The 25 Best Short Athletes of All Time

Spud Webb, Pele, Wes Welker, and many more of the best little men in sports history.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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While many elite athletes match their massive egos with even more massive builds, such is not always the case. When it comes to the boxing ring, golf course, baseball field, or even Indy 500, some of the best athletes in the world are of a significantly smaller stature than the a majority of the peers. From Spud Webb, who despite being just 5’ 6” won the 1986 NBA Slam Dunk Contest to the G.O.A.T. Pele, we look at those who left their mark on their respective sports despite being 5’ 9” or less. These are the Best Little Men in Sports History.

25. Muggsy Bogues

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24. Spud Webb

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23. Wes Welker

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22. Ivan Rodriguez

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21. Calvin Murphy

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20. Tim Raines

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19. Ben Hogan

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18. Pernell Whitaker

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17. Mel Ott

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16. Apolo Ohno

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15. Manny Pacquiao

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14. Kirby Puckett

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13. Julio Cesar Chavez

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12. Greg Louganis

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11. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

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10. Mario Andretti

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9. Bruce Lee

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8. Lionel Messi

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7. Yogi Berra

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6. Emmitt Smith

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5. Henri Richard

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4. Diego Maradona

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3. Joe Morgan

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2. Barry Sanders

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1. Pele

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