Tiger vs. Lance vs. MJ

[mdpuff01]

At the turn of the century, ESPN counted down the 50 greatest athletes of the 20th century. Obviously there is no way a list like this can be created without debate, but in the end Michael Jordan was selected as #1. The list was based not only on athletic achievements, but on historical impact, socio-cultural impact, and impact on the athlete's sport. In the last 7 years, two athletes have affected the sports community more than any others. Lance Armstrong overcame cancer to win 7 straight Tour de Frances, as well as the AP Male Athlete of the Year award 4 times. Tiger Woods is on the fast track to becoming the first billionaire athlete, is on pace to shatter every important career golf record, and is among the most recognizable people (not just athletes) in the world. If the list was made today, where would Lance and Tiger rank? Do you think either could possibly leapfrog MJ and be considered the greatest athlete of all time?

[bigred760]

Tiger Woods is not an athlete because golf is not a sport.
Just my opinion though.

Michael Jordan should continue to be #1 because his impact on basketball and the NBA is still being felt today; everybody compares Lebron, Kobe, Wade, etc. to Jordan nowadays. They'll come close, but they won't match what he did - and I'm talking the three of them combined.

What Armstrong did is unprecedented, but cycling is taking a hit with all the doping scandals and allegations. Even Lance can save that.