Top 10 Greatest Athletes In Track & Field History

[@hannuvallin6155]

Sergey Bubka was also very smart man businesswise, as he knew he could have jumped much higher in most of the world record attempts that he made, but as the competition organizers paid a bonus for world record, he only did it one centimeter at a time to make it easier for himself to make as many world records in different competitions as possible :).

[@et5222]

Something really only possible in the PV (Mondo doing the same thing), raising record by 1/600th each time.

[@aqu32]

@@et5222 Not only in PV, but in high jump too.

[@et5222]

@@aqu32 theoretically yes, you can improve the highjump record by 1/200th (the PV !/600th),though no one has been able to do that like Bubka and now Mondo- Brummel set 5 records in hte 60's)

[@MikeCee7]

That famous Soviet weight lifter did the SAME thing in the 70s. By only breaking the WR by ½KG each time. I think he had close to 100 world records.

[@coreyham3753]

A smart way for Bubka to work the system.

[@davidc6032]

85 years later and Jesse's running style is as smooth and effortless as you'll ever see.

[@clodge5196]

I agree, the only other athlete I recall seeing running like that with that beautiful stride is Michael Johnson

[@swagguy2000]

Great list!!!

[@georgealbchara7160]

@@clodge5196 Marcell Jacobs as well

[@LEGl1999]

Where the fuck is Hicham El Guerrouj

[@Ultrabuu85]

He almost runs like a robot. A fast robot indeed.

[@forgiveness2670]

I honestly thought because of his boy crush, he was going to make Eliud Kichoge first on the list.. So I was surprised to see him as an honorable mention.

[@mmgaitan243]

Eluid didn’t do as much as these people did in track and field but he accomplished wayy more outside the sport of track

[@kaismithley7384]

Kipchoge wasn't that impressive of a track athlete, his marathon career is much more prominent

[@infiniteheygtre4580]

Obviously not kipchoge isnt as dominant as some of the other legends

[@prime6965]

@@kaismithley7384 Yeah he only ran the 5k in a pathetic 12:46.53 😂 Jokes aside I agree, he was obviously very very good, and one of the best of his time, but not legendary status on the track.

[@kaismithley7384]

@@prime6965 that's totally insane how fast that is but when you compare it to bekele, that's a full 9 seconds which at that level is like 80 meters, which just shows how the tables have turned now that they transitioned to road racing

[@mikehawk9551]

Completely agree with Owens being #1. He’s one of the few athletes that transcend their sport and become simply legendary. Even if someone knows nothing about track and field, they know the story of how Jesse Owens went to Nazi Germany and embarrassed Hitler. Truly a legend.

[@zstepohznrebrenhoirer7]

That doesn't make him the greatest in the sport. Unless, of course, words lose their meaning.

[@alphaecka1949]

Mike Hawk most of that was Jewish hype Hitler was himself blsck

[@dereckdean7382]

@@zstepohznrebrenhoirer7 no but his performances made him the greatest track n field athlete Mr .Jesse Owens contributions to the sport was just much more memorable at the Munich games.

[@alphaecka1949]

@Aaron mitzweiA Owen said otherwise only got two gurgly say they acknowledged each other should I give him the nod and Roosevelt Shawn and didn't invite him to the White House who's more racist president of the United States or Adolf Hitler?

[@nielsliljedahlchristensen4924]

No they don't. I knew it because it interests me, but I'm sure lots of people don't know anything about it. Unless maybe they're American, but assuming everyone knows everything that is to know about USA is just such an American thing to do.

[@_tosko]

I’ve been waiting too long for this. I know it has only been a day.

[@alphaecka1949]

TrentoNosko lewis should be strip snd removed from the list hi is doped uo

[@christophjanzen1742]

sorry. What?

[@malcolmbentlee9475]

I know Im asking randomly but does anybody know a way to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the password. I would love any tips you can give me

[@jeromeuriah7235]

@Malcolm Bentlee instablaster =)

[@jbb00676]

Jesse Owens completely deserved that #1. Look at all his achievements and feats WHILE going through adversity of discrimination and having to work through college to make ends meet with no scholarship is truly unbelievable. I'm jamaican and I wouldn't put bolt over Owens. He was the forerunner for a lot who we see now.

[@madams989]

Jabari Brooks it is impossible to know whether bolt could have also gone through the same adversity though. What I will and have said though is Owens also smashed the long jump which Bolt didn’t! Win goes to Owens.

[@alphaecka1949]

Jabari Brooks then u should look up the his try on Herb Mc kenley who went to university of Chicago A JAMAICA

[@FilipCordas]

No he didn't that story is completely made up. First of there is no protocol or was there ever, on the Olympic games that the leader of the host country should sake hands with the winners. This myth seems to be a confusion about the fact that Hitler congratulated all German athletes after winning on the first day but the Olympic committee told him not to do it so he stopped it had nothing to do with Jesse Owens. Second Germany actually did great at 1936 they won twice as many medals as the US and I think to this day is the most successful Olympic games for Germany and honestly that could be the most dominant performance of any nation in history. Number 3 Jesse Owens said on numerous occasions that he had a great time in Germany and that he was the crowd favorite even Hitler waved to him when he won. I don't know of a single bad thing Jesse Owens said about his time in Germany and the only issues he had was when he came back to the USA where no one congratulated him on his victory.

