Hoy v Redgrave

[Woodsey]

I think How's achievements are greatly under-appreciated and undervalued by many. Not only has he won more golds than any other Brit, he's utterly dominated in the events he's competed in. He's part of one of Britain's most successful sporting teams and would have possibly had more medals if the rules on the number of competitors from each country had been different.

I'd put him on a par with Redgrave. Both fantastic ambassadors for Britain and British sport, both very intelligent and articulate, and both carried the flag at the opening ceremony with one hand.

Oh fuck off, pick one or the other Mr Cop out  

[Woodsey]

Bolt says GFY's 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/19204226

[Josedinho]

Redgrave.

[Tal]

I can't believe this has been debated, let alone for 3 pages!

2 years training three times a day (combination of land and water) in a boat, culminating in a performance where he produces more than a horsepower for 6mins/2km. Then he does it 4 years later. And 4 years after that. And 4 years after that. And 4 years after that. The emotion, the diabetes, the "If anyone sees me near a boat again, they have my permission to shoot me!"

Hoy is one of the greatest Olympians we've ever produced but he's not THE greatest. The most medals in total isn't necessarily the greatest Olympian.

I'd put Jesse Owens above Michael Phelps, even though their numbers of national anthems aren't close.

[claypole]

Hoy ainec.

[AndrewT]

For all we know, Redgrave may never have even been the best rower in his boat - he could be the David May of Olympic rowing.

[TightEnd]

Redgrave for me. A Gold in five successive Olympics.

[Tal]

For all we know, Redgrave may never have even been the best rower in his boat - he could be the David May of Olympic rowing.

"Lads, what we should do is draft in a pigeon so that the rest of us will look good."

"You don't think people might get the wrong idea and assume because we keep picking him he's actually really good?"

"No, it'll be fine"

[TheChipPrince]

Redgrave.

[Sheriff Fatman]

Redgrave, AINEC.

When Hoy has spent 16 years at the top of his sport and has medals from 5 Olympics then we should have the debate.  I make that in about 2020.

[kinboshi]

2 years training three times a day (combination of land and water) in a boat, culminating in a performance where he produces more than a horsepower for 6mins/2km. Then he does it 4 years later. And 4 years after that. And 4 years after that. And 4 years after that. The emotion, the diabetes, the "If anyone sees me near a boat again, they have my permission to shoot me!"

Hoy obviously spent most of his time down the pub.

[claypole]

Redgrave, AINEC.

When Hoy has spent 16 years at the top of his sport and has medals from 5 Olympics then we should have the debate.  I make that in about 2020.

Sure can compare rowing, with the support of a hand picked team and targetting a category where the best rowers may not always be present to cycling hwere you cannot duck any challenge.  I like Redgrave and clearly achievement is immense in terms of commitment, sacrifice etc - but the 16 year thing doesn't wash with me; schedule not as intense.

The best rowers row single sculls, he never did.  Just my opionion.

[TightEnd]

The best rowers row single sculls, he never did.  Just my opionion.

not sure that's true is it?

The coach of the national teams puts together the best combinations in singles, pairs, fours, eights etc

Redgrave and Pinsent provided so much power for crews then they added Holmes or Tim Foster etc for rhythm and flow

All about combinations

[Tal]

2 years training three times a day (combination of land and water) in a boat, culminating in a performance where he produces more than a horsepower for 6mins/2km. Then he does it 4 years later. And 4 years after that. And 4 years after that. And 4 years after that. The emotion, the diabetes, the "If anyone sees me near a boat again, they have my permission to shoot me!"

Hoy obviously spent most of his time down the pub.

 

Play nicely!

[redarmi]

Redgrave did row single sculls and has a gold at a commonwealth games for it but generally sp[eaking he wasn't world class at it.