Who is a competitor from the past that could hang with modern day competition?

[Alphaboy]

Interesting, I saw folks on Reddit saying Bobby Fischer (the only American Chess World Champion in history) could not hang with modern day competition.

I realized that this is the case with just about every sport. Rocky Marciano was World Heavyweight Champion, but at 5'11 and 188 lbs, he wouldn't even be in the Heavyweight class! Royce Gracie would obviously get owned by all modern day UFC fighters.

Hell, if you go far back enough and look at the Olympic track records, I could get off my couch and make the Olympic team.

Who are some athletes (or any competitors) that you could put in a time machine, bring to today and they could hang with the competition. (I think Shaquille O'Neal would be one, as he was a beast in his prime!)

 

[Uptown Swinger]

 

[n...not crazy]

Fischer was obsessive, he'd be just fine today if he was young and sane. That's a terrible example!

 

[RerouteToRemain]

Few off the top of my head

Michael Jordan
Wilt Chamberlain
Hakeem Olajuwon
Magic Johnson

Shaq isn't really that far removed but obviously him. How recently in the past do you want to go?

 

[MMA since 1993]

I don't think any sprinter from back in the day would beat Usain Bolt

 

[rocketskates]

Jordan would not only hang with current competition but put up even better numbers IMO. The league was much better when he played.

 

[Kraysla]

Has chess changed that much that Fischer would get schooled? Seems like he would be fine, considering it's not a physical event and he isn't that far removed. I don't play chess, so perhaps someone who does could shed some light on this.

 

[Chesten_Hesten]

Still hangin with the boys.

 

[faustian]

Few off the top of my head

Michael Jordan
Wilt Chamberlain
Hakeem Olajuwon
Magic Johnson

Shaq isn't really that far removed but obviously him. How recently in the past do you want to go?

I came in here to mention MJ and Dream

 

[Alphaboy]

Fischer was obsessive, he'd be just fine today if he was young and sane. That's a terrible example!

Has chess changed that much that Fischer would get schooled? Seems like he would be fine, considering it's not a physical event and he isn't that far removed. I don't play chess, so perhaps someone who does could shed some light on this.

It's one of those things that is impossible to tell, similar to the ongoing Tyson v.s. Ali debate.

They say modern day players have all sorts of chess engines that they could use to practice. They also have more knowledge of opening theory (Fischer detested studying the openings.) If it confuses anyone Openings are the best beginning moves to give one the best chance at winning. After each move it branches into several variations, but since the variations are astronomical, the openings only go a good 6 or so moves deep.

 

[Alphaboy]

Jordan would not only hang with current competition but put up even better numbers IMO. The league was much better when he played.

So you are not one of those who believe Lebron is superior to Jordan, I take it?

 

[Alphaboy]

I don't think any sprinter from back in the day would beat Usain Bolt

Definitely not, but Michael Johnson (given his best times) would still be neck and neck with Bolt in the 200 and
Niekerk in the 400. To me, this is impressive as hell, as the runners have gotten so much faster since the 90s.

I mean, Carl Lewis doesn't even crack the top 100 in 100-meter record times!!!

 

[jefferz]

Few off the top of my head

Michael Jordan
Wilt Chamberlain
Hakeem Olajuwon
Magic Johnson

Shaq isn't really that far removed but obviously him. How recently in the past do you want to go?

Could you imagine Lebron getting an oil check from Rodman? Lebron would run out of the stadium crying.

 

[rocketskates]

So you are not one of those who believe Lebron is superior to Jordan, I take it?

Lebron is an amazing player, but Jordan is still the GOAT if you ask me.

 

[n...not crazy]

It's one of those things that is impossible to tell, similar to the ongoing Tyson v.s. Ali debate.

They say modern day players have all sorts of chess engines that they could use to practice. They also have more knowledge of opening theory (Fischer detested studying the openings.) If it confuses anyone Openings are the best beginning moves to give one the best chance at winning. After each move it branches into several variations, but since the variations are astronomical, the openings only go a good 6 or so moves deep.

Most pro chess guys put Fischer, Kasparov, and Carlsen 1-2-3 for all times (pick your order). Carlsen is known for his off beat openings, he also hates the 20 move deep theory. But he knows what he needs to, I think Fischer could do the same easily.

 

[Merlotte's]

Dan Marino would light motherfuckers up.

 

[bad seed]

 

[fallable]

Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael in Supercross/Motocross

Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR

Benny the Jet, Rob Kamen, and Dan Gable in their respective combat sports

Mark Spitz in swimming

There is a multitude of baseball players that could play today, some going way back. Walter Johnson, Bob Feller, Steve Carlton, Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt, Bob Gibson etc.

 

[Stranger Come Knocking]

Booby Fischer, super genius at a super intellectual game. Praised for his mind. Then says some stuff about jews. He's crazy!!

 

[Jack Reacheround]

I think if Shogun’s knees weren’t shot, and he was about 10 years younger, he could still beat many top guys today. Shit, he still puts away guys like Villante for whom he was supposed to be a sacrificial lamb.