[@aarondavidson907]

@@FilipCordas Owens was also asked at one point how his experiences were with the filthy Nazis and he replied (I don't know the exact words so I might be off): "I didn't meet any filthy Nazis, just a bunch of nice German people"

[@revoltanhero2610]

How about consider their track achievements; your whole comment only relates to discrimination and resilience, which is fine, and I’m not downgrading Owens, he’s certainly top 5 ever, but Usain Bolt has the better record. Owens didn’t have the longevity (nor did most of that era) that Bolt had. 3 Olympic 100 m Golds isn’t a fluke. He was the first and only sprinter capable of that feat. Lewis and Gatlin perhaps also capable, but didn’t execute that.

[@nickrat4416]

Wow, no mention of Hicham El Guerrouj, the greatest middle distance runner of all time. No one has come even close to his WR is the Mile and 1500m in past 22 years.

[@RG-rb6om]

I thought he will be at least top 5

[@ramlangoddos4425]

I was wondering about the same too, the lack of mention of Hischam El Guerrouj. Hopefully he will get due mention.

[@peril1954]

I agree. Especially with Moses making the top 10.

[@DSW_314]

Hicham El Guerrouj is the #1 best runner in human history. He has 14/19 of the best times in the 1500m and 1600m Mile. He still holds the WR in the 1500m, 1600m Mile, 2000m, and the #2 best time in the 3000m. He also has high-ranked times in the 1000m and 5000m. There's no other runner with high-ranked times in 6 different race distances.

[@naturalblockade3412]

@Michael Dingwall lol.

[@trentsantoro7300]

That’s something I never knew and honestly Jesse Owens did shit that not a lot of other can accomplish

[@alphaecka1949]

Lewis the batty bway should be scratch the doper who grained Ben Johnson

[@alphaecka1949]

If JESUS Owen IS Number 1 Then HERBS McKENley Should Be Mension FOR His 400m treck

[@alphaecka1949]

Trent Santoro herb McKinley 200m an 100m an 400m was far superior than Jesse 0wens he was running 20 .6 an44.5.an 9.9 and was consider the greatest 1/4 miler of all times

[@alphaecka1949]

Jim McCracken and for ur info his name was J C Owens James where you get Jesse from ?

[@alphaecka1949]

Jim McCracken so what ur trying to say ..herb McKENley was my coach to led me about James cleaveland and Medcalf

[@chogesilas7059]

as a Kenyan, watching bekele in any line up meant that we were fighting for 2 Nd and 3rd positions. before that, Haile gebreselasie did the same when Tergat was running. Thank God Eliud Kipchoge never gave up and he now enjoys the limelight.

[@nichokituku4799]

Ukweli this two Ethiopian gave us chills in 5km and 10km

[@TARANSWHEEL]

My only beef with this list is that I definitely would’ve had David Rudisha cracking the top 20.

[@quickchecks2951]

Yh thats true

[@reginald8947]

Very true, Rudisha is one of the best

[@ToxicQuasarOG]

@@Karan-pl5ko you mad bro?

[@theultimatelemon1397]

@@Karan-pl5ko bruh

[@wyndell300]

Yes I know but who would you put David in front of?

[@sparkshot289]

I feel Johnathan Edwards deserves at least an honourable mention. He is the triple jumper that currently holds the world record for triple jump, and has jumped over 18 metres in his career more times than there are the number of people who have managed the feat.

[@chrissennfelder7249]

Good call, I agree. Edwards pushed the triple jump to another level.

[@dave929]

Good choices. When I saw Bolt as #2, I was glad Owens was #1.

[@alphaecka1949]

Dave TheRave how Owens can be no.1 when Owens haveing less gold medal with one olympic compared to a nan with 3 olympic under his belt ..yu gone say that's subjective

[@dave929]

Alpha Ecka - he set the standard for track athletes. Carl Lewis made duplicating Owens’ feat during the ‘84 Olympics his goal and he did it. Bolt had wanted to try the long jump, but said the training difference was too much and he decided to stick to sprinting. His accomplishments in sprinting set the bar for that specialty.

[@alphaecka1949]

Dave TheRave let me correct your ignorance bolt was a long jumper like all sprinters he was advise not to . He risk injuries been a long jumper his hight ..v rhe only di sapient ment about bolt not following the footsteps of Herb McKENley OF NOT running thee 400 m compare Herb to JC Owens Herb held the world record for 100 200m an 400m..the only thing jc did that Herbert did not do was long jump and high jump . Give JC his perks . He ran a good 200m hurdles : But Batty Bway doped up lewis is no comparison to Bolt first of all who is Clean who have won there Medals as l Fairley :which one hold the world record . At the time of lewis in the boycotts where was the compitation compare to what he ran he can't beat any jamaican Ben Johnson beat his ass what they did set up a doped up bottle of Bear and give to Ben after the race evon thou his ass was dope he got the Gold so man clean up ur Ling wah befor utter .beside in bolt Tyson gay and as Asafah an Justin Gatlin he would even make the team his gay ass would even stand a chance ! Dount u ever dear make such a shameful mistake of comparing a clean athlete to a nasty faggott again have somemoral principle..snd show some integrity "man" If UR ONE

[@Brenden.Seipke]

@@alphaecka1949 Distance is better.

[@alphaecka1949]

Brenden Seipke yu talking dovil distance ..?

[@xPryzMa]

I didn't have a clue Owen's had accomplished all of those things, especially during such a difficult time 😱 I think I would still place bolt in 1st due to the length of time he was dominant for but Owen's achievements are still unbelievable!

[@JC-lu4se]

@Michael Dingwall Indeed. Let's give prizes and accolades due to people's race rather than their achievements.

