The readers' poll that accompanies this essay suggests The Times exerts only weak influence over the opinions of its shrinking base of readers. Here are the poll results, as of early afternoon Sunday:
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of the Summer Olympics?
1.1 % - Birgit Fischer-Schmidt, Germany, kayak
2.3 % - Larisa Latynina, Soviet Union, gymnastics
24.6 % - Carl Lewis, U.S., track and field
3.9 % - Paavo Nurmi, Finland, track and field
2.8 % - Steven Redgrave, United Kingdom, rowing
52.0 % - Michael Phelps, United States, swimming
13.4 % - An athlete not listed here
The readers' poll that accompanies this essay suggests The Times exerts only weak influence over the opinions of its shrinking base of readers. Here are the poll results, as of early afternoon Sunday:
Who is the greatest athlete in the history of the Summer Olympics?
1.1 % - Birgit Fischer-Schmidt, Germany, kayak
2.3 % - Larisa Latynina, Soviet Union, gymnastics
24.6 % - Carl Lewis, U.S., track and field
3.9 % - Paavo Nurmi, Finland, track and field
2.8 % - Steven Redgrave, United Kingdom, rowing
52.0 % - Michael Phelps, United States, swimming
13.4 % - An athlete not listed here
