There are many talented athletes out there, but some go beyond the sport of sports. These athletes use their platform and influence to create social change. This article will look at a few of them: Serena Williams (Michael Phelps), Brittany Griner (Brittany Griner), and Mary Keitany. These athletes motivate us to get involved and be better people.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is a great athlete. As a teenager, Phelps turned professional and has won 28 Olympic Medals over four Olympic Games as well as 39 World Records. Phelps was also a survivor of depression. He has since been an advocate for mental and emotional well-being. Phelps recently produced "The Weight of Gold," a HBO Sports documentary. Interviews with Olympians Greg Louganis (who is widely regarded as the greatest diver) are included 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 create schools for underprivileged children, and championed healthcare for women and infants. She has also been a vocal opponent of gender violence and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Brittany Griner
Brittany Griner’s story is an inspiration to many athletes. She was bullied at school, and was once called "a boy." Griner considered slitting her wrists because she felt like an outcast. Griner persevered despite the negative comments and became an Olympic gold-medalist.
Mary Keitany
Keitany won TCS New York Marathon the year 2018. After winning the race, she knew she would win the New York City Marathon in 2019. Her motivation was simple: win for her children, and to show how proud mom she is of them. Keitany achieved this despite the difficulties she experienced after giving birth.
Michael Oher
Michael Oher was born a nomad. He and his siblings were removed from their mother's home by child services at the tail end the first grade. They were moved around from foster homes to friend's couches.
Althea Gibbons
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.