There are plenty of reasons to look up to sporting icons, from their ability and achievements within their chosen sport to their determination, the beliefs they stand for outside of sport, what motivates them, and more.
So for this bounty, we simply want to know who your sporting hero is and why! Tell us who you pick, what they've achieved, and exactly why you look up to them to win $2.
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Alison dos Santos or 'Piu' as he is popularly referred, is a Brazilian track and field athlete who focuses on the 400m hurdles. The history of his journey to global sporting stardom is one laced with hard work, immeasurable skill, and optimism. Piu is among the best in the sport after winning the 400m hurdles title at the World Athletics Championships held in Eugene, Oregon in 2022, making him the first Brazilian to achieve this feat. Disappointment-plagued, or more specifically resignation-deep Tokyo, waited with an Olympic Bronze which was hard earned in the middle of the lethal competition of Karsten Warholm and Rai Benjamin. Himself scared in 46.29 seconds, Alison a South American record holder also sits on the bench of the fastest hurdlers ever alongside proving himself supreme on the oval track.
The backbone of Piu’s breakthrough is his extraordinary will power combined with a fighting spirit. At just the tender age of ten months, an awful domestic accident left him with devastating burns and deep scars that he wears as a medal of honor against the odds. Born in a modest family in São Joaquim da Barra, São Paulo, Alison learned the virtues of hard work and focus which took him from being a local performer to an international star. Ao Li’s upward movement also encountered some difficulties; for example, injuries only strengthened his desire to return to the competition, which is called resilience in everyday life on the track and beyond.
Apart from his excellent sporting records, Alison is admired for the causes that he believes in and for the motivation he is able to bestow on people. A valid ambassador of Brazil he vision encourages even the very young who want to play sports to citizens of less socially favored regions, and even more always to such uncertain backgrounds. Piu, renowned for his cheerful countenance and incessant joy, advocates for determination, equilibrium and mental wellness owing to the fact that he understands the kind of treatment meted out to practitioners in gambling sport and other competitive games. The moniker, “Piu”, is a derivative of the Brazilian animated character whom he admired greatly, and it shows his playful personality and easiness, which makes him loved by the audience everywhere.
The love for the game instills the family values in him and the ability for Brazil to overcome hurdles in athletics, and Alison gives every race her heart and happiness. It is in his performance that he depicts moments of his brilliant skill and at the same time motivates so many others with their own problems to work hard and hold on to the faith in themselves. Now Piu is remembered as a cultural protagonist, not only a hero for his nation, Brazil, and sports fans but a charismatic and resilient athlete regarded with affection by many across the world. His legacy is consistently enhancing, not just as an athlete who rendered incredible performances on the track, his image as a persona aiming high and crossing all possible barriers allows every person to relate with him.
For me, I’m going to stay close to home and choose Gareth Bale.
Starting out as a decent left back at Southampton before imposing himself as a true talent when he signed for Spurs.
As he developed at Spurs and adopted a role at left midfield, his game truly started to evolve. From a skinny teenager to a physically impressive athlete, he started to reshape what it meant to be an elite winger in the premier league.
Blistering pace, excellent on the ball and with a developing dead ball prowess, he turned into one of the premier league’s most formidable players, regularly turning defenders inside out and crafting chances for his team-mates.
It was his stand-out performances, and ability to make Maicon look an absolute mug, in the Champions League group stage that truly lifted him to elite status. After a season for Spurs where he was practically unplayable, he set his sights on the Galacticos and became the first Welshman to don the famous white kit of Real Madrid.
During his time at Madrid, he became polarising to the fans, despite scoring some incredible goals and assists. He always remained second fiddle to CR7, who was at the top of the world game at this stage.
His Champions League winning goals, Copa Del Ray winning goals and vital goals in the big games helped Real Madrid secure unprecedented success and own the most formidable and punishing attacking line ups every seen.
