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In light of Michael Phelps establishing himself as the greatest Olympian ever (and cementing his ability to actually wear gold plated diapers), I thought is was a perfect time to break out my Pantheon of Athletes. A couple notes here before I get started: 1) the above statement regarding Michael Phelps as the greatest Olympian is fact and connot be argued and 2) this is not a list of the people I think are the greatest athletes ever (although some of them are), rather it is a list of my favorite athletes ever; athletes who when they are on TV, I drop everything to watch. This list is also a starter list and I reserve the right to add to it at any time.

#1) Without a doubt, number one on my list is Allen Iverson. Obviously, I am a little as both a Georgetown grad and a Philadelphia fan, but there simply isn’t a more exciting basketball player (both on the court and at any press conference). Few athletes play as hard or with as much fire as Iverson does and absolutely no one is more fun to watch in person. I have seen Iverson play several times and you really can’t appreciate all of the things that he does during a basketball game on TV. He must be witnessed in person.

#2) Tiger Woods. Another athlete who is just fantastic to watch in person. When Tiger is on TV (or I happen to be at a tournament he is playing) I am stopping everything to watch him. What he can do with a golf club in his hands is just unbelievable. He completely electrifies a golf course and the crowd following him. There really is no one in sports who is better at what they do than Tiger is at golf. The game simply isn’t as exciting without him and certainly hasn’t been the second half of this season. I think the thing that makes the best statement about Tiger is that he has played in only 6 events this season and he is still on top of the money list despite not having played in almost two months.

#3) Charles Barkley. You know someone is a Pantheon level athlete when you still stop everytime they are on TV even after they retire. I’m not sure if he’s a better analyst than he was a player, but he sure is fun to watch at both. Never a dull moment with the Round Mound of Rebound. He is also number one on the list of people I would want at my bachelor party (or any party for that matter.)

#4) Michael Jordan. It’s impossible not to put Jordan on a list like this. Obviously as a basketball player, there really isn’t anyone with as many defining highlights as Jordan and he is the benchmark for greatness. But, Jordan Pantheon status isn’t limited to his skills on the basketball court. I mean, have you SEEN those Jordan commercials? Every one of them gives me chills. The Become Legendary series is just that, Legendary.

#5) Newly enshirned member, Michael Phelps. The guy flat out wins. Greatest Olympian ever, no doubt about it and absolutely must see TV. I don’t know what more to say about him.

That’s the top 5 for now. There will always be additions and changes and obviously, there are far more athletes in the Pantheon so stay tuned.

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