Senna was known for his speed and agility on the track. He was also famous for his courage in facing extreme weather and track conditions. One of the iconic moments in Senna’s career was his victory in the 1984 Monaco Grand Prix in heavy rain.
In addition to his racing achievements, Senna was involved in various charitable activities and helped many people in Brazil. He is an example of how the greatest athletes can be role models for many and have a positive impact on society.
Baca Juga
11. Jackie Joyner-Kersee: The Queen of Multi-Sport Athletics
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the greatest multi-sport athletes in history. Born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, she won Olympic gold medals in the heptathlon and pentathlon and held world records in several athletic disciplines.
Her success in multi-sport athletics showcases her remarkable ability in various athletic fields. She is an example that one can become a specialist in different sports disciplines and achieve extraordinary success.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Joyner-Kersee is actively involved in charitable activities and has founded a foundation to help underprivileged children and fight against diseases. She is proof that the greatest athletes are not only known for their achievements but also for their kindness.
12. Jesse Owens: Record-Breaker and Anti-Racism Pioneer
Jesse Owens is one of the greatest athletes in history, and more than that, he was a pioneer in the fight against racism. Born on September 12, 1913, in Oakville, Alabama, Owens became famous at the 1936 Berlin Olympics when he won four gold medals in sprint and long jump events.
His achievements at the 1936 Olympics were extraordinary, especially given the historical context. The Olympics were held during Adolf Hitler’s regime, which promoted racial supremacy. Owens’ victories were a blow to Nazi propaganda, and he became a symbol of resistance against racism.
Owens also represents how a great athlete can use their influence to advocate for essential issues. He fought for civil rights and openly spoke about racism in the United States. His athletic achievements and social activism have inspired many people.
13. Martina Navratilova: Tennis Legend and LGBTQ+ Activist
Martina Navratilova is one of the greatest tennis players of all time and a determined LGBTQ+ activist. Born on October 18, 1956, in Prague, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Navratilova won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and 31 Grand Slam doubles titles.
Her tennis skills are the result of extraordinary hard work and dedication. She is a perfect example of how an athlete can achieve the pinnacle of success through consistent training and involvement.
Beyond her tennis accomplishments, Navratilova has been a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. She openly declared her sexual orientation in 1981, at a time when it was still considered controversial. Navratilova is living proof that even the greatest athletes can use their influence to advocate for important causes and bring about change in society.
14. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: The Greatest in Basketball
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Born with the name Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. on April 16, 1947, in New York City, he has broken records in NBA history. Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leading scorer in the NBA and has won six NBA championships.
In addition to his basketball success, Abdul-Jabbar is actively involved in charitable activities and is a voice in various social issues. He is a prime example of a great athlete using their fame for positive change in society.
15. Edson Arantes do Nascimento: The King Pele
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, is one of the all-time soccer legends. Pelé was born on October 23, 1940, in Três Corações, Brazil. From a young age, he displayed exceptional talent in soccer. Pelé won three FIFA World Cups with the Brazilian national team in 1958, 1962, and 1970, and he scored over 1,000 goals in his career.
Pelé’s skill and goal-scoring ability made him a formidable force that was challenging for opponents to stop. He had a remarkable kicking technique and an unrivaled instinct for scoring goals. Pelé’s soccer accomplishments created history, and he continues to be one of the greatest soccer players to have ever graced the sport.
In addition to his soccer accomplishments, Pelé has been actively involved in various charitable and humanitarian activities. He is a living example that even the greatest athletes can use their fame for a more significant purpose than merely playing the sport.
16. Florence Griffith-Joyner: Speed in History
Florence Griffith-Joyner, known as Flo-Jo, is one of the fastest sprinters in the history of sports. Born on December 21, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, she broke multiple world records in sprinting in 1988, including the 100 meters and 200 meters.
Flo-Jo was known for her striking appearance on the track, with colorful nails and vibrant attire. However, beneath her eye-catching appearance, she was an incredibly serious athlete who worked hard to achieve her extraordinary success.
Her achievements in sprinting are the result of rigorous training and unwavering determination. She proved that a great athlete can attain exceptional achievements through hard work and a strong will.
17. Babe Ruth: Baseball Legend
Babe Ruth is one of the greatest baseball players in history. Born with the name George Herman Ruth on February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland, he broke numerous records in baseball and is regarded as one of the best hitters in history.
His baseball accomplishments include holding the record for the most home runs, a record that stood for decades. Ruth also won seven home run titles in his baseball career.
In addition to his baseball success, Ruth was known for his friendly personality and good-hearted nature. He is an example of a great athlete who had a positive influence on society.
18. Wilma Rudolph: A Miracle in Sprinting
Wilma Rudolph is a story of a miracle in the world of sports. Born on June 23, 1940, in Saint Bethlehem, Tennessee, Rudolph overcame many obstacles in her life. She suffered from polio as a child and was thought to have difficulty walking again. However, with determination and the support of her family, she not only learned to walk but also became one of the greatest sprinters in history.
Rudolph won three Olympic gold medals in 1960 and broke world records in sprinting. Her life story is an inspiration to many, especially those facing trials and tribulations in their lives.
19. Yusra Mardini: A Refugee Hero and Swimming Athlete
Yusra Mardini is one of the greatest swimming athletes and a refugee hero. Born on March 5, 1998, in Damascus, Syria, Mardini faced a challenging journey when escaping the civil war in her country. Alongside her sister, she embarked on a dangerous voyage across the Mediterranean Sea in a leaky rubber boat in search of asylum in Europe.
Mardini survived and eventually settled in Germany. There, she continued her career as a swimmer and competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. Her achievements outside the swimming pool are a testament to perseverance and determination to survive and achieve dreams, even in the face of extraordinary adversity.
20. Larry Bird: The Basketball Maestro from Indiana
Larry Bird is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, Bird won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and became one of the most revered players in sports history.
Bird’s three-point shooting skills and his court vision made him one of the best basketball players in history. He also had legendary rivalries with players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, which were highlights in NBA history.
Apart from his basketball achievements, Bird has been actively involved in various charitable and humanitarian activities. He is an example of how a great athlete can have a positive impact on society.
The history of the world’s greatest athletes is replete with inspirational stories. From boxing legends to basketball icons, from gymnastic greats to sprinting champions, each athlete has their unique story. They are proof that with hard work, determination, and an unwavering spirit, one can achieve remarkable success in sports and become a source of inspiration for generations to come. Their success often transcends the field of play as they become role models and voices for various social and humanitarian issues. The history of the greatest athletes is an endless source of inspiration, and they will always be remembered as sporting heroes who have made the world proud.