However, it is for Wales that Gareth Bale truly won the hearts of fans. His country was always his main focus and, being at the top of his game, secured them qualification for their first Euros tournament in decades. His performances in Euro 2016 helped guide the team to the Semi Finals, far exceeding any expectations people could have of Wales and putting Wales on the map again as a serious footballing nation.
He inspired new generations of players and boosted the reputation of the game in Wales, not just through his own personal success but also the success he helped create as part of a tightly knit Welsh team. It’s this level of talent, this level of commitment to his country and this progress he helped steer for the national game that makes him my sporting icon.
Life hasn’t been easy for Lance Armstrong. His first major challenge came in the 1990s when he battled cancer. With doctors giving him almost no chance of survival, he managed to overcome the disease and, as soon as he recovered, returned to racing. During this time, he also founded the Livestrong Foundation to support others fighting cancer.
The next challenge came with the revelation that he had used doping during his races. This scandal led to him losing all his titles, facing numerous lawsuits, and becoming a controversial figure in sports history. The movie The Program offers a detailed perspective on his story and the behind-the-scenes of professional cycling in the early 2000s.
Despite everything, Armstrong endured these setbacks, made a public confession, and continued to live his life. To me, his ability to withstand such immense challenges is an undeniable example of resilience and strength.
David Beckham is my sporting hero. He’s not just a football legend, but someone who has consistently impressed both on and off the pitch. During his career, he played for some of the world’s best teams like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and even LA Galaxy, winning tons of trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League medal.
What stands out most to me is his skill with free-kicks—he could bend the ball in ways that left goalkeepers baffled! Plus, as England’s captain, he always led by example.
Beyond football, Beckham’s a genuinely good person. He’s done a lot of charity work, especially with UNICEF, helping kids around the world.
I look up to him not just for his football talents but for his hard work, leadership, and kindness.
In 2019, NFL (American football) broadcasts began to be shown on our television. At first, it was difficult to understand the meaning of the game, but after watching five or six matches and listening to the commentators' comments, I was able to understand the basic rules and I really liked this sport. I realized that it is much more interesting to watch than regular football. And this sport became my favorite.
Since I am a fan of pirate themes, I also began to root for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team in the NFL.
And my favorite player was Mike Evans, who plays the receiver position. I became his fan for his behavior both on and off the field. In my opinion, this is a person with a big kind heart and who puts his whole soul into helping his team be better.
Josh Hart is my hero and my glorious pookster on the Knicks ! His grit, hustle, and heart make him the soul of the team. He's the best rebounding guard in the NBA, always fighting on every play. This man brings pure undefined energy on every possession and personifies hard work
I think Jim Thorpe should be more recognized than he is. He was an athlete, Native American, actor, humanitarian. Thorpe went pro in multiple sports and won gold medals at the Olympics although he used shoes from the trash. Living through two world wars and the Spanish flu he started the Native American Actors Guild. He was the first Native American to win gold at the Olympics
As a Football ( soccer ) fan from the childhood, Cristiano Ronaldo was and still my sporting hero, not only he marked the last 27 years of world of football but also marked my childhood and gave me the energy, the strength to beat many challenges.
He managed to defy all the odds, the poverty, the career challenges and still does it till now. and that is only by training hard and living the sport you do, not consider it as a means to an end but as a way of life an example of "Professionalism".
Yes he is at his final days as a footballer, but he didn't stop supporting his national team called : "Portugal".
for more info on this legend go watch his film called " Ronaldo "
My answer to this question is nothing out of normal, but Cristiano Ronaldo is something different. Leaving his house, his father, his mother and siblings to play football on the other side of the ocean with an uncertain future and years later become one of the greatest players in the earth. That demonstrates working hard get you some rewards on and of the pitch.
Obviously there have been great athletes and great tennis players in history, but I think that Roger Federer brings together a series of qualities that make him a great athlete, and a person who has managed to maintain his public and personal image brilliantly.
Beyond his Grand Slam numbers, ATP titles and Olympic medals, and the fact that he was a magnificent player on any surface, his great technique and the aesthetic beauty of his tennis meant that, as a general rule, all his matches had some truly memorable moment.
