BORIS BECKER. I'm loathe to admit that Roger Federer bores me to tears. On the athletics track, ED MOSES was in a class of his own. Any otters got there favoreets? Come on chaps, I'm after a Silver award here...

22nd May 2007, 22:43	#2 (permalink)
Fat Ron Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Down on my arse Posts: 274	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years DIEGO MARADONA Probably be hated for saying him after '86 but I just think what he could do with a football was breathtaking. I could watch footage of him all day. Shame he turned the way he did. Lionel Messi, imo, will be just as good in years to come. Gazza could've been. PS, I'm not getting on that much but I'm new so thought I'd contribute!!

22nd May 2007, 22:48	#3 (permalink)
thegreat Excluded Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wigan Posts: 10,742	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Michael Johnson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael..._%28athlete%29 __________________ ___________ I'm a working man from Lancashire And I want a Chippy Tea !!!!

22nd May 2007, 23:43	#4 (permalink)
U/R not alone Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London Posts: 187	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Mike Atherton for me

22nd May 2007, 23:46	#5 (permalink)
Fat Ron Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Down on my arse Posts: 274	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years ROFL Cheeky

22nd May 2007, 23:48	#6 (permalink)
U/R not alone Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London Posts: 187	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years I'm being serious

22nd May 2007, 23:49	#7 (permalink)
Fat Ron Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Down on my arse Posts: 274	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Goodnight!!

23rd May 2007, 13:50	#8 (permalink)
feedingthe-ego Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: surrey Posts: 3,036	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years To me Lester Piggott is peerless. This is an emotionally led thought whilst still factually entirely possible. He's been with me all my life. I hate the Flat these days but was seriously considering going to Newmarket last weekend - the first trip for over twenty years. When I heard that he was ill again - I 'welled up'. He doesnt know me and I dont know him but it's something symbolic about my life, living in the time of a legend, and my formative years all based around horse-racing and betting with which Lester was synonimous. I konwo its not just about Lester (as I said it's emotionally driven) so whilst you others nominate be aware of how much you have an affinity with your respective contender... AND WHY! __________________ what time is the highlights show tonight?

23rd May 2007, 14:38	#9 (permalink)
ozz Minge Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Portsmouth Age: 38 Posts: 3,322	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Ayrton Senna for me. Peerless as a pure driver. Schumacher was great but he's German! I'll probably get slaughtered for saying this but Ian Botham was a legend too. Shit gets wickets? Not arf! Stephen Roche for his one legendary season and especially the ride up La Plagne in the TDF. Unsurpassed to this day Peter Nicol for being the absolute Guv'nor. And last but not least; Daley Thompson, my hero as a kid. Notwithstanding his athletic ability, (remember the immortal 'it's a better one, it's a better one, IT'S A BETTER ONE! commentary), anyone who can stand on the podium as Olympic gold medallist and whistle the national anthem has to go down as a legend in my book. More later once I've given it some proper thought. __________________ Peter! You've lost the news!

23rd May 2007, 14:46	#10 (permalink)
riccardo Gold Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: London Posts: 6,920	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Steve Waugh I have a natural sympathy for the guy who makes the absolute most of his talent, rather than being a natural. It comes with the territory of being a) not a natural sportsman myself and b) an Evertonian Very few of these types can really be labelled greats in their game, but Steve Waugh went from being a bowling allrounder struggling to be picked for Australia in a weak era, to a rocklike batting colossus in a truly dominant Australia side, and an innovative captain who changed the way every side played test cricket. __________________ "My ASS, No blame!" Last edited by riccardo : 23rd May 2007 at 15:03.

23rd May 2007, 14:48	#11 (permalink)
ozz Minge Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Portsmouth Age: 38 Posts: 3,322	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Spot on riccardo. Shamed to have missed him out He is the main reason that test cricket has evolved the way it has over the last decade or so. A true legend indeed. __________________ Peter! You've lost the news!

23rd May 2007, 15:00	#12 (permalink)
Rosebud Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 5,669 Blog Entries: 2	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Agree about Waugh [I played with his brother Dean in the local league's and was lucky enough to meet him a couple of times. Great bloke, though he did once say he was gonna "stuff you pommie bastards" in a rather loud voice when chatting to me and my old man on Old Trafford steps ]. J.P.MCENROE Has there ever been a more watchable sportsman in the history of the game? Magical hands, absolutely didn't care about a "fitness regime" and shoved two fingers in the face of the All England Club. I.T.BOTHAM This is where a few people slaughter me, but I'm with ozz on Botham. I consider myself fortunate to have watched in the flesh Woods, Jordan and Botham. I stood behind the nets at Old Trafford watching him smash Derek Underwood into the main ground over the main stand. I thought he was an absolute colossus at the time. No helmet against Dilley & Willis in the nets....fearless G.C.GREENIDGE OK, so Viv was the Master Blaster, but GG was my idol. In-between sessions at a match between Hants and Lancs mid-80's I happened to be walking with my old man round the practice ground. In one corner were two of the greatest cricketers ever to play the game having a net.... Marshall & Greenidge. Marshall was coming off his full run, bowling off 15 yards to a pad-less Greenidge who was flaying him to all parts. Looking back I think there must have been some money on it, because neither one was taking a backward step or talking. My Dad and I stood there, spellbound, for about 40 minutes as we got a first-hand lesson in the art of batsmanship.

23rd May 2007, 15:22	#13 (permalink)
thegreat Excluded Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Wigan Posts: 10,742	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Got to respect Boxers who go out at the top and are remembered for being great rather than any comebacks that weaken the memory. For this reason Lennox Lewis should be mentioned. He beat what was put in front of him and seemed to be a true professional of his sport. (Obviously I reserve the right to demote him should a comeback materialise) __________________ ___________ I'm a working man from Lancashire And I want a Chippy Tea !!!!

23rd May 2007, 19:58	#14 (permalink)
Marc Feld Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 24	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Football - Maradonna and Gazza Cricket - Botham - not a great cricket fan Rugby - don't do Rugby Boxing - Sugar Ray Leonard F1 - Ayrton Senna Jockey - Piggot and Francome

23rd May 2007, 20:22	#15 (permalink)
pokernovice Gold Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 840	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years John Walker Athletics John Watson Motor Racing Teofilio Stephenson Boxing Roscoe Tanner Tennis Monty Lynch Cricket

23rd May 2007, 20:52	#17 (permalink)
Fat Ron Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Down on my arse Posts: 274	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years Don't kid yourself you old twat

23rd May 2007, 21:47	#20 (permalink)
U/R not alone Bronze Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: London Posts: 187	Re: When you're getting on a bit in years You saying he is/was an alchie? Or have I read that wrong, and you mean bottle as in courage?

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