Head on over to www.facebook.com/competemag to see our Top Ten Sports Hunks of the Decade and chime in on who you think should have made the list.
Or you could click on that button over there
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top Athletes of the Decade - Men
So far we've brought you the Top Sports Stories of the Decade and the Top Athletes of the Decade - Women. Now, it's time for our third installation of our year-end lists, the Top Athletes of the Decade - Men.
1. Roger Federer
The 15-time Grand Slam champion is arguably the best player of all time, and is still young enough to add 3-4 more majors to his collection. Number 1 in the world for a record 237 consecutive weeks, Federer is one of only three men in the Open Era to win all four majors – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.
2. Michael Phelps
Six gold medals at the 2004 Olympics wasn’t good enough for him, so Phelps cam back four years later to win 8, a new record. At the Beijing Games, the swimmer set 7 world records and upped his medal total to 16. The 24-year old likely will set the all-time record for gold medals at the 2013 Games in London.
3. Tiger Woods
The world’s best golfer won 56 PGA tour events in the decade – 45 more than “rival” Phil Mickelson. His 12 major titles (14 total) during the decade put him just four behind the all-time leader, Jack Nicklaus.
4. Kobe Bryant
From 2000-2002 Bryant teamed with Shaquille O’Neal to win 3 NBA titles. In 2009 he proved he could do it without the big man, winning his fourth by age 30. During the decade Bryant was an MVP, a 10-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion. And he’s still in his prime.
5. Peyton Manning
The records Manning set in the decade are numerous and too many to mention; but the most important is how he led the Indianapolis Colts to 7 consecutive 12-win seasons and the most wins of any team in the decade. His three MVPs and 1 Super Bowl title (so far) puts him in the conversation with Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas and John Elway as the best quarterback of all time.
1. Roger Federer
The 15-time Grand Slam champion is arguably the best player of all time, and is still young enough to add 3-4 more majors to his collection. Number 1 in the world for a record 237 consecutive weeks, Federer is one of only three men in the Open Era to win all four majors – Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and U.S. Open.
2. Michael Phelps
Six gold medals at the 2004 Olympics wasn’t good enough for him, so Phelps cam back four years later to win 8, a new record. At the Beijing Games, the swimmer set 7 world records and upped his medal total to 16. The 24-year old likely will set the all-time record for gold medals at the 2013 Games in London.
3. Tiger Woods
The world’s best golfer won 56 PGA tour events in the decade – 45 more than “rival” Phil Mickelson. His 12 major titles (14 total) during the decade put him just four behind the all-time leader, Jack Nicklaus.
4. Kobe Bryant
From 2000-2002 Bryant teamed with Shaquille O’Neal to win 3 NBA titles. In 2009 he proved he could do it without the big man, winning his fourth by age 30. During the decade Bryant was an MVP, a 10-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion. And he’s still in his prime.
5. Peyton Manning
The records Manning set in the decade are numerous and too many to mention; but the most important is how he led the Indianapolis Colts to 7 consecutive 12-win seasons and the most wins of any team in the decade. His three MVPs and 1 Super Bowl title (so far) puts him in the conversation with Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas and John Elway as the best quarterback of all time.
Top Athletes of the Decade - Women
Our Next List is the Top Athletes of the Decade - Women.
Here's a look back on who we thought served it up, heeeeeey!
1. Serena Williams
Who knows how many Grand Slam titles Williams may have won had she been healthy and – ahem – “applied’ herself. Still, the winner of 9 Grand Slams this decade is undoubtedly the best and most powerful women to play the game the last 10 years.
(Looks like we're in agreement with The Associated Press)
2. Annika Sorenstam
She retired on 2008 at age 38 – years before most legends call it quits. Nonetheless, the golf sensation won 8 of her 10 majors this decade, and finished first on the money list 5 years in a row. She was so good that she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame – at age 32!
3. Lisa Leslie
Three Olympic gold medals. Three WNMBA MVP awards. Two WNBA championships. Seven All-Star Game appearances. The best women’s player during the decade, Leslie wrapped up her career this year with more points and more rebounds than any other player in league history.
4. Diana Taurasi
At the start of the decade she led UConn to three NCAA titles. Then she revolutionized the women’s game in the WNBA. Adding to her college dominance, she won two Olympic gold medals and recently led the Mercury to their second WNBA title in 3 years.
5. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh
The 2-time gold medal beach volleyball duo didn’t just win this decade; they dominated. Their 112 consecutive victories and 19 consecutive titles was capped in Beijing in 2008 when they became the first beach volleyball team to repeat as gold medalists.
Once again, if you disagree, let us know who you think should have been included in this list.
Here's a look back on who we thought served it up, heeeeeey!
1. Serena Williams
Who knows how many Grand Slam titles Williams may have won had she been healthy and – ahem – “applied’ herself. Still, the winner of 9 Grand Slams this decade is undoubtedly the best and most powerful women to play the game the last 10 years.
(Looks like we're in agreement with The Associated Press)
2. Annika Sorenstam
She retired on 2008 at age 38 – years before most legends call it quits. Nonetheless, the golf sensation won 8 of her 10 majors this decade, and finished first on the money list 5 years in a row. She was so good that she was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame – at age 32!
3. Lisa Leslie
Three Olympic gold medals. Three WNMBA MVP awards. Two WNBA championships. Seven All-Star Game appearances. The best women’s player during the decade, Leslie wrapped up her career this year with more points and more rebounds than any other player in league history.
4. Diana Taurasi
At the start of the decade she led UConn to three NCAA titles. Then she revolutionized the women’s game in the WNBA. Adding to her college dominance, she won two Olympic gold medals and recently led the Mercury to their second WNBA title in 3 years.
5. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh
The 2-time gold medal beach volleyball duo didn’t just win this decade; they dominated. Their 112 consecutive victories and 19 consecutive titles was capped in Beijing in 2008 when they became the first beach volleyball team to repeat as gold medalists.
Once again, if you disagree, let us know who you think should have been included in this list.
Top Sports Stories of the Decade
We know how much readers love these year-end lists, so we came up with a few of our own. This first of four lists are the Top Five Sports Stories of the Decade.
If you have any ideas of sports stories you think should have been included, add them in the comments section.
1. Baseball’s Steroid Scandal
Bonds. A-Rod. Manny. McGwire. Clemens. Palmeiro. There is a stain on baseball.
2. Patriots’ Dominance
Three Super Bowl trophies in four years, but it is their 1 loss that most folks still talk about.
3. Dale Earnhardt dies at Daytona.
On the final lap of NASCAR’s Super Bowl, the sport loses its greatest star.
4. College Football BCS Controversies
Like death and taxes, this is certain.
5. Michael Vick’s Troubles
The convicted dog torturer has proven to be a poster child for second chances.
If you have any ideas of sports stories you think should have been included, add them in the comments section.
1. Baseball’s Steroid Scandal
Bonds. A-Rod. Manny. McGwire. Clemens. Palmeiro. There is a stain on baseball.
2. Patriots’ Dominance
Three Super Bowl trophies in four years, but it is their 1 loss that most folks still talk about.
3. Dale Earnhardt dies at Daytona.
On the final lap of NASCAR’s Super Bowl, the sport loses its greatest star.
4. College Football BCS Controversies
Like death and taxes, this is certain.
5. Michael Vick’s Troubles
The convicted dog torturer has proven to be a poster child for second chances.
Monday, December 14, 2009
“Fans and Friends” - offer of the Gay Games Cologne has expanded with two new guided tours
The guided tours “Jewish Cologne – a walk through the city” and the guided tour through the zoo with the topic„homosexuality in the animal world” – enriches the social program of the Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010.
The program “Fans and Friends” welcomes any female and male visitors during the Gay Games week (July 31st – August 7, 2010), especially the participants and their friends. The organizers offer various workshops, guided tour and trips in several languages – mainly accessible and some for free.
On Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7, 2010, the Rhenaia Judaica is offering a guided tour through the Jewish part of Cologne. For € 10 you can walk for a couple of hours learning the Jewish life in the cathedral city beginning with the Roman era and ending in the modern era. The guided tour, which is accessible for wheelchairs will be conducted in German, English and Hebrew. You can find more details for this offer here.
On August 4, 2010 a visit to the zoo is on our agenda. The guided tour, which will take 1,5 hours (12.00 – 13.30 p.m.) will give the participants an understanding of the topic „homosexuality in the animal world“ in a lively manner. The tour will feature the gay penguins, the lesbian gulls and the bisexual bonobos (Pygmy Chimpanzee). The guided tour, which will be accessible for wheelchairs costs € 17 and includes a visit in the zoo until 6 p.m. You can find more details regarding time and meeting point for this offer here.