On the other hand, although he has had memorable tennis rivalries with many great tennis players, who in some cases have even been able to surpass him in certain particular numbers (such as Novak or Nadal), the admiration and mutual respect between all of them shows that, beyond the purely sporting rivalry, their competition has been very useful for them to become better athletes and people.
But it is the person that I believe also makes Roger different and especially brilliant.
My sporting hero is Rebeca Andrade, the Brazilian artistic gymnast who won four medals at the Paris Olympics this year, one gold, two silver and one bronze. I think Rebeca is a great example of overcoming and determination, and has proved how far these qualities can take us. As well as being a great inspiration to Brazilian and black women who face challenges on a daily basis. Rebeca Andrade has gone and is still going very far, competing side by side with Simone Biles, who is a spectacle.
This year I felt that the Brazilian people were much more connected to the Olympics and artistic gymnastics, Brazil stopped to watch these girls shine. I would like to express my admiration for Rebeca Andrade and the girls who shone with her: Flavia Saraiva, Jade Barbosa, Julia Soares and Lorrane Oliveira.
Wrestling - despite the pro part being completely faked, scripted, and performed, is a physically intensive sport but the iceing on the cake is that there are storylines and plots giving rivalries, stables, groups, and relationships turning it into a stunt-man meets soap that is wholely unique to the sport.
John is now an old-hat at this wrestling gimmick but what makes him my hero is his dedication to the craft and delivering to the younger generation of fans through his time with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. To date John has the most wishes granted to this foundation at 600+ entering him in the Guiness book of world records. Making children smile and happy is one of the greatest joys in life and that is why John is my favourite sporting hero!
Someone that many people haven’t heard of but someone I consider to be my sporting hero is Allyson Felix. Besides the fact that she is an extraordinary athlete, a multi-Olympic and World Championship medalist, she went further to take a very strong stand for the rights of female athletes. If Nike tried to cut her sponsorship because of pregnancy, she spoke about the discrimination many female athletes face. She did not sacrifice her values and instead left Nike to set up her own company, Saysh, which designs shoes with women's needs in mind, including such things as maternity benefits.
Felix's story is indeed very motivational because it epitomizes resilience, guts, and commitment to change. She didn't just fight for herself; she fought for a fair and inclusive environment for all female athletes. This motivates me to stand up and fight for what I believe in and to never let anyone bring me down based on standards or assumptions that are outdated.
One of most iconic career in profissional boxing is the Ali's! Muhammad Ali story in inside the boxing and outside as well make me admire him so much!
With 56 wins and 5 losses Ali made story in heavyweight modality and had tens of great and beautiful fights! But his history was far from be only in the ring! He in life had to fight som many other challengers while holding the belt and the champion title! Nonetheless that he is know as The People's Champion.
He rose to be The Greatest, a important figure in minorities fights, like the beliefs liberty since he converted to Islam, rights for the black people, and have be at the side of the grateaste figures at the time like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X! Nonetheless Ali was also investigated and spied on by the NSA!
Mohammed Ali is an inspiration for many other athletes like Mike Tyson and for the people who stands for the same causes he once defended!
For me, Ayrton Senna represented and REPRESENTS the Brazilian people. He was much more than a talent on the track, but an example of determination and love for his country. All Brazilians cheered when race conditions became difficult (for all ordinary drivers), such as in heavy rain, that was Senna's moment to shine.
I would especially highlight his work ethic: he simply strove for perfection and encouraged the millions of young Brazilians at the time to never give up. It's not for nothing that the Ayrton Senna Institute exists, which was created after his death to continue influencing young Brazilians. In this example of the quest for perfection, there is a story often told in Brazil (I can't verify its veracity, but I'm Brazilian) that a reporter was hired to photograph Senna in one of the corners, but when he developed the film he realized that all the photos from the sixth lap onwards were identical, except for the fans in the background who changed places! Senna passed at the same point every lap. Another thing that is very widespread in Brazil is how common it is to hear “I remember seeing Ayrton at the races on Saturday mornings” and this is incredible, he is simply an icon!
