The Greatest Athletes of All Time
Sports have given rise to a few of the most recognizable and impactful personalities in human history. These sportsmen and women became symbols of excellence, perseverance and loyalty regardless of whether or not they engaged in these sports. Their breathtaking miracles altered the course of the sport and emboldened thousands of actors and supporters. This post lists the greatest athletes of all time – real sport changing legends.
1. Michael Jordan – Basketball
According to many, Michael Jordan is basketball’s greatest ever player and his contribution to the dream team of the NBA is simply priceless. Jordan was a combination of earthly skills, physicality and will to win which towered above the competition, where he emerged victory out of six NBA championships and five MVP awards. The name ‘His Airness’ also came quite rightly as the man was a clutch performer whenever needed especially in the post season play. More than just statistics and numbers, jordan was a sporting icon who redefined the concept of sports along with the NBA throughout the world.
2. Serena Williams – Tennis
Serena Williams’ undeniably exceptional power, speed, and mental tenacity have taken a revolution in women’s tennis. She is 23 Grand Slam singles titles which is the record for any player in the Open Era. For the entire twenty years that she has been active on the court, Serena consistently raised the bar in terms of her talent, style, and determination. Off the pitch, she has expanded the horizons for millions of women across the globe by fighting for appropriate representation and equal opportunities in sports.
3. Usain Bolt – Track and Field
Similarly, Usain Bolt, the fastest person on Earth enthralled people around the globe through his artwork on the field. With 11 World Championship titles and 8 Olympic gold medals, no one would dare challenge his position as the ultimate sprinter. Busts of bolt in running stances with the arms outstretched in a “lightning bolt” pose became images representing the sprinter’s overwhelming speed and flamboyance as they enjoyed a lanky win in the 100 and 200 meters and broke world records in the category. There was such strong dominance brought into track and field that the sport attracted levels of curiosity that had never been seen before.
4. Muhammad Ali – Boxing
As a boxer, Muhammad Ali was a global celebrity, but he was also a champion for civil liberties. The ring was not the only place where Ali earned his accolades, for he had also donned the heavyweight crown on three different occasions and had a reputation for his famous knockouts, tactical ability, and quick feet. Ali earned the title “The Greatest” when he became an ambassador for equality, sports and the notion of peace, as there was no other way for him to be referred to. To this day some of the best moments in boxing do not come from boxers, but instead come from antagonists such as Ali, as seen in his famous bouts with George Foreman and Joe Frazier.
5. Pel̩ РSoccer
Inclusion of Brazil’s Football Legend Pelé seems to be a must in every sports person’s idol list as every person regards Pelé as the best of all times and rightfully so. He possessed artistry, flair, and above all an efficiency backed up by winning three World Cups in 1958, 1962, and 1970 which he carried Brazil to a record yet to be broken up to this day. Being one for the ages and thanks to winning goals, he became a worldwide phenomenon and was hailed as a demi-God in his motherland-Brazil. The turning point of the evolution of soccer to the trend it is at the present can be credited to him as well.
6. Tom Brady – American Football
To put it lightly, Tom Brady’s NFL career is the stuff of legends. In fact, Brady is the only player with such incredible durability, leadership skills and ability to win Super Bowls — seven, to be precise in the case of this chapter. He also achieved another Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay in his crowning season at 43 years of age. Brady approaches his diet, training regime, and psychological conditioning in a way that for the first time presents a challenge for quarterback play in the NFL.
7. Jackie Joyner-Kersee – Track and Field
Widely considered the greatest female athlete of all time, Jackie Joyner-Kersee was a multiple Olympic champion who excelled both in the long jump and heptathlon. Deserving accolades for her remarkable versatility, she also dominated events that required speed, strength, and endurance, shattering records in the process. While her achievements on the field paved the way for the enduring glory of Joyner-Kersee as an athlete, her activism for children and community development has entirely reshaped her legacy.
8. Roger Federer – Tennis
Roger Federer is one of the greatest and most loved tennis players in history due to his poise and technical prowess coupled with his ability to withstand intense competitive situations on the court. Roger Federer has taken men’s tennis to another level which has generate the closure of 20 Grand Slam singles triumphs pitting him against greats like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. He is known for his cool manners on and off the court and continues to contribute greatly to the game of tennis with more than just a trophy cabinet. He, however, remains a symbol of the game worldwide.
Conclusion
Such athletes are not only remembered because of their breath-taking displays of skill on the court/field, but also for the legacies they have built and/or continue to build both in the sport and after. They helped the society understand that such activities are not merely competitions; they are pillars where diligence most especially applied conjoins with endurance and fervor to move even the billion. These legends have all raised the bar in each of the sports that they have participated, their stories will stay on for older sports enthusiasts and even future sporting campaigners. Every great sport has its legends, who has been your favorite and how have they affected your life? Share your thoughts in the comment section!