Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.
There are thousands of pro athletes. Some of them get to be part of a team, while others have to figure it out on their own. Some pros sit at the end of the bench while others regularly compete for hours at a time. A minority get to enjoy the spoils of superstardom while the rest would be happy to tag along. The most visible athletes revolutionise their games. They are pioneers who discover new frontiers and raise the bar for the competition. The following is a list of stars who’ve earned my respect. Not only are they the finest on court, but they’re likewise indomitable off of it. Without further ado, here’s my catalogue.
1. Steph Curry (basketball). Hailed as the deadliest shooter ever, Curry is the proud owner of four NBA chip rings. He upturned the league by making the three pointer a staple of today’s game. He was the first ever unanimous MVP. He was likewise the first player in the L to have a $200 million contract. He has won two scoring titles and holds a plethora of shooting records.
Outside of the hardwood, Chef Curry is a family man, father to three kids. He’s also Dell Curry’s son. The latter played in the Association for fourteen seasons. More than being an exemplary father, Curry is never afraid to make his voice heard. He would speak up about Black Lives Matter. He made a stand by not visiting the Trump White House. He has used his considerable position as the game’s greatest shooter to address many pervasive issues. The NBA may be a business but it’s also a brotherhood.
2. Giannis Antetokoumpo (basketball). The two-time league MVP grew up bare bones in Greece. However, The Greek Freak utilised his towering height to create opportunities for a better life. As a testament to his drive, two of his brothers have since made it to the league. Despite having only one chip to his name, he was recently honoured as one of the 75 greatest players.
Giannis was an outsider, being black in Athens. He didn’t let this deter him. Initially, he was all long arms and no skills. He used to train in a third class gym. Overnight, he became the country‘s premiere player and scouts were lining up in the rudimentary facility. Soon, he would be Milwaukee’s lottery pick. There was talk of relocating the Bucks. With the 2021 title, he really saved the city. This marked their first title in fifty years.
Off the court, Giannis may be playful but he’s always respectful. He has a great appreciation for the legends that balled before him. He even went around with that notebook to jot down key pointers from Garnett etc. He also picked up English really quick as he adjusted to life in the US. Aside from being a fast and willing learner, he has used his clout to address key issues. He is vocal about the issues facing black men in America. Like Curry, he has given back to charity, often speaking up on various causes. In his own way, he has done so much in a brief time. Despite his impressive on-court performances, he’s much more than just a basketball superstar. (See also: Giannis by Mirin Fader)
3. Novak Djokovic (tennis). Recently, Nole has overtaken Rafa as the most prolific men’s grand slam winner. The slender Serb is undoubtedly the sport’s greatest returner. He slides around the court like spandex. He holds the record for most Aussie Opens with ten. Since 2010, he is only the second hombre not named Nadal to have won it all at Roland Garros. He has spent the most weeks as world numero uno. He’s also a doting dad and hubby.
He has come a long way from his surprise 2008 victory lap at Melbourne Park. Sure, he’s had shoulder surgeries. He lost a few finales. He missed out on the Olympic Final. On the whole though, he emerged triumphant twenty-one times. Most tennis servers would be lucky to reach two grand slam finals for their careers. This proves his consistency, his ability to be motivated night in and night out. The Djoker has spoken out about Kosovo and stood pat on his COVID stance. Despite being deported, he stood his ground. He did not hesitate in the face of regulations and missed slams. His work with disadvantaged children is also well documented.
4. Nathan Cleary (rugby league). This time, I respect Cleary mostly for his on-field Magic. He captained Penrith to three straight Premierships, unheard of since the merger. Most recently, when they were down big with twenty minutes left, he almost single-handedly lifted his squad to the top. His superb kicking game and ice cold tenacity ensured that the Panthers lifted the trophy for another day. No doubt, at the moment, he’s the game’s greatest halfback. It helps that he operates under his dad. Did you remember though when they were underperforming? So-called league experts thought that this may not work. Now, these self-same pundits are aglow with praise.
Like Nole, Cleary has been a model of consistency. Though just twenty-five, he’s wise beyond his years. He doesn’t let the bright lights blind him. He’s always up for a challenge, a clutch performer. Off the field, his life has been relatively ho-hum. Apart from the COVID vaudeville, he’s mostly stayed off the spotlight.
5. Lionel Messi (football). Who knew that slight players could make such a difference? Well, have you heard of Messi? At five-seven, the Argentine’s slightly taller than Diego Maradona but just as sharp. He was a football prodigy and as a teener, played for the national team. He spent his best years with FC Barcelona, where he teamed up with Neymar and Luis Suarez. He won six Ballon D’or while with them, before taking his talents to Paris. Altogether, he has garnered a record seven Ballon spread through three decades. Throughout his career, Messi has been one of the most prolific goal scorers. He never let his small frame define him. Don’t let his boyish looks fool you. Once he’s locked in, you’ll need a paradigm shift to figure him out.
Though initially unsuccessful, he still made winning the World Cup a priority. Last year, he finally delivered the trophy to Argentina. His commitment to his country is quite impressive. As a pro footballer, he has to contend with a long schedule. The game can be very exhausting. To dedicate his time and effort to Argentina…more pros should be like him. At last glance, his son is his splitting image.