Senninha, one of the many representations of our idol
There was the Interlagos Grand Prix this week and it's been 31 years since his death, I wasn't even born, but it's simply impossible not to be influenced by his “aura”, in this Grand Prix the seven-time champion Hamilton thrilled the crowd at Interlagos by driving Senna's two-time champion car (his greatest reference in sport).
Alex Ovechkin. Stanley Cup Champion, Playoff MVP, 3-time NHL MVP. 9 times (an NHL record) he has won the trophy for most goals in a season, and now he's on the verge of surpassing the legendary Wayne Gretzky's record for all-time goals. Ovi is a symbol of resilience, taking roughly 13 years to get the championship he longed for, then persevering into his late thirties to try and dethrone the greatest goal scorer ever. He's also been incredibly fun to watch on and off the ice, with his one-of-a-kind humour and lethal offensive play.
I've already done a Bounty about him, and now I have the chance to talk even more. Ronaldinho Gaúcho is the true king of football (yeah, it's not "soccer", deal with it), in my opinion. He might not have been the most important of players, the ones who ushered in a new era in football, like Pelé and Messi, but he was definitely the most footballer of all players.
I remember watching him play when I was a kid, and he was my absolute sporting hero. And he’s continued to be ever since. I honestly believe that no one has ever, does, or will ever perform magic like he did. And as a football fan, it’s almost sad to think about it - he left a throne with no heirs.
If you want to see just how good he really is with a pair of boots on, check out minute 02:43 of this video (and he seems to stop just 'cause he wants to):
My sporting hero is the Brazilian four-time world boxing champion Popó Freitas. He is my sports hero because he represents much more than just victories in the ring. Popó came from a difficult background, with no resources, and used the power of his own dream as fuel to achieve what seemed impossible. He went hungry, faced difficulties and slept on the floor until he was 23. At just 14, he won his first state championship. At 17, he became Brazilian champion. And at 23, he won his first world championship. Popó saw sport as a way to change the lives of his parents and siblings, and every fight became an opportunity to give his family the dignity and comfort they never had.
He's an extremely young guy, only 21, but with the mature mind of a champion. His name is Micael Galvão. He practices jiu jitsu, which focuses on using leverage, projections and submission techniques to dominate an opponent. He is currently considered a sporting phenomenon, but why?
Micael Galvão is considered a jiu-jitsu phenomenon because of his exceptional talent, early achievements and unique fighting style that fascinates fans and professionals alike. From a young age, he stood out for his technical skill and the speed with which he rose through the competitive ranks. His smooth transitions, precise timing and in-depth knowledge of submissions and defenses make him a formidable competitor, capable of mastering both the guard game and the top game, a rare versatility in the sport.
Micael has broken records by becoming one of the youngest to win major titles at championships such as the Pan-American and International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Championships. In addition to his victories, his aggressive and creative style has attracted the attention of many: he prefers an offensive approach, always looking to submit his opponent rather than waiting for a mistake. This constant attacking mentality makes his fights exciting to watch. He is undoubtedly an inspiration to all martial arts practitioners.
In true Kiwi fashion, there's none other than the true rugby legend, All Blacks number 8
Richie McCaw
No other player before or after him will ever have the same impact as number 8. As captain of the All Blacks, he lead them to victory twice in 2011 & 2015 with his skills and prowess - something that was impressive to see firsthand. He was the epitome of everything a captain should be, whether that's his discipline and strategic thinking, or his perseverance and control under stressful (Especially being an All Black) situations.
Not only that, but during the All Blacks victory parade in Christchurch, my fondest memory is watching them all disembark off the bus and seeing the legend himself come right towards my cluster and give me a signed rugby ball. Doesn't get better than that.
