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The way I see it, dominance is a major factor but not the be-all end-all.
For example, I wouldn't put Usain Bolt or Phelps on the list despite their dominance because I don't think the level of competition in track and swimming compare to other sports like basketball or football. I would be willing to bet that if swimming was a major sport in the world, and had lots of people participating, Phelps would not be as successful as he is. Secondly, I consider golf a sport and I would definitely put Tiger on the list because it takes a crazy amount of dedication to (formerly) be the best at something a lot of people take part in.
Anyway, here's my list in no particular order, except Jordan at the top. I just chose who I thought was the consensus greatest in their sport except I left off Shumacher and Federer because it's just too weird to have them, whatever their level of dominance, on a list with Jordan and Jim Brown.
Jordan
Tiger
Jim Brown
Gretzky
Babe Ruth
Pele
Ali
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