Century's Best

After much deliberation, Sports Illustrated for Women selected Jackie Joyner Kersee as our Athlete of the Century. Did we make the right choice? Tell us what you think in 50 words or less and check out our bios of the greatest female athletes of the century. Some of you have already weighed in, and we've posted some of our favorite responses below.

Steffi Graf is a true champion. She has overcome great obstacles with a style, grace and pure athleticism that could never be duplicated. Her achievements are second to none.
--Lorraine Watson, Essex, England

Wilma Rudolph overcame tremendous difficulties as a child and went on to become one of the greatest female runners of alltime.
--Cher Harpster, Yeagertown, Pa.

Michelle Kwan is a great role model for all athletes. Her integrity, sportsmanship, determination and talent make her a person that anybody would want to be.
--P Roedel, Corunna, Mich.

Babe Didrickson Zaharias was the pioneer for women in sports. No athlete in the first half of this century approaches her; everyone in the second half is indebted to her.
--Alexander Hunter, Sugar Land, Texas

Nadia Comaneci. Perfect 10. Enough said.
--Scott Spielvogel, New York City

My sister has made it clear to me: Mia Hamm is the best female athlete ever. She is a great role model -- even for me, and I don't play soccer. She has inspired my sister to become a better soccer player and to take her skills to a new level. She has even inspired me to play the best I can (in ice hockey). Mia Hamm is the No. 1 female athlete of the century.
--Josh, Lincolnshire, IIl.

Ruffian was perfect, even in death. She was a half-length in front of Foolish Pleasure when she broke down.
--Georgia L. Antley, Laramie, Wy.

Florence Griffith Joyner was a great athlete with a unique style. Flo-Jo not only combined flash and success, but helped redefine the image of what a female athlete is. I suspect that she inspired many younger women to be athletes, and it is unfortunate that she died so young.
--Ellen Van Curen, Apple Valley, Calif.

Among all the qualified women, there is one that went beyond physical excellence and put her self on the line for all female athletes: Billie Jean King. She was not only a great athlete, but also ensured the place of sportswomen in the next century. She stands out for her foresight and conviction.
--Mildred Cuebas, Rio Blanco, Puerto Rico

Juli Inkster is a marvelous, down to earth athlete who is known for her sportsmanship and healthy competitiveness. She took time away from the LPGA tour to raise her two daughters and then returned to become only the second woman in history to win the modern women's Grand Slam in golf --not an easy feat! Inkster is a great example for young athletes.
--Lisa Tychsen, Annandale, Va.

Picabo Street has brought women's skiing to the same level as men's and has shown how to lead with class.
--Andres Ruetman, Sylmar, Calif.

Chris Evert is simply the best. She excelled in competitive women's tennis throughout her career, and was poised in winning and also in losing. She is indeed a legend of true sportsmanship.
--Silas Wong, Singapore

Dawn Fraser was simply unbeatable and is in a class of her own.
--Michael Phelan, Salisbury, Australia

Pat Summitt should be the Sportswoman of the Century because of all she has accomplished in her life and in women's basketball. She deserves recognition for making women's sports come alive across the nation. She is the most awesome coach in the world, and no one will ever top her.
--Erin Talley, Cartersville, Ga.

Joan Joyce is the greatest female athlete of alltime. She dominated softball like no other.
--Clay Parker, Monroe, La.

Ila Borders is not only playing baseball with men, but excelling.
--Jennifer Markham, Burbank, Calif.

Sheryl Swoopes is the Michael Jordan of women's basketball. Throughout her career she has shown dignity and grace. She has proven that you can be an athlete as well as a working mother, and excel at both.
--S. Lara, Ralls, Texas

Paula Newby-Fraser has won more Ironman races than any other women, and has shattered numerous records. She is a fabulous ambassador for the sport of triathlon and has inspired many great athletes.
--Jane Howe, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cammi Granato ignored stereotypes and paved the way for many young girls.
--Courtney

Chamique Holdsclaw has lifted women's sports to a new level and deserves recognition for doing so.
--Erin Talley, Cartersville, Ga.

Martina Navratilova revolutionized tennis and gave her everything to the game.
--Ahmed Khalid, Rawalpindi, Pakistan

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