[@ownknow8161]

*I agree with the decision of saying that Jesse Owens is the very best Olympiad who has ever competed. He had to overcome prejudice, had to perform that much better than his opponents, and had to compete in all short-distance sprints AND the long jump. He broke the world record on many occasions, under the most strenuous circumstances, both domestic and abroad.* *I would have, also, given that accolade to Women Like Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio and disabilities to become a world-class record-breaking athlete, and Florence Griffith-Joyner, who has one of the eldest world records that remains.* *Regardless of who is number one on this list, they are all Legends!*

[@ianbusche1471]

You have to take into account Owens ran those on dirt and sand tracks so on modern day tracks he would run even faster

[@Mr.Pip_]

Also this is back when training was bad😂

[@Virginiashadow]

Jesse Owen's is a national hero

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

Times are not conclusive, but important. The super spikes they use today will see Usain's 100m record fall eventually, probably by a sprinter not of his ability. Dominance over many years and consistently great performances at the highest level of international competition should be the test. Oh, and drug free. Rule breakers get no recognition.

[@bisoafuayaa74]

Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce has more individual gold medals than Allyson. Allyson is just more dynamic and media savvy and also an American. No way I would consider Allyson greater than Shelly Ann. Allyson has been lucky to have stronger relay teams.

[@shmueloluwa]

Allyson Felix has several World and Olympic Golds in 200m and 400m and has been world leader in both on several occasions. She has also competed in 3 disciplines (including relays) several times winning at least silver in each at Olympics and Worlds. Her performances in the relays have also been superlative in both 4x100 and 4x400. Whilst I have the greatest respect for SFP she has only really excelled at 100m.

[@owenmorris9828]

Shmuel Oluwa Yes that’s true however individually Shelly has won more medals, yes winning relay medals is great but really winning individual medals is a better achievement. Allyson despite her talent has a lot of relay medals rather than individual. And despite Allyson running the 400m and that she’s not one of the fastest of all time with her 49.28, there’s loads of people that have ran much faster same for her 100m time of 10.89 she’s not where near the quickest of all time. Shelly has a PB on 10.71 which is one of the fastest in history, and just because she doesn’t really run other distances doesn’t make her not as good as Allyson who runs more distances however isint the fastest over them. Shelly is very good so she should have made the list for sure, however I don’t agree with Allyson being that high on the list, she should have really been a honourable mention or featured in in the top 20-15.

[@MurrayBallantine]

I agree and Elaine Thompson-Herah is better , that a pick because he is a American, filex won all her Olympic golds but one in team events

[@seanenright256]

Should be separate lists for men and women. Love the Owens pick though

[@madams989]

Sean Enright very fair point. Sadly though, as unfair as it is, most humans just want to know who the absolute greatest human is full stop. A woman in sport will never be considered the absolute greatest as a man will always be able to better what she can do.

[@seanenright256]

Mike Adams there’s just no use in comparing mens and women’s athletes. It’s separate sports tbh

[@lerigoureux6474]

Damn, I agree with both of you !

[@keenangosselin8700]

I’m surprised Michael Fosbury isn’t on the list, as he changed the style of all high jumps forever

[@mikeikeda1208]

Dick Fosbury!

[@Visionary0001]

I feel the same way about Dr. ROGER BANNISTER. Although his career was short, he was the first human to break the 4-minute mile, which everyone thought was impossible to do, before he did it.

[@MikeCee7]

I thought his name was Dick Fosbury.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@MikeCee7 Richard Fosbury, to be picky. But he's famed for his changing the technique of high jumping, not so much for being a great performer.

[@MikeCee7]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 thanks for being a “Richard”🤣 He was a “performer”, he won the Gold medal in 1966 Mexico City.

[@shmueloluwa]

I believe SFP deserves an honorable mention, and if the list was updated today she would definitely break top 20.

[@Youtubeduude]

Shmuel Oluwa this video was made today

[@michaelolande8763]

that's true. Eliud would also be in top 10

[@gershompeter3273]

Top5

[@LEGl1999]

Where the fuck is Hicham El Guerrouj

[@orientationkamp]

Bolt is untouchable for now. When bolt arrived the sprint scene, the world knew he was destined for greatness.

[@felixcornelius2577]

I'd say untouchable for a few more decades

[@LinardsZ]

really Noah Lyles

[@JockeyShawn]

@@LinardsZwhat about him?

[@LinardsZ]

@@JockeyShawn He has run more sub 20 200m runs then Bolt already which is atleast touching Bolt IMO.

[@JockeyShawn]

@@LinardsZ I think we’re talking about Olympic status.. Noah is nowhere near close to what bolt has achieved in the olympics… You will probably never see what bolt has accomplished in the olympics ever..

[@wardfreeman7533]

I can't argue with your list or reasoning. Furthermore you presented it in an exemplary and polished fashion. I really looked forward to this drop and was not disappointed. Side note - I picked 7 out of 10 on today's list in yesterday's comments with an 8th being an Honorable Mention. Keep up the great videos.

[@BBBYpsi]

I can argue, where is Jim Thorpe?

[@fireheartgalathinyus4952]

Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce? Not on this list not even an honourable mention? That's crazy to me. Four times world Champion and Double Olympic Champion over 100m. Joint fourth fastest of all time? World Champion over 200m in 2013? I haven't even mentioned medals she has that aren't gold.

[@nerve.]

Don't forget her 60m world title too...... in one year she was the 60, 100 and 200 meter champion Simultaneously!

