ESPN just published its list of the top 100 athletes of the 21st-century. Included on the list are people who competed in tennis, basketball, swimming, football, baseball, auto racing, and boxing. These are what I would consider the mainline sports. However, I am not sure that’s where you will find the best “athletes.”

In my mind, a great athlete incorporates the following: (1) stamina, (2) strength, (3) speed (4) agility, (5) reflexes, (6) focus/competitive spirit, and (7) competitive skills to excel in the sport one is performing. For example, Tiger Woods is a great golfer. But does one have to be a great athlete to be a great golfer? Maybe not? Jack Nicklaus. and John Daly were excellent golfers in their heyday, but I would not consider them very good athletes.

My list gives credit to sports and athletes that are not well publicized. For example, a triathlete needs to be an excellent swimmer, biker and runner. Incredible stamina is required as a competition may take place over several hours or even most of the day. There are no triathletes on the ESPN list. There are no CrossFit athletes that are on the ESPN list. That strikes me is a bit odd as ESPN does cover CrossFit competitions.

So here is my list of names that at least should be considered for the top 100 athletes to 21st century: