NationStates Jolt Archive

To begin, I want to say that I do not believe that sportspersons do "inspiring" things; they just play games, no-one's life depends on their actions. However, some modern athletes are absolutely incredible. I'm not going with a poll, because I may get my head bitten off for not including, say, any NFL or MLB players...

So, any suggestions? Who is the most inspiring one of all?


PS - I say Tiger Woods. No one (that I can think of) in recent times has influenced a sport as much as he has.

Saku Koivu.

Lance Armstrong?

Kent Hrbek.

O.J.? well, no...
actually, I'd say George Weah, the (former) soccer player who's done so much in the field of charity especially for his own country, LIberia. He's actually running for president there, and he might have a chance alongside all those other, mostly corrupted, candidates!

Tom Boonen

steve waugh

steve waugh

Seconded

For some reason, I read this topic as "Most Inspiring Short person"; the first one that comes immediately to mind is Robert DeNiro (the short actor, if I remember correctly).

As for inspirational sportspeople.... I don't follow sports much, so I don't have any suggestions.

--The Democratic States of Cogitation

For some reason, I read this topic as "Most Inspiring Short person";
In that case, put my vote in for Ronnie Corbett!


Back to the sportspersons - I admire Steve Redgrave (gold medallist in rowing in 5 consecutive olympics). To keep up that sort of drive and determination for so long is incredible. Apparently he would push himself so hard in training on the rowing machines he would pass out.
As for others, definitely Lance Armstrong. Greg Louganis (diving) coming back from cracking his skull open on the board at the 92 (or was it 88?) Olympics to win gold is pretty damn admirable. There was also some downhill skier who wiped out spectacularly at an Olympics a few years back, breaking ribs dislocating shoulders, twisting knees etc etc and came back two days later and won the next event.
Also Michael Jordan. Not only for his professionalism and dedication (I like the story of him not getting picked for his high school basketball team, so spent the whole summer practising), but also as far as I'm aware he's never had any dirty laundry or skeletons in closets to air - a rarity in sports nowadays. And he has retired gracefully, not popping up here there and everywhere to remind the public who he was.

Terry Fox

Derek Jeter. He's a true leader and has always been a gentleman in the public spotlight. He's a very good role model.

He's not the best baseball player, but he's a very good person from what I've seen.

mohammed ali

when he went to jail rather than going to vietnam he stood up and paid the price for his beliefs. that kind of courage is inspiring whether you think he was right or not.

but also as far as I'm aware he's never had any dirty laundry or skeletons in closets to air - a rarity in sports nowadays.

Well he did have that affair on his wife.


My vote goes to Roberto Clemente. Died while flying relief to the earthquake victims in Nicaragu.

Also, the NFL is an outstanding organization. They do great work for many charities, esp the United Way. Many, many players give freely of their time and money to various charities. Infact, many teams require all of their players to contribute to the community that they play for.

My bf woudl probably name a lto of hockey players who do tonnes of charity work in their communities.

However, I'm not much of a sports enthusiast so I can't help. There are lots of guys out there who give back and that's commendable. I think you should include in your definition of inspiring those who have overcome great personal obstacles in order to get where they are.

Jim Thorpe.
Jackie Robinson.

Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards - Fly Eddie, Fly!

For some reason, I read this topic as "Most Inspiring Short person"; the first one that comes immediately to mind is Robert DeNiro (the short actor, if I remember correctly).

As for inspirational sportspeople.... I don't follow sports much, so I don't have any suggestions.

--The Democratic States of Cogitation

Hmm... now that's an interesting idea... would anyone respond to a "Most Inspiring Short Person" thread?

Kudos to the person who mentioned Lance Armstrong. I forgot about him, but to beat cancer and then win the world's toughest bike race 5 (maybe even 6) times in a row is just... wow...

Dan Marino. Anybody who builds children's hospitals out of his own generosity is good in my book.

Short Person: Definitely Ronnie Corbett. Points to whoever suggested that first.
Sportsperson: Lance Armstrong.

Back when he was playing and had a sterling reputation, I was a huge admirer of Kirby Puckett. But when everything started coming out about his private life, I was hugely disappointed.

I guess if I had to make a choice now it would be John Elway. Never liked the Broncos and wasn't a huge fan of Elway but he was one of the hardest nosed players I've ever seen. His Super Bowl run is a classic.