[@leonardc5987]

Completely agree with you. By the way, Carl Lewis was juiced. Does he really deserve this attention?

[@naturalblockade3412]

@@leonardc5987 Carl Lewis was juiced? And you know that for sure? How come Ben Johnson's golf medal was taken away and given to Carl Lewis?

[@JiamingCao-p3d]

Now she has to be on the list.

[@tomashruska6570]

A nice, well edited and emotional video, with so many epic performances (and sometimes contexts) it was always gonna be a talking point for us fans as to who was missed out or placed in the wrong spot. I'd probably go for the top 3 all time greatest option as on podium plus the rest without order but upto 20 best because of the super tough competition, so here are the ones that I miss on the list - Al Oerter (4 time in a row olympic champ in discus throw), Jan Zelezny (3 golds 1 silver in Olympic games, best in javelin throw in history), both defo top 10, Marlen Ottey (for me possibly the greatest and the unluckiest female sprinter ever), Michael Johnson (how is he not there at all?), FloJo and Bob Beamon in top 20, the ony error (and a huge one) is not even mentioning Zatopek (no 3 of all time in my opinion). But thank you for a great video

[@markm.1244]

Aren't most of Allyson Felix's medals from relays? Also shouldn't SAFP be at least a hounorable mention. Great video anyway 👍

[@bruceblizard1491]

If I counted correctly, ten individual medals in the Olympics or World Championships, six gold.

[@nerve.]

One can argue about SFP being the one of, if not the greatest female sprinter of all time.

[@markm.1244]

Is Allyson Felix overrated in that sense?

[@lg_ada2695]

So for the decade count SAFP was the top woman ahead of Felix but then u put Felix above her in this list. SAFP is the greatest female sprinter of all time. 2 gold and a bronze from olympics And no other woman won more gold than her at world championship. Not counting relays

[@richardgallimore5976]

@@lg_ada2695 Flo Jo is the greatest female sprinter of all time for sure.

[@dereckdean7382]

I agree with your selection at number 1 'one' and appreciate your selection of Merlene Ottey to the group of honorable mentions.

[@alphaecka1949]

Dereck Dean she have more olympic medals than any one else in the world she should be on the list

[@dereckdean7382]

@@alphaecka1949 True . When I first started following track and field Ms .Ottey became my favourite. . She was a consistent sprinter and was and still is a beautiful woman.

[@alphaecka1949]

Dereck Dean Verry honorably said I had the pleasure of meeting her we had a couple of dinners togather along with Marlyn NewVille one of her best friend

[@guillaume5313]

Great video! Sad to see Richard Fosbury didn't make the cut though, he completely changed the highjump landscape. Anyways really appreciate all the research in your videos! :)

[@dereckdean7382]

Fosbury Flop

[@victorhopper6774]

the equipment changed. they used to land on sand.

[@guillaume5313]

@@victorhopper6774 yes I know, don't really see the link with my comment

[@jraykotheanomaly2365]

Absolutely great video. As a fellow track and field athlete I appreciate your context

[@charlieanderson7048]

I think Gebrselassie should be way above Allyson Felix. He is just on a whole other level and I would say is the best or second best distance runner of all time

[@randybarnett2308]

Either one of them could run circles around me, but at least I could out Bench Press both of them!!!💪🏋️‍♂️😀👍🤸‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

[@charlesthorndike2702]

In my opinion, the best male track and field athletes of all time are: Carl Lewis, Usain Bolt, Jan Zelezny, Sergey Bubka, Michael Johnson, Hicham El Guerrouj, Kenenisa Bekele, Haile Gebrselassie, Edwin Moses, Jesse Owens, Al Oerter

[@jirkakalecky2782]

13:54 Ashton Eaton was not first to Break 9000 point, Roman Šebrle was first...

[@TommyGun5929]

Plus Kevin Meyer broke Eatons record... by a lot

[@VeridicusMaximus]

@@TommyGun5929 Yes, unfortunately Mayer has been plagued with injuries in a couple of different seasons. He would have been WC in 2019,again, if not for injury. In those seasons that he was injured he would have also put up 8800+ performances. And now COVID hits so hardly any Decas were contested this year. Sometimes life just does not grant people the circumstances to showcase their dominant potential.

[@DeadSezSo]

Jesse Owens is a true hero. While I personally rank bolt and Lewis ahead of him in purely athletic greatness, considering everything owens had to endure and overcome nobody can argue with him at #1. Truly inspiring

[@BBBYpsi]

Owens deserves top 5 for sure. But this person who should be #1 was not even mentioned. Jim Thorpe

[@Jadon1443]

I didn’t have a problem with this list at all until I slowly realized that rudisha was a mere honorable mention. I though he would be a clear top 10 pick. Watching him lead the 2012 final from gun to tape in a world record still blows my mind despite having watched it about 100 times and that is only the beginning of his dominance over the 800 meters

[@nathanplant9893]

he's at least top 20

[@carlbrooks6043]

Shellyann Fraser Pryce not being in the honorable mentions don’t sit right with me. But afterall, if this video was created today, she would definitely make the list. Now the fastest woman alive!!!!

[@LawsonSims44]

@Michael Dingwall 10 years she in there now

[@NativeNomad10]

Exactly, she's been running since 2008 and have been dominating it since. Even after having a child. If Felix can be there so should shellyAnn

[@kalgebremedhin720]

If you said some about Jesse, you should also have said a few things about Abebe Bikila. He is the beacon of hope for the entire African athletics. Either way an amazing video. Good job.

