Tiger Woods vs. Michael Jordan

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

No, I really think that an athlete is by definition a very fluid, subjective concept. It's almost like asking, "What is art?"

You can easily be one of the "World's Strongest Men" and be considered an athlete, while having no other talent than being able to pick up heavy stuff.

You can also easily be a professional bowler or golfer and while you may have a gut and not be in the greatest shape in the world, you're still considered an athlete, even though you might not be more "athletic" than the stronger, faster people in the world.

Agreed. I do think it's a fluid definition. I also think our society or culture labels who we collectively consider an athlete. For instance, SI might run an article next week "Is Tiger Woods The Greatest Athlete?"...whereas duing the Nicholas era such a discussion may never have been thought of. I guess what I'm saying is where one generation never thought of a golfer as an athlete, Tiger might challenge that perception.