General Stuff in Life Poll: Your one & only sports GOAT

[Ken Gargett]

5 minutes ago, Ken Gargett said:

with respect, i do not think that comes close to bradman's dominance. or heather mckay. i have to confess i don't even know what sport he competed in. 

i mentioned heather mckay. women's squash (but played other sports as well). between 1960 and 1981, she lost two matches. that was it. that is truly extraordinary and a level of dominance that is unparalleled. 16 British opens. imagine winning 16 wimbledons in a row. when they instigated a world championship, she won that every year till she retired. i forget the exact figure but not only did she lose only two games in twenty years, she almost never lost a set.

during this time, she also played hockey for Australia for quite a few years.

towards the end of her career, she also spent a lot of time in the US and Canada. won the US Amateur Racquetball Championship in 1977 and the Canadian one in 1980 (and 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985). she also won the US Professional Raquetball Championships in 1980, 1981 and 1984. 

 

[Ken Gargett]

i see that we have racing car drivers included - for me, way too much relies on the car and the team. but if they can be considered, billiards/snooker. 

Walter Lindrum - 57 world records. won the world championship in 1933 and held it till he retired in 1950. world record break of 4,137. in exhibition matches, he would usually give the opponent 7,000 points start (and these were against his fellow professionals). fastest century break - 46 seconds. fastest 1,000 point break, 28 minutes. holds the record for the largest break in every country in which he played. the administrators actually had to change the rules to try and limit him because he was light years ahead of every other player.  

 

[westg]

On 7/8/2025 at 7:35 PM, JohnS said:

But Donald Bradman is only the best sportsman of the modern era! What about in the past? Well that would have to be none other than Gaius Appuleius Diocles. Never heard of him? Of course not. Trust me, read on below and you'd scarcely believe what this Charioteer was able to achieve in Roman times in the second century AD...

The Story of the Wealthiest Athlete in History: Gaius Appuleius Diocles

By Justin Brown

In a world where modern athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Mike Tyson capture headlines and acquire massive fortunes, there exists a historical figure whose wealth and fame dwarf even the most celebrated sports icons of our time.

His name was Gaius Appuleius Diocles. He was a legendary Roman charioteer whose fortune remains unrivaled. He became one of the highest-paid athletes in world history.

Diocles was renowned for his unbelievably sizable wealth. He transcended the boundaries of his era. His earnings estimates add up to a staggering fortune that would rival even the most prosperous individuals in the ancient world.

Incredibly, it would even make modern athletes’ billion-dollar endorsement deals look pitifully small in comparison.

Through the thunderous roar of the Roman circus, Diocles navigated his chariot through perilous races. He seized victory after victory.

The story of Gaius Appuleius Diocles is centered on the fascinating intersection of sports, wealth, and fame. It unveils the enigma behind his rise to prominence, delving into his early life, astounding racing achievements, and the lavish rewards that accompanied his success.

Embark on a journey to ancient Rome as we uncover the legacy of Gaius Appuleius Diocles and the enduring allure of the wealthiest athlete of all time.

The Roman Circus and Chariot Racing

In ancient Rome, grand spectacles unfolded before the eyes of a quarter-million fervent spectators. The Circus Maximus was the center of entertainment.

This colossal chariot-racing stadium surpassed all other sporting events in popularity. It eclipsed even the allure of gladiatorial combat and naval battles.

It became the gathering place for the masses. It drew both awe and deep chagrin from playwrights whose stage plays paled in comparison.

As the racing enthusiasts converged upon the Circus Maximus, an air of anticipation filled the atmosphere. Spectators would arrive the night before, vying for prime seats to witness the heart-stopping races.

The chariot drivers typically hailed from the lower echelons of society. They were aligned with teams that represented businesses that invested heavily in horse training and equipment upkeep. The drivers donned vibrant team jerseys, sporting the names of the Reds, Blues, Whites, and Greens.

They were often armed with leather helmets, shin guards, chest protectors, whips, and curved knives for self-defense and strategic maneuvers. Races would commence with the drop of the emperor’s napkin, while referees attempted to maintain order from horseback.

In a display of skill, bravery, and sheer determination, the charioteers navigated their four-horse chariots through seven savage laps around the stadium. The victors of these exhilarating races would ascend to legendary status, like today’s star athletes.

One among them, in particular.

Early Life and Racing Career

Gaius Appuleius Diocles was born in 104 AD. He hailed from the Roman province of Lusitania (Portugal). He entered the exhilarating world of chariot racing at the tender age of 18, in the year 122 AD.

His early races with the Whites racing stable yielded no victories. But it wasn’t long before Diocles showcased his exceptional talent and began etching his name into the annals of racing history.

Diocles quickly became a mainstay at the Circus Maximus, where he built his illustrious career.

From early on it was clear that his specialty was the singles races. This was a race type that captivated both drivers and spectators alike. Drivers competed individually instead of as teams and relied on their own skill and a touch of luck.

He had stints with both the Whites and Greens before finding his home with the Reds. He mesmerized audiences with his signature move—a powerful final dash.

In all, Diocles won an astonishing 1,064 times in the singles category alone. He emerged victorious in an incredible 1,462 out of 4,257 four-horse chariot races. This secured his status as a racing legend.

Notably, he dominated the prestigious race that followed the grand ceremonial opening procession. This was known as the Pompa circensis. He won this an astonishing 110 times.

Diocles’ Success and Wealth

Gaius Appuleius Diocles achieved unparalleled success and amassed a staggering fortune during his illustrious, record-shattering career. He competed for a remarkable 24 years and left a powerful mark on the sport and the whole of the Roman Empire.