[@quala723]

Marathon isn't really considered a track event though. Definitely revolutionary for the marathon and Africa sports.

[@hahaphd6856]

@@quala723 It's considered part of every track and field championships, whether it be the world IAAF championships or the Olympics.

[@jamafo]

The Marathon is really every part of the sport of T&F. Abebe Bikila had to be mentioned.

[@waterproof4403]

Abebe Bikila❤

[@collyernicholasjohn]

We watched the Rome marathon on video at school. Two guys running like hell possessed, in the dark, and like they’d never stop.. Spine tingling.

[@larsjames777]

In 1962 I participated in a college basketball half-time show (Eastern Montana College). We did tumbling and trampoline routines. Jesse Owens was there as a VIP guest and stood just off the basketball floor. When I ran off the court he I looked at him and he winked and smiled at me, which I still clearly see at 70 years old.

[@angelmatos9143]

This list has been an education. Great Job!

[@dominoperson5]

I really liked this a lot. Thanks for all the awesome content!

[@pakalwotan]

Not mentioning Emil Zatopek who still stands as the only athlete to ever have won all the long distance running competitions in one Olympic Games is outrageous!

[@huntermorgan6437]

Who else was honestly surprised when u saw bolt at 2? But I agree with Owens at 1 100 percent.

[@saminates2002]

Hunter Morgan I definitely was surprised. But then I saw Jesse Owens and I was like, “Oh that makes perfect sense actually.”

[@danique57]

Yes i watched "Race" 3 times james owens was an athlete and an hero well deserved, big up ro usain bolt

[@knightofthelonelyweb3792]

When is the athletics starting again? I'm having withdrawal symptoms. Can you pull some strings, TRP?

[@coleconnolly]

13:01 ain’t gonna be that long with Knighton here

[@mikeikeda1208]

Jim Thorpe should have made it into the top 20 if not top 10. The man did not get the respect that he deserved in his lifetime and was cheated out of his medals. A very sad ending to his life. Others that at least deserved honorable mentions would be Abebe Bikila, Herb Elliot, Bob Hayes, Valery Brummel, Ralph Boston, Ron Clarke, Roger Bannister, Kipchoge Keino, Babe Didrikson Zaharias. But all lists are subjective and we cherish the memory of our heroes in a way that might not be in perspective. A very good list that will keep people arguing!

Dumas was the first man to clear 7ft .

[@jamrats9441]

Michael Johnson should be in Top 5, He sets 2 WR ( 200, 400m )

[@lilcary]

Maybe not top 5 but he should be listed.

[@GardenChess]

Only 2

[@christopherschlacter4953]

Bob Mathias, Daley Thompson, and Ashton Eaton each won back to back decathlons in the Olympics. By far the most challenging event in track and field because you must excel in ten events.

[@fearlessjoebanzai]

Sebrle?

[@MohamedHamzaKhaouti]

I honestly didn't expect Jesse Owens to be put at number. At least not from an athletic achievement' stand point, there are a few athletes that I would put above him. And as far as the personal story, there are a lot of African athletes that might have come from rougher/poorer backgrounds, but they were treated as heroes and champions in their homelands. Jesse on the other went through a different type of struggle, and that is racism, humiliation and the constant reminder that he lived in a society that treated with inferiority despite his incredible feats that he carried under the flag of his nation. Despite all this, he preserved and eventually prevailed. And for that I believe he justly deserves to be NUMBER ONE. Great content btw. Love the channel!

[@bruceblizard1491]

Very well done. Interesting and well documented.

[@annjeanmillikan]

Phenomenal documentary! Thank you!

[@weltonspratley4367]

Great tribute to the late, great Jesse Owens!

[@oscarjr.cobarrubias6678]

What a great video. Your Channel is one of the best.

[@richardhealey8063]

Bob Beamon at least in honorable mentions. I'm biased due to Jon Bois's video in the Bob emergency but his long jump brought tears to my eyes

[@thierryelies7254]

Remember to watch it in France.!!

[@markhostetter1383]

Another great video! Don't forget Haile's 1500 PR 3:31.76i (Stuttgart 1998?)

[@James-nm2kg]

I thought Wayde Van Niekerk would be on the list

[@zstepohznrebrenhoirer7]

The guy did ONE thing only. He's a great runner, but has absolutely nothing to do on the list... yet.

[@korami4661]

Zste'pohznre Brenhoirer he is the only athlete ever to have gone under 44 for the 400, under 20 for the 200, and under 10 for the 100

[@zstepohznrebrenhoirer7]

@@korami4661 Yes, I know. And? Johnson had the world record in both the 200 and 400 and doubled the events in the 96 Olympics and he's 15th on the list. Again, as exciting a runner as Van Niekerk is, there was no way he could make the list. I can think of about 50 athletes who deserve it more than he does.

[@dolphinreacts532]

Probably at the end of his career when it's all said and done

[@nathanmitchell9695]

@@zstepohznrebrenhoirer7 The man has done more than just one thing. He's the WR holder in both the 300m and 400m and he's the first athlete in history to simultaneously break the 10s barrier in 100m, 20s barrier in 200m and 44s barrier in 400m. He's no longer the only athlete to have done this since Michael Normal ran 9.86s in the 100m at the Texas Meet earlier this year, but that doesn't take away from how remarkable and incredible an athlete WVN is. Honourable mention for sure.

