Without doubt, Thorpe was the greatest natural athlete to draw breath. I recall how he became a track star. He had never ran track, until one day he happened by the HS track where they were having a race. He joined them on the track after the race had started and beat them all with ridiculous ease. Imagine what he would have achieved today with all the advanced training techniques. God let his soul rest in peace, because we know and remember his achievements.
I think I recall his gold medals were later restored when it was too late.
I think I recall his gold medals were later restored ...
AFTER HE WAS DEAD.
Probably less. With modern athletic selection, training and nutrition there is less separating the elites one from another. And mastery of more than one sport is excedingly rare given the training commitments.
Just take baseball. Pitchers tend to be among the best athletes on their teams until about HS. Some of them lead their teams in batting and play in the field when not on the mound. That can’t continue as you progress through the levels. The time commitment to mastering new pitches, learning the hitters, etc. Pretty much precludes taking BP.