Heard some debate about Jimmie Johnson begin selected by The Associated Press as its Male Athlete of the Year. The concern was that race car drivers are not athletes.
But they are. There's no question they are.
Anybody who has attended a race knows this. Athletics are a testament to many qualities, among them stamina, endurance, quickness and hard work. One of the most athletic moves I have ever seen was delivered by Jeff Gordon at Daytona International Speedway.
Two cars spun and wrecked in front of Gordon. Looking down from the press box, I could see no way for Gordon to escape. But relying on instinct, and his spotter, Gordon found an opening where none appeared to exist. He approached the torn metal like a too-quick point guard setting up his man off the dribble. Gordon eluded the carnage and sailed through.
Gordon was great. Johnson is the best driver I've ever seen. He was won an unprecedented four straight championships. His sustained excellence lifts him to the top of his sport, and nobody in any other sport has been as effective as he is.
Johnson is an athlete, and a champion, and he's worthy.
rumor is second place went to my plumber
Posted by: gowolfpack | December 22, 2009 at 02:48 PM
What a great honor for Jimmie and for NASCAR. Congratulations to Jimmie and the 48 Team! Couldn't have happened to a more deserving ATHLETE!
Posted by: Vicki | December 22, 2009 at 07:36 PM
What a wast of awards and time. He is the reason that people are leaving NASCAR. I just wish that nascar would get their heads out of their a** and find out how they are cheating and stop the bleeding of fans leaving.
Posted by: Chuck Presser | December 23, 2009 at 07:25 AM
We understand sports writers and skeet shooters are next in line for athlete of the year and/or decade.
We would like to nominate our mailman for athlete of the milinium. He drives a mean mail truck. Also we know a few badass bad mitton and croquet players too.
Posted by: dreamteam | December 23, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Except for the fact that he drives a f****** car!
Posted by: nicky6 | December 23, 2009 at 09:30 AM
Race car driver of the year is Jimmy Johnson. Golfer of the decade is Tiger Woods who als picked up Playboys Male Whore Award of the Decade.
Athletes (real) of the decade are Peyton Manning (most dominant NFL), Kobe Bryant & LeBron James (NBA dual most dominant), Barry Bonds ( MLB in spite of roids)
Michael Phelps (Olympics)
In addition Jimmy Johnson is the Race Car Driver of the Decade.
Posted by: RealDeals | December 24, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Athlete of the Decade: Wrestler at 197lb wt class Cael Sanderson - Iowa St - who went undefeated at 159-0 and won 4 straight NCAA National Titles in 99,00,01,02 and won 1994 Olympics in Athens. This feat has never been accomplished in sports history.
This even excluding the 99 title in the previous decade, due to the extreme physical nature of D1 and Olympic wrestling that involves incredible upper and lower body strength endurance skill and technique with rigorous training 7 days a week for years.
Sanderson is currently head coach at Penn St U.
Posted by: perfection | December 24, 2009 at 08:25 AM
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