[@DavidThompson-qt3ri]

If it is about performance on the track when it matters, 2008, 2012, 2016. Not to mention world championships. There is no human being greater than my legendary countryman Usain Bolt. Argument done!

[@pabloturmo8619]

You didn't talk about how Bekele has the second fastest time in the marathon only beaten by kipchoge by a couple seconds.

[@saminates2002]

Pablo Turmo Because that’s not track per say

[@cameron8019]

A marathon is road running and not part of Track and Field which this video is about the 20 greatest track and field athletes so it's not really relevant

[@random_reader11]

if bubka was #10 then... i guess mondo is already top 10 of all time at age 24?? wow

[@lilcary]

How could you leave off FloJo completely? She still has the world record in the 200m and 100m.

[@mukulb940]

Yes she deserves to be part of this list

[@herontait7263]

Longevity. Too short a sample. Can you imagine a person coming in for one season. He broke the record for 100m hurdles in a time that remained for 40 years especially under questionable circumstances? Would he be rated greatest of all time?

[@fr1910]

@@herontait7263 bro that doesnt make any sense tf are u on

[@audleymclean3724]

You are right!!! Flo-Jo should be on the list come what may..

[@robertolim7912]

Flo Jo not even in honorable mention list? C'mon

[@davidbrereton1256]

I love your vids

[@06racing]

Half of Felix's medals are 4x100 relays so those don't completely count as her achievements. There aren't many countries that have four competitive woman.

[@Youtubeduude]

06racecar60 there also aren’t many countries that have as many medals as she (an individual) does soooo

[@MurrayBallantine]

Totally agreed I think he picked her because he Is a American, he has great video though

[@abdullahibnabdullateef7102]

I never comment on videos but this deserved something to be said. Solid video just shows the effort put in

[@jeromeboyd2591]

(I'm biased towards distance running) but to not have Rudisha or Farah in the top 20 is painful

[@r1goldrush]

mo farah doesn't deserve to be in top 20...just a athlete from salazar laboratorie

[@שריאללרר]

Farah doesn't hold any world records Rudisha was a beast

[@jeromeboyd2591]

@@שריאללרר Farah I can understand not having top 20 (I'm a British teenager so he's an icon for me still ). Rudisha surely must be in there his 800m WR won't be beaten for 15+ years from now I think

[@שריאללרר]

@@jeromeboyd2591 records are meant to be broken bekeles record in 5k and 10k are close to be broken by cheptegai or kiproto bekele himself nearly toped kipchoges marathon recored a new rudisha will come along soon not 15 years

[@turbotoby95]

Great video TRP!

[@josearcadiobuendia8252]

Should have split into male/female category, otherwise gets ridiculous results. A.Felix all time 7?!?! ( 14/19 golds from relays)

[@ochoymedio78]

Alyson Felix 7th all time is a joke.

[@ΝίκοςΤαμουραντζής-λ6φ]

That's definately a fine list. However there are some notable omissions such as Ray Ewry (in the list), Hannes Kolehmainen (honorable mention), Abebe Bekila (honorable mention), Dick Fosburry (honorable mention), Victor Saneyev (honorable mention), Valerie Villi (honorable mention), Robert Korzeniowski (in the list) Shelly Ann - Fraser - Rryce (in the list), Christian Taylor (honorable mention), Jonathan Edwards (honorable mention), Stefka Kostadinova (honorable mention), Ezekiel Kemboi (in the list).

[@tamasszanka5866]

Shout out for placing Nurmi adequately!

[@joetigo2928]

Gebresilassie was something else, he used to break one or two world records almost every year.

[@Johnbull4u]

I would put Bolt as no 1 on pure athletic performance and how he carried the sport in a period of controversy with steroids, his humbleness and sense of humor made fans laugh n came out to see him, stadiums filled everywhere when he was performing..Owens at no 2 as he transends the sport in a time of gross racial disparities n his perseverence n strength who is an inspiration to the word while smashing the Nazi theory of racial superiority

[@jpad58]

Jim Thorpe won the pentathlon and decathlon at the Stockholm 1912 Olympic Games. He later played pro baseball and football. He even threw the Javelin not knowing the rules from a standing stationary position and came in second place.

[@pranjalgandhi6317]

No Yelena Isinbaeva in the honourable mentions?

[@thaix5315]

Right??

[@KarLKoX]

Nice video ! 👍 Mmmmhh no mention to Marie-José Pérec to the honorable athletes ?

[@amitb817]

1 will always be 1 given the adversity he faced. Please make a separate video on legend

[@intersanctum]

No Emil Zátopek? Man, that had 20 WR under his belt, won 5 000m, 10 000m and a marathon in one Olympics (only man to achieve that), and that was his first marathon. It is funny to see that the best long-distance runner in history isn't even in the top ten. In my eyes he is top three if not GOAT.

[@ABPerlov]

Athletes of the older generation did not have the World Championships (WC) to win medals. It appears part of your assessment is the amount of medals won at the WC. The WC stated in 1983 and was every 4 years until after 1991. Zatopek's ranking is too low. You said part of your assessment is the athlete's impact on the sport, Zatopek's name was known all over the world for his athletic achievements. Not many athletes would have a crowd yell their name in a full stadium like Zatopek did. I doubt Felix's impact on the sport is close to Zatopek's. Individual medals should have more weighting than team medals. Robert Korzeniowski should have been a honourable mention with 4 Olympic golds and 3 World Championship golds in the walking event. He is the only man to win the 20 km walk and 50 km walk at the same Olympics.

