Buzz
The endless discussions about the greatest athletes across various sports often overshadow those who never claimed the top prize. These are the individuals who, despite their immense talent, couldn't capitalize on their chance to secure a major championship and cement their legacy. This tribute is for those remarkable figures who are often remembered as the ones who narrowly missed their moment of glory. List courtesy of Minsung Kim.
10. Greg Norman - Golf
Missed achievement: A major US championship title
Greg Norman is celebrated as one of golf's most skilled yet unfortunate players. Renowned for his distinctive playing style and one of the finest swings in the sport, he is often considered the best driver of the ball, second only to Jack Nicklaus. While he clinched the British Open twice, he never secured any of the three major US championships. On five separate occasions, he came in second at the Masters, the US Open, and the PGA Championship, often leading for most of the tournament only to falter at the final stage.
Fun fact: In 1997, Bill Clinton suffered a fall on the stairs outside Greg Norman’s home, resulting in torn tendons in his right knee.
9. Jimmy White - Snooker
Missed achievement: World Championship title
Known as the ‘People’s Champion,’ Jimmy stands out as one of snooker’s most beloved figures. The left-handed player captivated audiences with his aggressive and entertaining style. He reached an astonishing six World Championship finals, including five consecutive appearances from 1990 to 1994, but fell short each time. Four of those losses were against Stephen Hendry, the sport’s most decorated player. His most heartbreaking defeat occurred in 1994 during his sixth final. With just a few balls left to pot in the deciding frame, he missed a straightforward black ball, handing Hendry an 18-17 win. While some argue Jimmy lacked the ruthless edge needed to triumph in critical moments, there’s no denying his misfortune in competing against legends like Steve Davis and Stephen Hendry.
Fun fact: In the late ‘90s, Jimmy’s bull terrier, Splinter, was kidnapped and held for ransom.
8. Brazil 1982 - Football
Missed achievement: World Cup victory
Brazil holds the record for five World Cup victories, yet their 1982 squad is often hailed as their finest and one of the greatest football teams in history. Many believe this team surpassed even their legendary ‘Golden Era’ side of the 1970s, which featured icons like Pele and Carlos Alberto. Entering the 1982 World Cup in Spain as strong favorites, they began their campaign flawlessly, dominating their first three group matches with 10 goals. Their attacking lineup, including Zico, Eder, Socrates, Junior, and Falcao, dazzled opponents with their fluid passing and movement. Their strategy was straightforward: no matter how many goals the opposition scored, they would score more. In the second round, they faced the ‘group of death’ against Argentina and Italy. They easily defeated Argentina 3-1 but fell 3-2 to Italy, led by Paulo Rossi, in one of the most memorable World Cup matches. While their offense was unmatched, their defense proved to be their Achilles’ heel. Rossi’s hat-trick sealed their fate, and he later scored in the final as Italy triumphed over West Germany.
Fun fact: The Brazilian Gold Frog, the smallest frog in the Southern Hemisphere, measures just 9.8mm in length.
7. Dan Marino - American Football
Missed achievement: Super Bowl victory
Renowned for his strong arm and rapid release, Dan Marino stands as one of the NFL’s most accomplished passers. Over his 17-year tenure with the Miami Dolphins, the team made the playoffs 10 times. He became the starting quarterback midway through his rookie season and, by his second year, was named NFL MVP, setting six single-season records, including an impressive 48 touchdown passes, shattering the previous record of 36. That same season, he made his sole Super Bowl appearance, losing to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers. Despite never returning to the Super Bowl, Marino continued to break numerous records. By the time he retired in 1999, he held nearly every major NFL passing record, many of which remain unbroken today.
Fun fact: Marino had a cameo in Adam Sandler’s film *Little Nicky*, where he famously asked Satan for a Super Bowl ring.
6. Gilles Villeneuve - Formula 1
Missed achievement: F1 World Championship title
Gilles Villeneuve’s Formula 1 career was tragically cut short in 1982 when he died in a high-speed crash during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite competing for fewer than five years, he left an indelible mark on the sport and his competitors. Known for his aggressive and fearless driving style, he once showcased his brilliance during a rain-soaked practice session at the US Grand Prix, where he was a staggering 11 seconds faster than anyone else. Out of 67 races, he secured only six wins, largely because he spent most of his career in underperforming cars. Villeneuve’s closest shot at the World Championship came in 1979. Had he overtaken his teammate, Jody Scheckter, at the Italian Grand Prix, he likely would have claimed the title. However, he adhered to team orders and refrained from challenging Scheckter, ultimately losing the championship by just four points.
