# Who is the best American athlete?

> From iconic legends to revolutionary trailblazers, this lineup features a rich tapestry of athletic prowess that spans decades and disciplines, showcasing the finest among the elite. Which extraordinary talent will rise to the top in this ultimate showdown?

*By YPB Team · Published February 28, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-american-athlete*

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## Current results (0 votes)

1. **Michael Jordan**
   Six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP, known for his scoring ability
2. **Muhammad Ali**
   Three-time world heavyweight champion, renowned for his boxing skills and activism
3. **LeBron James**
   Four-time NBA champion and MVP, influential on and off the court
4. **Tom Brady**
   Seven-time Super Bowl champion, considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history
5. **Babe Ruth**
   Legendary baseball player, known for his home run hitting and cultural impact
6. **Michael Phelps**
   Most decorated Olympian with 23 gold medals in swimming
7. **Serena Williams**
   Dominant tennis player with 23 Grand Slam singles titles
8. **Tiger Woods**
   Revolutionized golf, won 15 major championships and numerous awards
9. **Jesse Owens**
   Four-time Olympic gold medalist, famous for his achievements in 1936 Berlin
10. **Jim Brown**
   NFL legend, known for his rushing yards and impact on the game
11. **Joe Montana**
   Four-time Super Bowl champion, celebrated for his clutch performances
12. **Walter Payton**
   NFL Hall of Famer, known for his versatility and sportsmanship
13. **Jerry Rice**
   All-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns in NFL history
14. **Willie Mays**
   Two-time MVP and one of baseball's greatest all-around players
15. **Hank Aaron**
   Broke Babe Ruth's home run record, known for his consistency and power
16. **Jackie Robinson**
   First African American to play in MLB, pivotal in civil rights movement
17. **Carl Lewis**
   Nine-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, known for speed and grace
18. **Florence Griffith-Joyner**
   Fastest woman in history, three-time Olympic gold medalist
19. **Jackie Joyner-Kersee**
   World-class heptathlete and Olympic champion, known for her versatility
20. **Simone Biles**
   Most decorated gymnast in history, known for her groundbreaking skills
21. **Katie Ledecky**
   Five-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming, known for distance events
22. **Billie Jean King**
   Advocate for gender equality in sports, 39 Grand Slam titles
23. **Mia Hamm**
   Pioneering women's soccer player, two-time World Cup champion
24. **Kobe Bryant**
   Five-time NBA champion, known for his scoring and competitive spirit
25. **Shaquille O'Neal**
   Dominant NBA center, four-time champion and cultural icon
26. **Larry Bird**
   Three-time NBA champion, known for his shooting and basketball IQ
27. **Magic Johnson**
   Five-time NBA champion, revolutionized the point guard position
28. **Kareem Abdul-Jabbar**
   All-time leading scorer in NBA history, six-time MVP
29. **Bo Jackson**
   Two-sport athlete, excelled in both MLB and NFL
30. **Deion Sanders**
   Hall of Fame cornerback and two-sport star, known for his speed
31. **Lance Armstrong**
   Seven-time Tour de France winner, later stripped of titles due to doping

Tags: sports, celebrities