The Rising

Serena Williams, the girl from Compton, rose to become the greatest player in WTA history.

LeBron James has entertained millions of fans but James’ contribution to society goes way beyond his on-court endeavors.

Tiger Woods, Simone Manuel and the Jamaican bobsled team.

Pelé, an Afro-Brazilian, rose to become the greatest footballer in history.

Muhammad Ali was one of the most powerful fighters in boxing, and one of the most powerful voices in sport.

Hank Aaron’s bid to break Babe Ruth’s iconic home run record laid bare the racial divisions of USA in the 1970s.

All Black Jonah Lomu turbocharged the professionalization of the sport of rugby.

Usain Bolt made sprinting look easy, even when it wasn’t.

Simone Biles' ability to conquer personal trauma means her greatness extends far beyond the sport.

Jesse Owens disproved Adolf Hitler’s poisonous rhetoric, but he did not return home to a life befitting such a superstar.

Colin Kaepernick became a lightning rod for racial tension in the United States when he took a knee in 2016.

With black-gloved salutes, Tommy Smith and John Carlos brought world attention of civil rights.

The only black driver in F1 history has won the most F1 world championships.

Willie Mays led by example and there is an uncomfortable question to be asked about tennis pioneer Althea Gibson.

The Rooney Rule promised fairer hiring practices in the NFL, but nearly 20 years later, little has changed.

NBA superstar Michael Jordan helps grow the game of basketball around the world.

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka is one of a kind.

Joe Louis was the first African American hero for all Americans.

Bubba Wallace is changing NASCAR.

Florence Griffith Joyner captivated the world with speed and style. But with Flo-Jo there was always a but.

Michael Johnson was the athlete of his generation.

Ibtihaj Muhammad’s pioneering work has inspired Muslim athletes and Wilt Chamberlain the larger than life character.

African American tennis player Arthur Ashe and his commitment to social causes.

World middleweight boxing champion Marvelous Marvin Hagle fights for belts and child welfare.

Nelson Mandela brought unity to the South African sporting scene after the abolishment of apartheid.