Fun fact: His son, Jacques, who was considered less talented, became the F1 World Champion in 1997. Honorable mention: Stirling Moss
5. Ted Williams - Baseball
Missed achievement: World Series title
Ted Williams is widely regarded as the finest pure hitter in baseball history. Over a 21-year career, he played 16 full seasons for the Boston Red Sox, interrupted twice by military service as a Marine Corps pilot. His analytical approach to hitting revolutionized the sport. He earned the Most Valuable Player award four times and the Triple Crown twice. Despite his on-field brilliance, his strained relationship with the media and fans often overshadowed his achievements. Known for his fiery temper and refusal to acknowledge the crowd, he lacked the public adoration enjoyed by more charismatic players like Joe DiMaggio. His sole World Series appearance in 1946 ended in disappointment, as he went 0-for-4 in the decisive seventh game, possibly affected by an elbow injury sustained five days earlier.
Fun fact: Williams was an avid fisherman and was inducted into the Fishing Hall of Fame. Honorable mention: Ty Cobb
4. Ivan Lendl - Tennis
Missed achievement: Wimbledon title
Ivan Lendl, despite never clinching a Wimbledon title, is celebrated as one of tennis’s all-time greats. He ruled men’s tennis throughout the 1980s, holding the world number 1 ranking for nearly five years. With three US Open, three French Open, and two Australian Open titles, he reached 19 Grand Slam finals and appeared in at least one final for 11 consecutive years—a feat matched only by Pete Sampras. Known for his baseline dominance and relentless groundstrokes, Lendl struggled on Wimbledon’s grass courts, where uneven surfaces disrupted his rhythm. While he adapted his tactics for grass, his serve-and-volley game fell short of securing the title. Nevertheless, he reached two Wimbledon finals (1986 and 1987) and five semifinals, cementing his legacy.
Fun fact: In 1986, North Korea honored Ivan Lendl with a postage stamp.
3. Paula Radcliffe - Marathon
Missed achievement: Olympic Gold Medal
In her debut London Marathon, Paula Radcliffe clocked the second-fastest time in women’s marathon history. Just a year later, she owned the top two fastest times, outpacing her closest competitors by over three minutes. A leg injury in 2004 hampered her performance in Athens, where she relied on heavy doses of anti-inflammatory drugs to even start the race, ultimately failing to finish for the first time in her career. Determined to redeem herself, she aimed for Beijing in 2008, despite a stress fracture diagnosis three months prior. Though she recovered in time, cramps plagued her during the race, leaving her in 23rd place. Radcliffe still holds the women’s marathon world record and boasts four of the five fastest times in history. Undoubtedly the greatest female marathon runner, her Olympic gold medal dreams were thwarted by sheer bad luck.
Fun fact: Paula battled both asthma and anemia, conditions that significantly impact running performance.
2. Johan Cruyff - Football
Missed achievement: World Cup victory
Johan Cruyff, a three-time European Footballer of the Year, was recently ranked the second-best player of the century, trailing only Pele. In his sole World Cup appearance, he guided Holland to victories over Argentina and reigning champions Brazil before falling to West Germany in the final. Cruyff’s brilliance earned him the tournament’s best player award. After helping Holland qualify for the 1978 World Cup, he stunned the football world by retiring from international duty. The Dutch reached the final again in 1978, and many believe Cruyff’s presence could have secured victory over Argentina. Despite his lack of international silverware, he amassed 10 league titles and three European Cups with Ajax, Barcelona, and Feyenoord, alongside numerous individual accolades.
Fun fact: Cruyff was the first Dutch player to receive a red card, resulting in a one-year ban from the Dutch FA. Honorable mentions: Ferenc Puskas and Eusebio
1. Charley Burley - Boxing
Missed achievement: World Title
Charley Burley, born to a black father and white mother, was often described by 1940s boxing managers as ‘too skilled for his own good.’ His reputation as a fearsome fighter meant he was denied title shots against welterweight and middleweight champions of his era. Legendary boxers like Billy Conn, Marcel Cerdan, Jake LaMotta, and even Sugar Ray Robinson—considered the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in history—avoided facing him. Additionally, many top white fighters refused to compete against him, a common issue for black and mixed-race boxers at the time. With limited opponents, Burley fought and defeated fighters across welterweight to heavyweight divisions. To support himself, he worked as a garbage collector, as his boxing earnings were insufficient. He eventually retired to work full-time, as no one would challenge him. By the end of his career, he had knocked out three world champions across three weight classes.
Fun fact: Burley turned down a chance to compete in the 1936 Olympics due to Germany’s racist policies. Honorable mention: Sam Langford