My sports hero is someone who drew me into baseball before I even understood the game. Although I was just a child and couldn't grasp the rules at that age, in my distant memory, I carry the phenomenon he inspired —"Fernandomanía"— that captured fans and an entire generation. This vibrant atmosphere led me to follow the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his legacy, along with the team's iconic blue, inspired me to choose the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican league, as they share that same color. His name? Fernando Valenzuela.
Over the years, I learned more about his achievements and came to understand the profound impact he had on both the team and its fans, making him an unforgettable figure in sports.
Just a day after sharing with several coworkers what Fernando meant to me, I received the sad news of his passing on October 22, 2024, a few days before the World Series between the Dodgers and the Yankees.
Although I'm sharing this story so soon after these recent events, I do so to honor someone who inspired me since childhood, long before any current circumstances. Valenzuela made baseball unforgettable for me and proved that athletes can inspire beyond the rules of the game, even when you're not yet old enough to fully understand it.
Because of his history, injuries, and how he made a comeback, simply Ronaldo Phenomenon!
From a very young age, he captivated the world with his style of play. However, when he suffered his knee injury, many doubted he could still be a football player. In fact, when coach Felipão called up R9 for the 2002 World Cup, even Brazilians were outraged, saying it was unacceptable for a "retired player" to be selected.
Little did they know that the "retired player" would be the best player of that tournament. Ronaldo became a world champion and proved to everyone that he deserves the nickname "Phenomenon."
Maybe not so many people know that Randy Pofo (Randy MACHO MAN SAVAGE) try to be baseball player before he became a mayor Wrestler
and the mega star Michael Jordan Try to be baseball player too with mediocre result
only a few case of Dual Sport Star can be good in 2 Sport Dicipline and 1 case was Dion “Neon” Sanders that was a Baseball superstar and Football player
the other one was BO JACKSON
we don’t know exactly where he was better making a HOME RUN or a TOUCHDOWN
the case is that for a very long time this DUAL SPORT ALTER EGO was the center of many creative publishing and no one can dominate 2 sport with intensity, passion and some kind of Good bipolarity DOUBLE CHANGE like the electricing
I'm going to take what I suspect is a different direction and talk about someone who's not just currently playing, but relatively early on in their career.
This is Georgi Minoungou, a midfielder for the Seattle Sounders. He's an Ivory Coast native who was playing for a professional Czech team until the start of 2023, when the Sounder's brought him in to play on their reserve team based in Tacoma, and after a single season they opted to call him up to the main team.
Unfortunately, after spending some time during the preseason in Spain, Minoungou noticed some swelling in one of his eyes and wound up needing a critical medical procedure. It was discovered that he'd lost nearly all of his vision in the affected eye, but he didn't give up on playing. He was sent back to Tacoma while he recovered and to get his feet back under him, but late in the season (just over a month ago, in fact) he was called up again, and he's proved on the national stage that even with only one good eye he can keep up with the best in MLS.
Despite his setback, Minoungou is fast, aggressive, and knows how to put the ball in the back of the net when he can't get it to one of the team's strikers. He may never be a household name like Jordan or Gretzky, since soccer is less popular here in the states, but I look forward to seeing just how high he can climb.
Defintely i'll stick with Michael Jordan till the end of my days.
Where to start...the man, the legendary basketball player, this guy is the hero of millions of us due to his exceptional talent, determination, and inspirational spirit. His unmatched athleticism and ability to elevate his game in clutch moments have solidified his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time, when he retired was painfull for a lot of fans, everybody needs someone to follow and admire... for me, i havent found a replacement for this exceptional human.
Without question. I remember doing a school project on him in third grade. I didn't even know anything about Basketball really, but I knew Michael Jordan. Diving not just into his accomplishments but also his history was inspirational for my younger self.
My sporting hero plays Gaelic football from Ireland and is named fintan Cregg. Hes from Elphin Co Roscommon and once let me go in a tractor with him and is good friends with my dad
He retired with a perfect professional record of 50 wins and 0 losses.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (born February 24, 1977, Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.) is an American boxer whose combination of speed, power, and technical prowess made him one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time.
He retired with a perfect professional record of 50 wins and 0 losses.