[@conradbrolykke8651]

His opinion though.. I get that you're trying to voice your opinion, but don't bash his just to get yours out there.

[@ABPerlov]

@@conradbrolykke8651 It's okay, it's just my opinion as well.

[@VeridicusMaximus]

Agreed, this is only one of the inconsistencies in this ranking. Impact on the sport and impact on Culture are also two different things and not many athletes, even if accomplished, have the circumstances to do that. And it completely separate from performances. I also hate the fact that someone who is good (top 3) in one event is somehow greater because they rack up medals in distances they are obviously going to succeed in - like 60m, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 4x100, 4x400. Anybody who is top three in 100 and 200 is going to be capable of doing the others with top rank results with little effort and training. It's not EPIC but expected. Might as well just rack up more and do a 80, 250, 175, 350, etc. Give me someone who did a 800 and 3000 with similar results and then EPIC is ok. Another one is understanding ones ability to compete in different events back in the 30s was way easier than it is today - not just the comp and training but the scheduling.

[@PresbianTier]

So i watched this video and there are two athletes who deserve to be in the Honorable Mentions: Shelly Anne Fraser Pryce & Alberto Juantorena. Alberto is the only athlete to win the 400m and the 800m in a singles olympic.

[@terminated5620]

Happy easter day everyone (sent in on Easter)

[@billc5094]

Great list 👍

[@edisonmorais]

Abebe Bikila and Emil Zátopek should be in this video.

[@mtgne5351]

Yes!!!

[@nathanmitchell9695]

I believe they were in the previous video, top 11-20 athletes of all time.

[@nickatnite16]

Great list !

[@CALord-tc7ww]

Jesse Owens will forever be number one no matter who comes along. I felt so proud looking at this man just crushing them in Germany in the midst such racism back then.

[@baz1184]

How old are you?

[@Vivungisport]

Travel around the world and you will begin to understand that racism are a common thing among every ethnic group.

[@jamrats9441]

Kenenisa Bekele is The greatest distance runner of all of time. 🇪🇹

[@kemybolt]

Mistake: Allyson Felix didnt win any medal in WC 2013 in Moscow

[@saulnores3477]

1- Usain Bolt 2- Sergey Bubka 3- Jan Zelezny

[@jastew8814]

Eliud Kipchoge doesn’t count, as the marathon isn’t a track and field event. Also, I think Jonathan Edwards should be here imo

[@ethanennis8]

J Stewart well he didn’t even crack the top 20

[@jastew8814]

Ethan Ennis I know, but he shouldn’t be an honourable mention, as he didn’t necessarily dominate in track

[@ShiniDaniTV]

Great work!!!

[@robinbauer1975]

Jesse Owens: I'm going to destroy you... Hitler: Nein Nein Nein

[@hkborlan]

5 months ago ... The 10000m record won't be broken for 10 years... Today, Cheptegei shows us his class and destroys the World record.

[@owenmorris9828]

Personally I would have thought that Merlene Ottey From Jamaica would have been in the top 10. It was amazing that she was an honourable Mention however I believe that she has probably the most accomplishments out of MOST the athletes on this list. She consistently broke the 11 sec barrier in the 100m, she constantly made the podium in the 100m,200m,4x100m at the world championships from the first world championships in 1983 all the way to 1997. And she always made the podium at the Olympics from 1980-2000 at age 40 ( other than 1988 ) at both Olympics and world championships she earned 23 medals, she also won medals at both Commonwealth and PanAm Games. Merlene Ottey was also running sub 12 in 2012 being 50+. She was by far the longest standing and most consistent athlete we’ve ever seen as she always made it to the podium and we was never injured and only missed the world championships in 1999. She was winning Olympic medals at 40 in 2000 after she won a bronze and silver in the 100m and 4x100m which is unheard of nowadays. She had by far some of the greatest achievements and should have been in at least the top 5. ( it was still great to see her listed in the honourable mentions regardless however considering her achievements it would have been more appropriate for her to be listed and talked about individually. However it was a great list with some great athletes!

[@alphaecka1949]

Owen! Owen! Owen! So true she should be no one out of respect a ll the e ho beat were dope up and looking at the t as pe with Deaver she won that

[@stephengrant7601]

The greatest female athlete gets honorable mention😂. Please do your research before you make videos

[@AmbassadorAusar]

Great commentary throughout this video. Wonderful job my brother. The great Jesse Owens.

[@madams989]

Owens could jump well over 8 metres in 1935 which bolt couldn’t do 80 years later. Both dominated in sprinting. For sporting achievement alone taking historical context out of the equation Owens to me is the more impressive athlete and fully deserves the no.1 slot

[@marcjohn1613]

Mike Adams stfu

[@cameron8019]

The versatility is definitely impressive

[@nirglazer5962]

Not taking anything away from Owens but why are you even mentioning bolt couldn't do that? To my knowledge he never seriously trained in the long jump but I have no doubt he could have jumped well over 8. There are high schoolers that do that nowadays and saying the best sprinter of all time couldn't do that is ridiculous

[@madams989]

Nir Glazer always heard rumours that Bolt would go for the long jump as well but he obviously couldn’t or he would have 😉

[@nirglazer5962]

@@madams989 I disagree. There were rumors a few months before he retired only. You can even find videos of him joking around doing it in 2017 after he retired. he clearly never trained in it all so they were likely just rumors. Even in this video (really just messing around, no board, only like 5 double strides and terrible form (both take off was s*** and landing was terrible and he wasn't even close to full speed, more like jogged) he clears 3 times his body length. So my guess is roughly 5-6 meters. Still even if he did 8 in practice. In his eyes he wouldn't compete in it because it's not worth his injury - especially when the rumors came out only close to his retirement which happened due to injury. I really think though that all olympic sprinters could quite easily achieve 8 meters nowadays. moreover my bet is that most NFL/top college skills positions could reach 8 meters quite easily. It's reaching that 9 meter area that's the real challenge for all these elite athletes.

