Most likeable athletes

[Tonichelle]

I would think Kurt Browning would be at the top of the list - at least on a Canadian list.

no doubt... I'm sure that's the only reason he wasn't listed on this American list... just because he's not as well known here (for the general sportsfan)

 

[Spun Silver]

In terms of likeability, it is hard to imagine a more likeable athlete than Kimmie.

I am not even a fan of her skating yet, but I've been a fan of her as a person ever since I read that she told the Olympics media that she learned how to deal with them from watching Sasha. "Not Michelle?" they asked her. "No, Sasha. You guys love Michelle," she answered.

She seems to represent the best of American culture - as opposed to the sexualized commercialism that infects the skating world as much as every other arena. Her diligence, decency, and intelligence are obvious. Her family seems to surround her with common sense and affection. You don't get the sense of any horrible "stage parents" but a family that puts first things first and will support her no matter what.

So I am on her side, bigtime. Especially after seeing the pic Mathman posted on the "prettiest" thread!

 

[kyla2]

Any List...

Any list that doesn't include Kurt Browning as one of the nicest atheletes (and I am not Canadian) is lacking. ITA about Fumie as well-a first rate person and athlete. Just a sweetheart. I am glad Michelle made it and you know what, i would include Sasha as well-she IS a very nice girl.

 

[Spun Silver]

ITA re Sasha but it's unfortunate - I've become loath to bring up her name unnecessarily on these boards (not this one in particular) because it seems to unleash the demons in people. (Don't worry though - when necessary I will speak up for her.)

 

[attyfan]

Peggy has been known (and liked) by the American people for almost forty years; Kristi for almost fifteen years; and Michelle for slightly less than Kristi. Furthermore, all three of them became really well known during the "post whack boom", when millions of Americans got introduced to skating and skaters that now ignore both (Sasha won her Oly silver when ratings for Olys were at record lows) So, the fact that people such as Kimmie and Sasha did not make the list should not be taken as a reflection on their "likeability", only as a reflection of their (comparative) lack of fame.

 

[R.D.]

why is Cohen even mentioned in a thread titled most LIKEABLE athletes? JMHO.

 

[Spun Silver]

why is Cohen even mentioned in a thread titled most LIKEABLE athletes? JMHO.

I rest my case.

 

[SeaniBu]

why is Cohen even mentioned in a thread titled most LIKEABLE athletes? JMHO.

Have to agree with RD here, as far as likable I have only noticed it in her recently. Like the past 2 years at most.

RD I also like you use of intense when referring to Shi-chan. I do think she is likable and seems to be a good person, but that is the perfect word I think to describe her with just one.

BTW, I was routing for Pittsburgh with my buddy, I do like the team in all joking aside. "Rothy boy" is quite a fantastic athlete. No shocker Cower didn't make the list.

 

[demarinis5]

The reason I think that Peggy is on the list is because she is representative of
the baby boomers. This group represents a large percentage of the American
public and in terms of marketability Peggy is a good choice to represent them.
JMO

 

[R.D.]

I have only noticed it in her recently. Like the past 2 years at most.

Between you and me, I don't even think that.

 

[MKFSfan]

Have to agree with RD here, as far as likable I have only noticed it in her recently. Like the past 2 years at most.

Add me to the list who think Sasha isn't ready to be on this sort of list. I think most skating fans (outside just the Sashafans) are just starting to warm up to her. The general public has only begun to take notice of who she is, thanks to all the hype/publicity before/after the Olympics. From what I gather, she hasn't always been a popular person among her peers, while Michelle has for a long time, so if that is true, how can she be one of the most likeable athletes?

BUT I do agree that she's made big improvements in this category with her journal and all sorts of fan friendly things.

 

[R.D.]

RD I also like you use of intense when referring to Shi-chan. I do think she is likable and seems to be a good person, but that is the perfect word I think to describe her with just one.

If you will allow me to go off topic for a second, I'd like to clarify what I really mean by "intense". For example, Shizuka had this REALLY business-like look at the Olympics. She was all business the whole time she was there (from looking at backstage photos, etc.) and just looked so driven and focused. (Maybe that's why she won?) Anyway, even on the podium it took her until the end to finally crack a smile. Seems like she showed some emotion once she found out that she won but then after that it was back to Stone Face. I just wanted to grab her and say, "Lighten up, man, you just won the OLYMPICS!"

 

[password]

From what I gather, she hasn't always been a popular person among her peers, while Michelle has for a long time, so if that is true, how can she be one of the most likeable athletes?
.