Both of these events and other exciting “Fans and Friends” events have limited participation. Therefore we would recommend you to register early. Tickets for the “Fans and Friends” program can be purchased here.
The program “Fans and Friends” welcomes any female and male visitors during the Gay Games week (July 31st – August 7, 2010), especially the participants and their friends. The organizers offer various workshops, guided tour and trips in several languages – mainly accessible and some for free.
On Friday, August 6, and Saturday, August 7, 2010, the Rhenaia Judaica is offering a guided tour through the Jewish part of Cologne. For € 10 you can walk for a couple of hours learning the Jewish life in the cathedral city beginning with the Roman era and ending in the modern era. The guided tour, which is accessible for wheelchairs will be conducted in German, English and Hebrew. You can find more details for this offer here.
On August 4, 2010 a visit to the zoo is on our agenda. The guided tour, which will take 1,5 hours (12.00 – 13.30 p.m.) will give the participants an understanding of the topic „homosexuality in the animal world“ in a lively manner. The tour will feature the gay penguins, the lesbian gulls and the bisexual bonobos (Pygmy Chimpanzee). The guided tour, which will be accessible for wheelchairs costs € 17 and includes a visit in the zoo until 6 p.m. You can find more details regarding time and meeting point for this offer here.
Both of these events and other exciting “Fans and Friends” events have limited participation. Therefore we would recommend you to register early. Tickets for the “Fans and Friends” program can be purchased here.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Don’t Drop the Ball Before the Ball Drops on January 1st
Gay Games VIII Cologne Prices Increase
by 25 Euros on New Year’s Day
North America – Gay Games VIII in Cologne Germany might not be until July of 2010, but once the ball drops on this New Year’s Eve, those planning to travel to Germany for the 2010 Gay Games will see a 25 Euro hike in the cost to attend (37 USD, 39 CAD, 40 AUD).
Early bird registration discounts for the 2010 Gay Games end at midnight (local times) on Thursday, 31 December 2009. After midnight, the base registration fee climbs by 25 Euros. Sport & cultural event fees remain unchanged. Registration fees include a ticket to Opening & Closing Ceremony, a week-long transit pass, sport & cultural event costs, a participation medal, welcome kit, and access to other special events. More than 2,800 have already registered to participate, a total that is “ahead of projections” according to Cologne organizers, and several sports are nearing capacity.
Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will take place from 31 July to 7 August 2010 in Cologne, Germany. The Games will begin with an exciting Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the city’s football (soccer) stadium, where up to 48,000 people are expected. Entertainment has not yet been announced but past Gay Games performers have included Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Kylie Minogue, Patti Labelle, Erasure’s Andy Bell and Heather Small. Details, including registration information, is at www.games-cologne.com.
35 Sports, 3 Cultural Events
Up to 10,000 athletes and artists are expected to participate in the following disciplines: Badminton, Basketball, Beach-Volleyball, Bodybuilding, Bowling, Bridge (new!), Chess, Cycling, DanceSport, Diving, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey, Inline Speed Skating, Marathon, Martial Arts, Pool-Billiards, Powerlifting, 5K/10K Road Races, Sailing, Soccer (Football), Softball, Sport Climbing, Sport Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, and Wrestling. Artists can register to participate in Band, Chorus or Cheerleading as part of the cultural festival.
Register Early to Save Money
“Though the world’s economies seem to be turning around, we know that the recession could play a role in people’s decision to come to Cologne next year,” said Annette Wachter, Games Cologne CEO. “We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to register at the lowest possible price so that joining us in Cologne will be easier.” Registering early also helps the nonprofit organizing committee in Cologne to plan for the 8-day long sports & cultural festival.
Kurt Dahl and Emy Ritt, co-presidents of the international Federation of Gay Games, echoed Wachter’s sentiment. “We encourage the athletes and artists of the world to act quickly to guarantee a spot in their preferred sport, and to show our support for the City of Cologne as they prepare to welcome us next July.”
To register, visit www.games-cologne.com. Click on “Contact” on that website if questions arise during the registration process.
by 25 Euros on New Year’s Day
North America – Gay Games VIII in Cologne Germany might not be until July of 2010, but once the ball drops on this New Year’s Eve, those planning to travel to Germany for the 2010 Gay Games will see a 25 Euro hike in the cost to attend (37 USD, 39 CAD, 40 AUD).