[@randomize9642]

Bekele 6th? No way! Still love your videos!

[@שריאללרר]

Where would you rank him?

[@randomize9642]

@@שריאללרר Top 3 for sure, in his prime he was unbeatable.

[@שריאללרר]

@@randomize9642 he is not done yet 2:01:41 in Berlin marathon

[@firewise6940]

No athlete is greater than Usain bolt in the history of athletics .

[@nicolecooper1569]

Some people don’t like Jesse Owens as the #1 pick, but I can see why he’s there. Even though he didn’t have longevity in the sport, being a long jumper and hurdler (in college) makes Owens more versatile than Bolt. Carl Lewis went for 4 golds in Olympics is because he wanted to be like Owens. So I can see why he’s ranked higher than both of them. He became the trendsetter for sprinting + long jumper combo since he won them all and set world records while doing it. The historical context needs to be mentioned because it explains why it was hard to have longevity in the sport. That’s why people like him and Wilma Rudolph (she retired early to be an activist) didn’t last long in the sport: no financial support and overt racism and segregation was sky high. Nowadays people capitalize off of athletes, so they’re not gonna discriminate against anyone who can win. That’s why it’s easier today for less privileged people to participate in sports compared to 100 years ago. Not just the US but globally. The demographics of the Olympics then is a lot different compared to now. If Jesse Owens was of this era, then having longevity would relatively be a walk in the park as long as he remained healthy. We also need to factor that the track, spikes, starting blocks, were WAY different then compared to now. Give runners from the 1930s the same equipment, they should shave many tenths off of their PRs. Athletes today aren’t necessarily getting better per se. Technology, training methods and matching ideal body types to each sport/discipline have caused sports to evolve. Look at any Olympian from the 1920s and 1930s or earlier. They all more or less have the same body type and similar height. Nowadays there are varying body types competing in the Olympics . Basketball players are above average height and have long arms and legs, gymnasts are below average height and are super strong and flexible. Distance runners are very thin. Shot putters are big and tall. 100 years ago, athletes in all of these disciplines were around the same height and weight. The Olympics used to be about finding the best generalist. Now it’s about finding the best specialist. There’s a Ted talk about this.

[@maxjahns9063]

I won‘t deny the greatness of all those athletes. Most of them definitely belong in this list. But overall the total list is very much biased by US opinion. I would actually say it‘s very much impossible to do such a ranking because of the diversity of athletics and everyone of those athletes deserves a mention (plus a lot of athletes who weren‘t mentioned).

[@saulnores3477]

Very much influenced by US opinion. I agree.

[@et5222]

Who would you take off and who would you add? Would you include drug tainted 70's and 80's eastern europeans?

[@waterproof4403]

Amazing work ! Thank you so much I was expecting to see Tirunesh Dibaba. The greatest female long distance runner ever

[@nerve.]

Shelly Ann Fraser Pryce deserved to be in the Honorable Mentions.

[@cat7594387]

just a tidbit: hitler didnt shake most of the athletes hands, not just his. To be honest hitler had more respect for him than most americans at the time. Just look up how poorly he ended up after all that success.

[@nerve.]

Exactly, his own President snubbed him when he got home.

[@multechpro7151]

im baffled that u didnt mention me, the greatest of all time, ive won 100 consecutive runs all distances from 100 m to 5000 m against my 4 yrs old brother by a long margin

[@GamesBoxCZSK]

13:55 First to do 9000 was guy from my country, named Roman Šebrle, wasnt he ? In year 2001

[@Xwaydomm]

Mondo is going to be top 10 in the next 5 years easy

[@Algorox]

Definitely. He has set a new standard for the pole vault.

[@marsbars2889]

I'd add Sydney McLaughlin

[@mukulb940]

Awesome vdo. The selection is perfect. Wish name of Jarmila Kratochvílová of Czech Republic was part of greats as she has the oldest track and field record standing on her name. Nearly 40 years and no one has come close to her record.

[@vijaykumalta369]

Please make a viedo on how to run a sub 4.40 mile .how to train for it.Love you brother ❤❤.Hope you will help

[@lucas_TF]

As someone who runs mid distance in college and ran sub 4:40 as a sophomore in high school, it is not super difficult. Being consistent in the race is super important. You need to run 70 seconds or faster per lap in order to do it. The third lap is where you will really need to dig deep as it is the hardest lap. The most helpful workout for milers is 400's. Depending on how good of shape you are in, you'll want to do between 8-12. If 4:40 is what you want to achieve, running 70 or 69 for each of those 400's is what you'll need. On regular runs, going between 6-8 on normal days and between 9-13 on long run days is important. One of the best ways to help your endurance is to do those 6-8 mile runs at 2 minutes slower than your goal mile pace (in this case being 6:40). Other than that, making sure you lift regularly, do core, and eat and hydrate properly with greatly increase your chances. Good luck and hope this helps!

[@luitek]

Great vid. These names would probably come up over and over in other people's top 10 list. However, very surprising not to see El Guerreouj or Ben Johnson on the list (not even an honorable mention).