He also emerged in the aftermath as what some historians have considered to be the highest-paid athlete of all time.

In total, Diocles accumulated a mind-boggling sum of 35,863,120 sesterces in career earnings. This was evidenced by an engraving on a monumental inscription erected in Rome.

It’s uncertain exactly how much of these earnings Gaius would have been paid directly. Slave-charioteers would have had their winnings kept by their management teams, and Diocles’ status is unknown to modern historians.

Either way, this astounding wealth would have surpassed the career earnings of the highest-paid provincial governor. It was technically enough to provide grain for the entire city of Rome for a whole year.

By today’s standards, his prize money would equate to approximately $15 billion USD, a remarkable feat of financial success.

Diocles’ Legacy and Impact

Diocles’ enduring career spanned affiliations with three of the most renowned chariot racing stables in Rome: the Whites, Greens, and Reds.

He had a brief and less successful stint with the Green team. There, his opportunities were restricted. But Diocles thrived during his 15-year tenure with the Reds.

His accomplishments on the track, combined with his incomparable earnings, solidified his status as a racing legend. Upon retiring at the age of 42, Diocles retreated to the opulent town of Praeneste to enjoy the fruits of his extraordinary wealth.

After Gaius Appuleius Diocles raced his last chariot at the age of 42, his legacy as a sporting icon endured.

His influence extended beyond the racing track. He captured the imagination of poets and artists who immortalized his exploits through their works. Graffiti artists even scrawled crude renderings of his face on walls throughout the Mediterranean.

His achievements were so remarkable that even today, as we’ve mentioned, it is likely that Diocles is the highest-paid athlete of all time. 

Moreover, his story serves as a window into the extravagant and awe-inspiring spectacles of ancient Rome. His incomparable wealth and fame showcased the immense popularity and cultural significance of chariot racing in Roman society.

As the greatest charioteer of his time, Gaius Appuleius Diocles left an enduring legacy that continues to fascinate and captivate modern readers and historians.

References

Lorenzi, Rossella. “Richest Athlete Hailed from Ancient Rome.” NBCNews.com, September 1, 2010. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38957186.

Struck, Peter. “Greatest of All Time.” Lapham’s Quarterly, August 2, 2010. https://www.laphamsquarterly.org/roundtable/greatest-all-time.

Zarley, B. David. “The Fifteen Billion Dollar Athlete.” VICE, March 23, 2015. https://www.vice.com/en/article/nzpgaq/the-fifteen-billion-dollar-athlete.

Source: https://www.historydefined.net/gaius-appuleius-diocles/

Don Bradman absolutely. Not only was he incomparable on the field. He gave an entire country hope, something to look forward to when times were not so good. Then entire country adored him. Off field, a class act and a gentleman. He was always known to be and always will be our Don Bradman.  

I would put Usain Bolt right up there as well...no one has came close to him. Without debate on that one. In that particular field. 

[BrightonCorgi]

On 7/12/2025 at 10:10 AM, Ken Gargett said:

with respect, i do not think that comes close to bradman's dominance. or heather mckay. i have to confess i don't even know what sport he competed in. 

Eddy Merckx was a professional bike racer in the late 60's, early 70's. 

To win 29% of all races entered is extremely monumental considering the races have over 100+ riders. In a grand tour like the Tour de France, it's a 5-10% difference in time between the winner and slowest rider after a month of racing.

It's not like soccer, basketball, hockey or other team sports where it's one team or the other are going to win.

[El Hoze]

On 7/12/2025 at 4:41 AM, Lucas Buck said:

I’m a big F1 fan and Lewis is without doubt the greatest race driver ever, period.

I do not know how widely known this is but Lewis Hamilton is very into deep powder snowboarding, which often involves helicopters. My funny story is about 10 years ago I ended up in a group heliboarding with him in British Columbia. I had no idea who he was, I do not follow F1 at all (clearly). Someone actually said, “he’s Lewis Hamilton” and my response was, “I’m sorry, that name does not ring a bell.” Everyone got a good laugh out of it. Now I feel it even funnier hearing you say he is the GOAT. To this day if you asked me who the greatest race car driver of all time was, I probably would have said Mario Andretti. I’ll now say Lewis and tell my story. 

[BrightonCorgi]

On 7/12/2025 at 4:41 AM, Lucas Buck said:

Dead on! What a great read. I’m a big F1 fan and Lewis is without doubt the greatest race driver ever, period. Might take Gretzky over MJ though it’s damn close and you make one helluva case for Michael. 

Michael Schumacher has a slightly higher win percentage per races raced than Sir Lewis. I like them both and followed their careers from their debuts.

[Ken Gargett]

9 hours ago, BrightonCorgi said:

Michael Schumacher has a slightly higher win percentage per races raced than Sir Lewis.  I like them both and followed their careers from their debuts.

i take it that Merckx was a cyclist, not a motorbike rider? undoubtedly impressive percentage but the number of incidents with drug cheating have left me very skeptical about the entire sport. same for corruption in boxing. but both might be more that i am getting old than have any genuine widespread basis. 

i used to watch F1 a bit, but how anyone can claim hamilton is the greatest because he has a 20 something percentage is beyond me. sure, impressive but you have mentioned Schumacher and elsewhere andretti, but Fangio was 47% winning races. almost every second race. lewis is not on the same track as that. 

understand the individual v team argument but the discussion about bradman has hardly touched on his/the team's winning record. no question it went way up when he was in the team but it is because he dominated his sport in a manner that no one else, team or individual has ever done. and the guy retired back in 1948. except, of course, as mentioned, heather mckay. two losses in twenty years. that is simply hard to fathom.