Highlights :
- These sports figures are known throughout the world.
- Their achievements have inspired young players to chase their dreams.
- They have broken gender norms, racial stereotypes, and the boundaries of nations to win the hearts of people of all genders and races.
The world has witnessed a lot of sportsperson who were not only good at their sports but successfully stole the hearts of millions in many different ways. Whether it was bringing pride to their country or showing up in their own style, they did it all in their own way. Here is a list of the 10 most legendary sports figures of all time.
1. Usain Bolt
Who hasn’t heard his name? He’s called the fastest man ever, and rightfully so.
In the 2009 World Championship, he had a record-breaking timing of 9.58 seconds in the 100-meter sprint.
2. Maria Sharapova
Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova is known for being the first woman in her country to win Wimbledon, and for her 2012 London Olympics win. She first gained the spotlight in 2004 Wimbledon.
She became a role model for women’s empowerment and inspired other women around the world as well.
3. Pedro Martinez
Pedro Martinez Portero, the Spanish tennis heartthrob, has been known for his achievements from a young age. He won the 2013 Davis Cup.
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He turned pro in 2016 and made his grand slam debut in the main draw of the French Open 2019.
4. Eric Heiden
The 1980 Olympics blew up Eric Heiden as he won five gold medals in the Winter Olympics.
The speed skater is very successful and was the only skater to make it to the list of 50 greatest athletes of the 20th century in 1999.
5. Lionel Messi
Lionel Andrès Messi, popularly known as Leo Messi, formerly played for Barcelona. He is considered as the world’s best player by many and the football player has a lot of fans around the world.
He joined Barcelona at the age of 13 and made his competitive debut at the age of 17.
6. Sachin Tendulkar
The Indian cricketer, also known as the God of Cricket, served as the captain of the Indian cricket team. He was known as the highest run-scorer of all time. The right-handed batsman took up cricket at the age of eleven.
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On November 15, 1989, he made his debut in the test series. When India won the world cup in 2011, he was a part of the team. He has led India to many legendary wins and has amassed a lot of admirers and followers during all these years.
7. Roger Federer
Ranked at the ninth position in the world, he is a part of the big 3. In the year 1996, Federer played his first junior match at the age of 14 years old. In 1998, he became a Wimbledon junior champion.
He has a lot of fans around the world who support and encourage him.
8. Cristiano Ronaldo
You must have heard his name. Football and Ronaldo go hand in hand. His name is known worldwide and he is a living legend in football. He was born on February 5, 1985. This Portuguese legend was born and raised in Madeira. He started his senior club career playing for Sporting CP.
The list of achievements this legendary sports figure has is unending. He has already made history in the world of football. He has won 32 trophies and these include UEFA Champions Leagues, UEFA European Championship, and UEFA Nations League. This football legend holds the record for most goals. And that’s not all. He also has a really inspiring story that makes him the legend he is.
9. Serena Williams
The list of legendary sports figures of all time is incomplete without Serena Williams. This legend has won 23 Grand Slam titles. Williams is acknowledged as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time.
She was born on September 26, 1981, in Florida. Williams has a record of winning 13 grand slams on a hard court and winning most women’s singles matches. Every person in the tennis world knows her name and she has lived up to it.
10. Michael Jordan
Michael Jeffrey Jordan, the star basketball player, was born on February 17, 1963. He has won six championships with the Chicago Bulls. He is known for his leaping ability and the tremendous slam dunks that he does exceptionally well. He won his first NBA championship with the Bulls in 1991 and was unstoppable after that.
He has left a significant mark in the history of basketball and has been an inspiration for millions of young basketball enthusiasts and aspirants.
These legendary sports figures did not become legends in a day. It took years of hard work and training for them to reach there. They have shown us what being a legend truly is.
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