Admirable Athletes
Throughout the course of sports history, there have been many athletes whose lives and careers have inspired others. Even if you are not interested in sports, their stories are awe-inspiring.
Keywords
- record (n.)
- inspirational (adj.)
- handful (n.)
- professional (adj.)
- amazing (adj.)
Babe Ruth
In February 1895, a boy was born in a poor neighbourhood in Baltimore, USA. This boy was a true troublemaker. He became too much of a handful for his parents, and they sent him to an orphanage. Here, the boy, who would later be known to the world as Babe Ruth, was introduced to baseball. His talent was huge, and he went professional at age 19. Babe Ruth had a marvellous career, breaking many records and hitting a total of 714 home runs over the course of his career – a record that stood until 1974.
Muhammad Ali
Another inspirational story is that of Muhammad Ali. He was born as Cassius Clay in 1942. He started boxing at age 12, and in 1964, at the age of 22, he won the World Heavyweight Championship. Shortly after, he joined the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. In 1967, he refused to join the American army in the Vietnam War and spent four years in prison for this decision. When he got out, he returned to boxing and won the World Heavyweight Championship title another two times. He will forever be remembered both for his clear talent and his objection to the Vietnam War.
Bethany Hamilton
Almost 100 years after Babe Ruth and 50 years after Muhammad Ali, another inspirational athlete was born: Bethany Hamilton. You have probably never heard her name before, but this professional surfer is more than amazing. In 2003, at the age of 13, a tiger shark attacked her, and she lost her left arm – and nearly her life. However, she returned to surfing less than one year later and has since turned professional.
Overcoming Obstacles
In addition to these three stars, many others have inspired the world. Athletes such as HIV-positive basketball star Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi, who has become the world's best football player in spite of a growth defect, and Saudi Arabian female track runner Sarah Attar, who is fighting for women's rights, all continue to inspire young and old alike in their own individual ways.