There are many inspiring athletes, but some of them go beyond the sports field. These athletes use their platform for social change. We'll be looking at some of them in this article: Serena Williams and Michael Phelps, Brittany Griner and Mary Keitany. These athletes inspire us to take action and be better people.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is a great athlete. Phelps began his career as a teenager and has since won 28 Olympic medals, four Olympic Games golds, and 39 world records. Phelps was also a survivor of depression. He has since been an advocate for mental and emotional well-being. He produced a HBO Sports documentary called "The Weight of Gold" that he recently produced. Interviews with Olympians Greg Louganis (who is widely regarded as the greatest diver) are included in the film.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams has made a huge impact on the tennis community and inspired many athletes. She has a powerful voice that has been used to help those in need. She has helped to create schools for underprivileged children, and championed healthcare for women and infants. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Brittany Griner
For many athletes, Brittany Griner's story is one of inspiration. Griner was bullied at school. She was also once called "a man." The feeling of being an outcast caused Griner to consider slitting her wrists. Griner persevered, despite being criticized. She was an Olympic gold medalist.
Mary Keitany
In 2018, Keitany won the TCS New York Marathon. After the race, she was certain she would win the New York City Marathon. Her motivation was to win for the children of her husband and show them how proud she is. Keitany managed to accomplish this despite all the difficulties she faced after having her first son.
Michael Oher
Michael Oher was an early nomad. Child services took Michael Oher and his siblings out of their mother's house at the end of the first grade. They were moved around from foster homes to friend's couches.
Althea Gibson
Althea is an inspiring figure for athletes of all ages. She was born in 1927 in Silver, South Carolina and fought against inequality in her community and in sports. As a result she became the most successful female player in the globe and the first woman of color to win a Wimbledon title.