Early bird registration discounts for the 2010 Gay Games end at midnight (local times) on Thursday, 31 December 2009. After midnight, the base registration fee climbs by 25 Euros. Sport & cultural event fees remain unchanged. Registration fees include a ticket to Opening & Closing Ceremony, a week-long transit pass, sport & cultural event costs, a participation medal, welcome kit, and access to other special events. More than 2,800 have already registered to participate, a total that is “ahead of projections” according to Cologne organizers, and several sports are nearing capacity.
Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 will take place from 31 July to 7 August 2010 in Cologne, Germany. The Games will begin with an exciting Opening Ceremony at RheinEnergie Stadium, the city’s football (soccer) stadium, where up to 48,000 people are expected. Entertainment has not yet been announced but past Gay Games performers have included Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, Kylie Minogue, Patti Labelle, Erasure’s Andy Bell and Heather Small. Details, including registration information, is at www.games-cologne.com.
35 Sports, 3 Cultural Events
Up to 10,000 athletes and artists are expected to participate in the following disciplines: Badminton, Basketball, Beach-Volleyball, Bodybuilding, Bowling, Bridge (new!), Chess, Cycling, DanceSport, Diving, Field Hockey, Figure Skating, Golf, Handball, Ice Hockey, Inline Speed Skating, Marathon, Martial Arts, Pool-Billiards, Powerlifting, 5K/10K Road Races, Sailing, Soccer (Football), Softball, Sport Climbing, Sport Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Track and Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, and Wrestling. Artists can register to participate in Band, Chorus or Cheerleading as part of the cultural festival.
Register Early to Save Money
“Though the world’s economies seem to be turning around, we know that the recession could play a role in people’s decision to come to Cologne next year,” said Annette Wachter, Games Cologne CEO. “We want to make sure that everyone has a chance to register at the lowest possible price so that joining us in Cologne will be easier.” Registering early also helps the nonprofit organizing committee in Cologne to plan for the 8-day long sports & cultural festival.
Kurt Dahl and Emy Ritt, co-presidents of the international Federation of Gay Games, echoed Wachter’s sentiment. “We encourage the athletes and artists of the world to act quickly to guarantee a spot in their preferred sport, and to show our support for the City of Cologne as they prepare to welcome us next July.”
To register, visit www.games-cologne.com. Click on “Contact” on that website if questions arise during the registration process.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Our 2009 Athlete of the Year
Arizona Softball Player Named 2009 Gay Athlete of the Year
Compete Magazine Names John Deffee as 2009 Athlete of the Year
TEMPE, AZ.—December 1, 2009—Continuing a tradition began last year, Compete, The Gay Sports Magazine has found its 2009 Athlete of the Year.
“I feel very proud and privileged for being chosen to receive recognition for this great honor. I look forward to not only still being part of gay athletics here in Phoenix, but also to continuing to positively promote and encourage participation in gay athletics both in our local community and on the national level,” said 2009 Athlete of the Year John Deffee. The Cactus Cities Softball League Commissioner was selected for his contribution the NAGAAA World Series 2009 Championship Team, Roscoes Coors Light HP2 Toros, as well as the work he’s done on the board his local softball league in Phoenix. “Serving as Commissioner for a league of this size can be a job in itself, and the fact that John managed to do this while simultaneously performing at the top level in the [NAGAAA] World Series cemented John’s standing as Athlete of the Year,” stated Editor Buddy Early.
Runners-up are Jim Ensor from Washington, DC and Eddie Chen from Long Beach, Calif. Jim serves as Goalie and President of the Federal Triangles Soccer Club, which hosted this year’s IGLFA World Championships last June; Eddie was rewarded Wrestling Without Borders’ Leadership Award on Memorial Day of this year.
Honorable Mentions go to Joey Jacinto of Phoenix and Wilson Villafana of New York City. Pick up the new issue of Compete for the full story.
2008 Athlete of the Year Jeff Kagan, HGTV Design Star Winner and host of Color Splash David Bromstad, race car driver Evan Darling, Phoenix Mercury Assistant Coach and former WNBA athlete Bridget Pettis, and three-time X-Games Gold Medalist Sarah Burke served as celebrity judges.
Compete, The Gay Sports Magazine’s 2009 Athlete of the Year is sponsored by Orbitz and Desires Hotel at San Juan Water & Beach Club.
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