Like who? Just wondering because she's is good friends with Goebel, Weir, Tanith and Ben on tour. Among the public, she's not as well known as Kwan.


WHY in the world isn't MARY LOU RETTON on this list?!!!!
MARY LOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Piel]

Yes Mary Lou! She is the speaker for our Girl Scout fundraiser breakfast next Tuesday and she is a WVgal. Jeff Hostetler is another nice athlete. From "Dancing Wih the Stars" Jerry Rice seemed nice.

 

[R.D.]

Hmm...

Is this thread "Most Likeable Athletes" or "Most Likeable Skaters"? :scratch:

 

[Mathman]

Yes Mary Lou! She is the speaker for our Girl Scout fundraiser breakfast next Tuesday and she is a WVgal.

Mary Lou then:

http://www.rpspecialt.com/mlrcerealbox.jpg

Mary Lou now:

http://hartzshop.com/G/images/492f.jpg

About Sasha, etc., I doubt if the average casual sports fan follows figure skating closely enough to have much of an opinion about the performers' personalities. (But I have to go along with the poll's choice of Jerome Bettis )

MM

 

[SeaniBu]

I can't believe I spaced Jerry Rice. I was bummed that he didn't make the Broncos:disapp:

 

[SeaniBu]

If you will allow me to go off topic for a second, I'd like to clarify what I really mean by "intense". For example, Shizuka had this REALLY business-like look at the Olympics. She was all business the whole time she was there (from looking at backstage photos, etc.) and just looked so driven and focused. (Maybe that's why she won?) Anyway, even on the podium it took her until the end to finally crack a smile. Seems like she showed some emotion once she found out that she won but then after that it was back to Stone Face. I just wanted to grab her and say, "Lighten up, man, you just won the OLYMPICS!"

That is exsactly what I thought you meant, glad you clarified
Arakawa Shizuka-san is very much a Japanese woman in the "all business" persona she portrays to other cultures. As an example Hiroko (ex) - ah kinda miss her :frown2: - was sitting in my office asking me how to really smile, I attempted sowing her how to have a "genuime looking smile" by putting a pencil in her teeth and making sure she didn't feel it with her upper lips - now she knows how to recall those mussels voluntarily. Just wasn't that common except to ... well the ones, I wont go there because that has all been changing sense the 40s. That is one reason why Fumie is so magical to me, what a natural exception. Shizuka is just holding that "classy" aspect that may seem more "distant" to western culture (also kinda appealing), but to some it is very appealing and proper. But notice the difference in her Involuntary smile when she won Olys, and the ones "she puts on" for the cameras. Western cultures work on "stage smiles" more commonly.


Good God I hope I didn't make it seem like i was being "Mr. Smarty pants" or offend by bringing up some differences that are not necessarily true of all Japanese ...... I hope you understand 'cause this is hard to explain.

It is just a cultural difference.

 

[perry125]

Shizuka is known for being "expressionless" even in Japan (even among friends according to some people). I think she just doesn't have the facial muscle coordination or something to change her expression a lot.

 

[R.D.]

That is exsactly what I thought you meant, glad you clarifide for others though

Arakawa Shizuka-san is very much a Japanese woman in the "all business" persona she portrays to other cultures and that she is commonly referred to. As an example Hiroko (ex) - ah kinda miss her :frown2: - was sitting in my office asking me how to really smile, later I attempted sowing her how to have a "genuime looking smile" by putting a pencil in her teeth and making sure she didn't feel it with her lips. Just wasn't that common except to ... well the ones, I wont go there because that has all been changing sense the 40s. That is why Fumie is so magical to me, what a natural exception. Shizuka is just holding that "classy" aspect that may seem more "distant" to western culture (also kinda appealing), but to some it is very appealing and proper. In my opinion Shi-chan is a Japanese lady and Fumie is a lady that knows now bounds by country yet a citizen of Japan.

Good God I hope I didn't make it seem like i was being "Mr. Smarty pants" or offend by bringing up some differences that are not necessarily true of all Japanese, but commonly associated with what is "Business" in other cultures. This is changing and staying the same in ....God I hope you understand 'cause this is hard to explain.

It is just a cultural difference.

If indeed true, very interesting. I never thought of it that way. But even I was sort of taken aback at the lack of real enthusiasm she showed in winning the OGM. I'm not saying she should have been bouncing all over the place or screamed at the top of her lungs like Tara or Sarah, but at least have a genuine smile. However, I think after the medal ceremony there were more pictures of her smiling (check my Olympic gallery in the Olympics forum).