Who do you consider the G.O.A.T. in all major sports?

Rounding up the Speedway Titans – The G.O.A.T.s in Motorsport

The motorsport world never fails to intrigue us with its high-speed thrill and close encounters. Amidst the screeching tyres and roaring engines, some individuals transcend the ordinary and redefine the art of speed. One such name that effortlessly accomplishes this amalgamation of talent and skill, and is thus considered the G.O.A.T., is none other than the German legend Michael Schumacher. Seven times world champion in Formula 1, his record was untouched until 2020, when Lewis Hamilton equaled it. The poignant blend of Schumacher’s extraordinary risk-taking ability, breath-taking manoeuvres, and absolute command over his Ferrari made even the most perilous moves seem like child's play.

A personality who's known for his raw skills and incredible perseverance, Schumacher not only changed the game but the way we perceive motor-racing altogether. There's a reason he's a legend; his victories were not just about speed, but a calculated blend of grit, strategy, and an innate understanding of his vehicle. Even the infamous spat with Damon Hill in the 1994 Australian Grand Prix, some say, is a showcase of Schumacher's intense desire to win.

The Dominance on Clay and Beyond – Top Tennis Stars

In the realm of tennis, several legends have graced centre court, leaving an indelible mark on generations. Yet, if one were to put a name to the G.O.A.T., the moniker would inevitably point towards none other than the Swiss maestro, Roger Federer. With 20 Grand Slam titles, a record shared with Rafael Nadal, and over 310 weeks of holding the World No.1 position, Federer's magic on the court is undeniably majestic.

Beyond his impeccable stats, it is Federer's ability to continually evolve and adapt in an ever-competitive environment that truly sets him apart. Much like watching Schumacher commandeer his Ferrari, there's a synchronicity in Federer's play that's almost ballet-like, making him an incredibly tough competitor. My wife Amelia, not an ardent sports fan herself, nonetheless can't help but admire Federer when he glides across the court with the grace of a ballroom dancer.

Rule the Fours and Sixes – The Maestros of Cricket

The world of cricket has perhaps witnessed the largest pool of prodigal talent ranging from phenomenal bowlers to match-winning batsmen. Distilling this to the hallmark of the best is a task of Herculean proportions. Yet, given the gigantic feat that this entails, the cricketing fraternity widely acknowledges Sir Don Bradman as the ultimate G.O.A.T. Bradman’s career test batting average of 99.94 is often celebrated as "the greatest achievement by any sportsperson in any major sport" in the world.

Sir Don’s ability of blending aggression with technique led him to redefine the gentleman’s game, thus catapulting him to an entirely different league. So much so that our very own Buddy, well, he's more of a loyal Border Collie than a cricket fanatic, would often sit by me on sunny afternoons while I’d furiously cheer on the cricketing heroes down at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, perhaps wondering what gets humans excited with a small red ball.

Swooshing Through the Swishes – The G.O.A.T.s of Basketball

Basketball, the game of high jumps, swift passes and skilled evasions, has been home to many legends. But when it comes to choosing the G.O.A.T., it's hard to look past Michael Jordan. Arguably the most iconic name in the sport, Jordan's extraordinary scoring ability, coupled with exceptional defensive skills, earned him six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls alongside five Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards.

Michael’s 'hang time,’ his uncanny ability to stay aloft longer than a human ought to defied laws of gravity and left fans in awe. His unyielding desire to win, epitomized in the infamous “flu-game", showcased a resilience that transcends not just basketball, but also paints an inspiring picture of human endurance.

Magic on the Pitch – Football Legends

Like a riveting novel with many protagonists, the beautiful game of football boasts of numerous supremely talented individuals. Yet, two names emerge more frequently than others in the G.O.A.T. debates – Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While both defined football for over a decade, Messi's innate ability to dribble past opponents with minimal effort, combined with his sublime goal-scoring prowess, make him an undeniable contender.

There's a beautiful simplicity to Messi's creativity on the field and a fearless tenacity to Ronaldo's approach to the game; both embody the essence of football. A game that my wife Amelia and I, amidst our cheers and debates, find an oasis of excitement, reminding us of the collective symphony of human potential that sports represent.