The Associated Press has named LeBron James and Serena Williams as Athletes of the Decade. They defeated Olympic gymnast Simone Biles of the United States and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady of the USA, who were both finalist for the award. Lindsey Vonn's and Katie Ledeck's finishes are also included in the list. Men's sports include Lionel Messi as well as Michael Phelps.
LeBron James
LeBron James is arguably the greatest basketball player, and he has also been a successful entrepreneur off the court. He holds a minority interest in Liverpool's football team and has started a production company. Uninterrupted Digital Media Company is another company he owns. His many projects have led to an increase in his visibility. His goal is to help the Los Angeles Lakers get back to the glory days they once had.
James was named the AP Athlete of the Decade by Usain Bolt, Lionel Messi and Michael Phelps on Monday. As a controversial figure, James was the first star of the NBA to receive this award in 2010. While he was initially considered a villain after spurning the Cavaliers' decision to join the Miami Heat in 2010, he quickly won acclaim. He won the MVP award. In 10 years, he also won three NBA championships.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams has been a dominant tennis player over the past decade. This earned her the title Female Athlete in the Decade. AP's sports editors and beat writers picked her in a vote based on her achievements on and off the court. She won 12 Grand Slam singles title, became a mom for the first-time, fought against racism in the athletic community and became an example for young women.
She has won numerous singles slams and claimed 12 Grand Slam titles since 2007. This feat has never been achieved by another woman. She also holds the record of Steffi Graf's longest consecutive week at the top, being the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam Singles Trophy. Serena also reached the finals in 19 majors and won 37 singles titles.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest soccer player ever, is undoubtedly the best. He's not only the best goal-scorer in the history and tradition of soccer, but also one of football's greatest free-kick takers, passers, and dribblers. Messi, among other things, completes more dribbles than any other player, plays more through ball and makes more passes to the penalty area. His dominance is so strong that he has been given the nickname Ruthian. Although it doesn't appear every dictionary, this word is used in sports pages as a description for Messi.
Messi's professional career includes many other honors, awards, and distinctions. Two times, he was named to Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Time magazine in 2011 named him one of the most influential 100 people in the globe, and Laureus World Sportsman of the Decade was awarded to him in 2020. His career earnings have exceeded $1 billion. Having started out at a Barcelona youth academy at age 13, Messi has gone on to win six La Liga titles, two Champions League titles, and five Copa del Rey titles.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is considered the most decorated Olympic athlete in the last decade. Phelps has been awarded 22 Olympic gold medals, eight of which were at the Beijing Games in 2008. He is also one of the most recognizable athletes of all times. He also won more National Titles and World Championships than anyone else.
His Olympic success has made his name synonymous to swimming. Michael Phelps has not slowed down despite his absence from competition. He created a foundation for teaching kids to swim and to promote swimming. His foundation, which provides funding for swim training programs and teaching the basics to children, has been more time-intensive. Friends still text him asking when he'll return to competitive swimming.