In order, here are ten presently living athletes I’d have dinner with if I could have the chance:
1. Wayne Gretzky - The greatest hockey player in world history must have priority at Matt Lee’s table. If I could have dinner with Wayne, it’d be the greatest dream come true. I’d also haggle him as to why he chose to sign with St Louis instead of Vancouver back in ‘98.
2. Tiger Woods - A legend among golfing legends, Woods is probably the most dominant athlete in his sport. The Nike-sponsored golfer is someone I’d love to have dinner with and perhaps share a round of golf with.
3. Lance Armstrong - One of the most influential athletes in the world. His battle with cancer and his inspirational run to seven straight Tour de France wins is the stuff of legends among world athletes.
4. Roger Federer - Again, one of the most dominant athletes in his sport. My girlfriend adores Federer and it’d be an equally dream come true for me to meet the Swiss legend. Also has one of the best hair do’s in sporting history.
5. Sidney Crosby - The teenage phenom is hockey’s saviour. Which Canadian-born man wouldn’t want to meet Sid The Kid? I’d also ask if he could autograph my Penguins hat so I could put it on my wall of fame.
6. Tom Brady - The NFL’s most clutch quarterback has won three Superbowls in the past decade and is arguably one of the top quarterbacks in the world today (besides Peyton Manning). I probably would try to steer clear of the stealing signals issue.
7. Michael Jordan - Phenom of basketball is probably the first basketball player I’d like to meet. A man who really engineered current sports advertising to what it is today is one of the biggest legends among basketball players. His Airness would certainly be a favourite.
8. Muhammad Ali - Boxing great, the best there ever was and probably ever will be. Ali signifies everything that is wondrous about boxing and his past is a story which would never get boring at any dinner table.
9. David Beckham - England soccer star turned Hollywood is one of the most intriguing stories of soccer. If he came I’m hoping he brings along Posh Spice.
10. Alex Rodriguez - Baseball’s current player of choice on any team. He’s faced a lot of scrutiny in New York media and it’d be interesting to have dinner with A-Rod.
