The big decision for this set of rankings was whether Sebastian Vettel’s outstanding triumph of a 4th consecutive Drivers’ Championship in Formula 1 should push him above Usain Bolt or perhaps, even higher. The problem with F1 and Vettel’s situation specifically is the car. Would Alonso, Hamilton or Raikkonen have achieved the same with Adrian Newey behind them for the past 4 years. The answer, I’m convinced, is either that they would have done so or at least come close.
Bolt has also dominated the world for 4 years, but crucially with two main differences: 1. Under his own steam (no Newey-designed legs) 2. At more than one event (100m & 200m).
Below the top three, Cristiano Ronaldo’s breathtaking start to the season sees him rise two spots to 6 and there’s every reason to think that this rise should continue if he continues this kind of dominance. Elsewhere in the footballing world, Luis Suarez deserves a bubbling-under ranking, while Gareth Bale will join him there if his sound start in Madrid continues.
Rafa Nadal’s return to number 1 in the ATP rankings was a great story and an even greater achievement. If LeBron James continues to lead Miami along the lines of their early-season mediocrity, he and Rafa may soon swap places.
Finally, I also feel that Robin van Persie’s place is under threat. Only the lack of inspiration shown by those ranked beneath him in the past month, have helped maintain his place.
1. Lionel Messi (soccer)
2. Usain Bolt (athletics)
3. Sebastian Vettel (motor racing)
4. Mo Farah (athletics)
5. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (athletics)
6. Cristiano Ronaldo (soccer) (+2)
7. Floyd Mayweather (boxing) (-1)
8. LeBron James (basketball) (-1)
9. Rafa Nadal (tennis)
10. Serena Williams (tennis)
11. Miguel Cabrera (baseball)
12. Novak Djokovic (tennis)
13. Jon Jones (mixed martial arts)
14. Robin van Persie (soccer)
15. Andy Murray (tennis)
16. Hashim Amla (cricket)
17. Anderson Silva (mixed martial arts)
18. Kevin Durant (basketball)
19. Fernando Alonso (motor racing)
20. Manny Pacquiao (boxing)
Bubbling under, in no particular order:
– Lewis Hamilton (motor racing)
– Kimi Raikkonen (motor racing)
– Jessica Ennis-Hill (athletics)
– Roger Federer (tennis)
– Victoria Azarenka (tennis)
– Jimmy Anderson (cricket)
– Tiger Woods (golf)
– Ronda Rousey (mixed martial arts)
– Luis Suarez (soccer)
*A guide to these rankings
a) If your sport’s big, you’ll get the gig
b) If you’re winning, you’re grinning
c) If you rest, it’s a pest
Gulasahi's Blog 