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The Best Athlete on the Planet

WSJ panel picks Czech decathlete Sebrle to represent Earth at Intergalactic Games

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 20, 2008 12:40 PM CDT
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(Newser) – If Earth could only send one guy to a galactic Olympics, who would it be? The Wall Street Journal had a panel of sports experts hash it out, and its top 10 might surprise:

  1. Roman Sebrle: Czech decathlon champion wins on versatility.
  2. LeBron James: What can’t the NBA star do?
  3. Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Boxing's demands make its top dog a lock for this list.

  1. LaDainian Tomlinson: Running back has unparalleled strength/speed combo.
  2. Roger Federer: Tennis champ possesses sprinter’s speed, acrobat’s coordination.
  3. Sidney Crosby: NHL MVP can shoot, skate, and take a hit.
  4. Liu Xiang: Chinese star held world’s 110-meter hurdles record until last week.
  5. Jeremy Wariner: American may soon hold world’s 400-meter dash record.
  6. Ronaldo de Assis Moreira: Better known to soccer fans as Ronaldinho.
  7. Alex Rodriguez: Yankees star barely makes the list, because baseball is slow.

Perhaps a bit undersized, welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr. was rated the third-greatest athlete in the world by a panel assembled by the Wall Street Journal.
Perhaps a bit undersized, welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr. was rated the third-greatest athlete in the world by a panel assembled by the Wall Street Journal.   (AP Photo)
Czech Republic's Roman Sebrle speeds towards the finish line of the 400m race of the Men's Decathlon during the World Athletics Championships Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Osaka, Japan.
Czech Republic's Roman Sebrle speeds towards the finish line of the 400m race of the Men's Decathlon during the World Athletics Championships Friday, Aug. 31, 2007, in Osaka, Japan.   (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder)
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is the world's second-best athlete, according to a panel of scientists and exercise physiologists.
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is the world's second-best athlete, according to a panel of scientists and exercise physiologists.   (AP Photo)
San Diego Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson, front left, is dragged down after a long gain by Denver Broncos safety Nick Ferguson, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007.
San Diego Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson, front left, is dragged down after a long gain by Denver Broncos safety Nick Ferguson, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007.   (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
A Wall Street Journal-commissioned panel picks Czech Republic decathlete Roman Sebrle as the world's greatest athlete.
A Wall Street Journal-commissioned panel picks Czech Republic decathlete Roman Sebrle as the world's greatest athlete.   (AP Photo)
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Sorry Tiger, it's still just golf
Oregonian (Portland)

A not-so-scientific best-ever list
ESPN

 
LeBron James • Sidney Crosby • Floyd Mayweather Jr. • Roger Federer • Alex Rodriguez • list • athlete • LaDainian Tomlinson • Ronaldinho • Olympic Games • Liu Xiang • Roman Seberle • Jeremy Wariner

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