Most Influential Sports Figure?

[ChrisSabo]

Based on the criteria listed, I believe you have to go with Tiger. All those mentioned are great athletes, and many are huge icons and role models. But based on the things listed, Tiger gets a check beside each one. He's dominated his sport. Had to overcome a white dominated sport, in which many clubs allowed only whites, has a huge fan following, and has brought golf to many young kids, including minorities, who may have not been able to play before he came along.

Lance's story is great, and has provided inspiration for many to battle cancer, but I haven't heard a lot of stories about people going out and racing bikes in order to be like Lance.

Jordan will never top any of my lists. NBA basketball was tape delayed until Magic and Bird came anyway, so I think they paved the way for Jordan.

Can agree with that. Actually he was my 2nd choice.
Only reason i didn't have him as my #1, was his grown up influences.
To kind of lead and guide him.
But he was my first thought based on the criteria.

[R0cketer]

I was thinking almost the same on Bird/Magic, if not for them, we might have seen Jordan the baseball player years earlier.

[gcdevil22]

Arthur Ashe?

[imported_MoonlightGraham]

I think if you read Larry Bird's biography some of your answers might change.

He had a very hard life growin up on the farms.
Indiana told him he couldnt play for them.
Had to overcome a black dominated sport.

There is a reason when someone says best shooter, most people think of Bird.

[oakland_raiders]

nah i think of steve kerr or reggie miller when u say 3 pointers

[ChrisSabo]

Bird didn't dominate the sport in the 80s though.

I think your answer to each of the things mentioned would be a different one, but if you combine all of the criteria mentioned and pick who ranked highest in them all, it would have to be Tiger. There were others who had to overcome more than he, there are others who have a bigger fan base, there are others who dominated their sport more (MAYBE!), but Tiger has all of those things while some athletes lack in particular areas.

But you could make arguments for anyone on that list. With the exception of a few.

I agree, Tiger Woods has been more influential to younger generation golfers than any other athlete to their sport. Tiger has been actively involved in children's lives by providing instructions and opening numerous centers for children. Ask a up and coming golfer who they would most want to be like, and my guess would be over 90% would say Tiger.