With all due respect to the 48 athletes already eliminated, the real tournament starts now. In alphabetical order, here's who left: Ali, Armstrong, Didrikson Zaharais, Evert, Federer, Joyner Kersee, Lewis, Louis, Marciano, Navratilova, Nicklaus, Owens, Sampras, Spitz, Thorpe, and Woods. There are no more easy matchups.

Since the second round was, well, boring, here are preview of each of the Sweet 16 matchups.

West Region

(1) Muhammad Ali vs. (5) Jackie Joyner Kersee: In the first two rounds, Ali received 98% of the 96% of the vote, respectively. Joyner Kersee is a step up in class for Ali, but she definitely up against it here.

(3) Lance Armstrong vs. (2) Tiger Woods: Here's your match of the tournament so far. Both Lance and Tiger are one-name faces of their sport. Lance's seven Tours and Tiger's 12 majors are basically six in one, half dozen in the other. Both have a weakness though. For Lance, it's the doping allegations. For Tiger, it's the stigma attached to the athletism of golf over other sports. Which one will overcome their weakness and advance?

South Region

(1) Babe Didrikson Zaharias vs. (5) Joe Louis: Babe was at the top of most every sport she played. Louis defended his heavyweight title 25 times. Both certainly have the bonafides, although given the trends of the tournament, one is more likely to win, and it's not the #1 seed.

(3) Carl Lewis vs. (2) Jack Nicklaus: If nothing else, this is a contrast in reputation. The beloved and respected Golden Bear vs. the disliked showboat Carl Lewis (who doubles as the worst singer of all-time). 9 gold medals and 18 majors is basically a wash (both best ever). Thus, this will come down to if Carl Lewis' athletic advantage can overcome his personality disadvantage.

Midwest Region

(1) Jesse Owens vs. (5) Mark Spitz: Interesting matchup between the two men with arguably the best single Olympic performances ever. Since Owens has other factors in his achievement, and Spitz's mark is being challenged by Phelps, the top seed has to be considered a favorite here.

(3) Martina Navratilova vs. (2) Pete Sampras: There was a rule during the draw creation that two people from the same sport could not meet until the Sweet Sixteen. Partially thanks to that, we have this matchup between two tennis greats. It's fitting that Wimbledon is going on right now, as Martina and Pete were two of the best ever there. This one might just be a matter of personal preference.

East Region

(1) Jim Thorpe vs. (4) Roger Federer: Thorpe won his first round match with 97% of the vote, and his second with 98% of the vote against Joe Frazier. For Pong, this will like facing Nadal on clay all over again. Interestingly enough, though, Federer is the only non-American left in the tournament (Navratilova is a naturalized American citizen).

(6) Chris Evert vs. (2) Rocky Marciano: Evert is the lowest seed remaining, and that's likely because her second round opponent was AJ Foyt. Evert now faces the only retired undefeated heavyweight champion. The upset train is likely about to get much quieter.

The Sweet 16 matchups are now open, with just one poll this time, making it much easier. Thanks to the 4th of July holiday, they'll be an extra day to vote, with the poll closing on the 4th at 10 PM eastern. Be sure to vote by then.