Greatest American Olympians of All Time
Shaun White or Jim Thorpe
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
What happens when a snowboarding virtuoso clashes with a decathlon titan? It's Shaun White, with his gravity-defying halfpipe stunts, versus Jim Thorpe, the man who conquered multiple sports with little more than raw talent and dogged determination. This isn't just about who lands higher on the Greatest American Olympians of All Time list; it's a cultural showdown between modern extreme sports flair and early 20th-century athletic stoicism. Do we honor the spectacular, boundary-pushing feats of recent heroes, or the foundational legends whose versatility defined the spirit of the Olympics? Your choice tells a story of what truly makes an Olympian great.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer Jim Thorpe over Shaun White when it comes to the greatest American Olympians of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick Jim Thorpe 76.9% of the time over Shaun White.
Across all battles:
Jim Thorpe win rate: 59.3%
Shaun White win rate: 27.5%
Fan FAQs
Why is this matchup between Jim Thorpe and Shaun White such a major debate in the Greatest American Olympians of All Time league?
The debate heats up because it pits an early 20th-century all-around athlete against a modern extreme sports icon. Both have transformed their respective sports and have massive, yet very different, fan bases. It's a classic old vs. new school clash that sparks passionate discussions among fans about what defines an Olympian.
What makes Shaun White so beloved among fans?
Shaun White, known as the 'Flying Tomato,' has captured hearts with his charismatic personality and breathtaking performances in snowboarding. His ability to consistently push the boundaries of the sport, coupled with his comeback stories, creates a deep, emotional connection with his fans.
Why is Jim Thorpe leading by so much in the battle against Shaun White?
Jim Thorpe's iconic status as a multisport athlete and his historic achievements during a time with fewer resources really resonate with fans. His versatility and pioneering spirit in athletics have created a lasting legacy that continues to capture the admiration of many, giving him a strong lead in this face-off.