While there are many inspirational athletes, some go above and beyond the sporting arena. These athletes make use of their platform to promote social change. In this article we will examine a few, including Serena Williams', Michael Phelps', Brittany Griner's and Mary Keitany. These athletes inspire us to take action and be better people.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps, one of history's greatest athletes, is his name. As a teenager, Phelps turned professional and has won 28 Olympic Medals over four Olympic Games as well as 39 World Records. Phelps has also battled depression, and has since become an advocate for mental health and wellness. He produced the HBO Sports documentary "The Weight of Gold", which he recently released. Interviews with Olympians Greg Louganis who is widely recognized as the greatest diver in history are featured in the film.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams' impact on tennis has been immense and she has inspired many others. She has a powerful voice that has been used to help those in need. She has helped to build schools and championed the health of women and newborns. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has been vocal against gender violence.
Brittany Griner
Brittany Griner’s story is an inspiration to many athletes. Her bullies at school led her to be called "a male" and she was even once called "a woman." Griner was made to feel like an outsider and considered cutting her wrists. Despite the negative comments, Griner persevered and became an Olympic gold medalist.
Mary Keitany
Keitany won in 2018 the TCS New York Marathon. After the race, she was certain she would win the New York City Marathon. Her motivation was simple: win for her children, and to show how proud mom she is of them. Keitany was able achieve this despite the challenges that she faced after giving birth her first child.
Michael Oher
Michael Oher, a young man who was a nomad, lived his entire life as a nomad. At the tail end of the first grade, child services removed him and his siblings from their mother's home. They bounced around from foster homes, to friends' 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. Her success made her the best female tennis player and the first black woman in Wimbledon.