The greatest sporting event of the 20th Century

[Gaucho]

On a global scale, Ali-Frazier certainly was "greater". And I'm not even a boxing fan.

From an US-centric POV, I don't know, how many Americans really cared about hockey in 1980?

[ExPatriatePen]

On a global scale, Ali-Frazier certainly was "greater". And I'm not even a boxing fan.

From an US-centric POV, I don't know, how many Americans really cared about hockey in 1980?

Well, having been a 23 year old and recently discharged from the military at the time, I can tell you that Hockey was even more of a niche sport than it is today.
"Miracle" really was a catalyst for hockey. Especially outside if the traditional US hockey hotbed of New England.
That single event had more impact on the sport than any other single event had on any other sport that I can think of.

[Crankshaft]

If BEPFs choice isn't absolutely correct, it's certainly in the discussion.

I didn't even say it wasn't correct, just added the addendum that it's the greatest event in US history. Within the world scope, I don't think many people cared about the Miracle on Ice. That's all I was saying. Then he got all huffy and started bolding words and everything.

[ExPatriatePen]

If BEPFs choice isn't absolutely correct, it's certainly in the discussion.

I didn't even say it wasn't correct, just added the addendum that it's the greatest event in US history. Within the world scope, I don't think many people cared about the Miracle on Ice. That's all I was saying. Then he got all huffy and started bolding words and everything. :lol:

I wouldn't characterize it as "all huffy". I think he's got a good point. Just because its a "US thing" doesn't mean that it can't be the greatest sporting event either.
For those that weren't alive then, it's hard to see it as anything more than - 'Merica F' Yeah! - but it was so much more than that. It was a team of misfit college kids playing against a well organized, well coached group of State Sponsered Professonals.
It also created an umprecendented interest in the sport of hockey. (Granted that interest was in America, but given the size of that audience it was unprecedented)
Personally, I'm not going to discount it simply because it was a US victory.

[Crankshaft]

I wasn't even discounting it. At least not until he got all defensive.

[pittsports87]

This is definitely the greatest sporting event of all time. I'm sure if you take a survey, half of the people surveyed wouldn't even know who Jesse Owens is.

[Gaucho]

A global survey or just the USA?

[Crankshaft]

half of the people surveyed wouldn't even know who Jesse Owens is.

That is incredibly, horribly sad if true.

[columbia]

I'm sure "most" people in the world are more concerned about their next meal than sports.....if we're going to get global on this issue.

[ExPatriatePen]

I'm sure "most" people in the world are more concerned about their next meal than sports.....if we're going to get global on this issue.

That's why the thread title is " The greatest sporting event of the 20th Century" and not the greatest concern of mankind...

[Gaucho]

Now, now...

[pittsports87]

I'm pretty sure the greatest sporting event of the 20th century would be known by the majority of people.

[Gaucho]

Which means the Miracle is out.

[Sam's Drunk Dog]

Curious as to what you think would be most people's answer to that question.

[Idoit40fans]

Most people? In america, some super bowl.

[Gaucho]

McKayla Maroney

[DropEmJayBird]

Balboa/Creed 2 ranks up there I would think.

[ExPatriatePen]

Balboa/Creed 2 ranks up there I would think.

nah... Jonathan E's performance in the NY vs. Houston Rollerball game is the greatest single performnace of all time. (Right up until the point that Jonathan E is ready to deliver the final stroke and walks away from the game)

[Pitts]

Man, a bunch of cranky-pants in here.

FWIW:

[Sam's Drunk Dog]

McKayla Maroney

Who/what?

[Gaucho]

That grumpy gymnast.

[CERV96]

Finkle v. Einhorn

Soccer style kicker graduated from Collier High June 1976, Stetson University honors graduate class of 1980, holds 2 NCAA Division One records, one for most points in a season, one for distance, former nickname "The Mule," the first and only pro-athlete ever to come out of Collier County and one hell of a model American.