Who, according to your personal opinion, is the greatest athlete of all time?
“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.”
These inspirational words were said by Michael Jordan, who in my opinion is the greatest athlete of all time. After seeing a glimpse of him and his team in a 10-part Emmy Award-winning documentary called ‘The Last Dance’, his amazing performances and his mental strength have left me inspired.
Let me start off by saying that he is undoubtedly the most dominant player ever to have played the sport in the history of basketball. Playing as a point guard with the Chicago Bulls for around 11 years, he has won five regular-season MVPs and six more in the finals. Moreover, he has the highest average points per game of all-time at 30.1. Jordan not only dominated in the domestic leagues but was also able to replicate his performance internationally. As a member of the 1992 Olympic team, also known as the ‘Dream Team’, which is regarded as the greatest sports team ever assembled. Michael Jordan was its most prolific and prominent member.
Another extremely important aspect of Michael Jordan’s career was how he used college basketball to propel his career. He attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and performed so well that he was scouted and got to be the third overall draft pick in 1984. His journey runs parallel to the idea that students can boost their careers through college sports. Apart from his outstanding records, a characteristic of his that majorly impressed me was his mental strength and work ethic. Jordan trained for up to four hours a day, and his work ethic and dedication were exemplary. Although the outside world would have only seen his flashy lifestyle on and off the court, they did not witness the “behind the scene” hours of rigorous training and his determination to be the absolute best.
I believe for one to truly be a great athlete, one has to help people and communities outside the world of his or her sport. In Michael Jordan’s case, he has helped people immensely. He is the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, which aims to strengthen the Charlotte region through charities and social projects in the areas relating to education, wellness, and hunger. On top of this, he has donated millions of dollars to various social causes. Additionally, Jordan is undoubtedly one of the most well-promoted athletes of all time, leaving along with a legacy that can not be forgotten. From starring in shows and films such as ‘The Last Dance’ and ‘Space Jam’, to single-handedly dominating the sneaker industry with the Air Jordan range.
As a closing point I would like to say; to be considered as the Greatest Athlete of All Time (G.O.A.T.), one must be exhibit exceptional both on and off the court. I believe Michael Jordan is one of the most multi-faceted athletes of all time, and this why he is truly a class apart from the rest.
Krishna Arora
Class 11
The Shiv Nadar School, Gurugram
