If you’re looking for a list of the top ten great athletes who are the best role models, this article is for you.
Many great athletes worldwide have also proven to be inspiring role models to people, both young and old.
From overcoming obstacles such as horrific injuries to selfless charity work, these athletes have proven themselves to be great role models who have used their positions of fame and wealth to help and improve the world and the lives of countless people.
This article will list what we believe to be the top ten athletes who are also great role models.
10. Bethany Hamilton – overcame a horrific injury to achieve her sporting goals
Bethany Hamilton, who has a movie based on her inspiring life entitled Soul Surfer, suffered a horrific shark attack in 2003. Her injuries during the attack were terrible, as she lost an arm.
Despite her injury, she bravely overcame these difficulties to return to her passion for surfing remarkably just one month later.
She went on to have a brilliant career, winning many competitions, and now has her own charity that aims to help young amputees to achieve their goals too.
9. Clayton Kershaw – the majority of his earnings are donated to charity
Clayton Kershaw is a baseball player who is one of the highest-paid players in the MLB. Most of his earnings go to charity, and his charity organization called Kershaw’s Challenge caters to the specific needs of African orphans.
8. Steph Curry – active with several charities
Steph Curry is not only a great team player who continually maintains a positive attitude towards his opponents but also an excellent entrepreneur involved with several charities. This generous attitude easily makes him one of America’s treasures.
7. Roger Federer – appointed as a UNICEF GoodWill Ambassador in 2006
Widely regarded as one of the best tennis players of all time, Roger Federer was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2006 and has been involved with many charities that help victims of natural disasters.
MORE: The Tell Me The Good News guide to the most inspiring sportspeople of all time.
6. John Cena – holds the record for the most Make-A-Wish requests granted
John Cena is a WWE star who has been transforming lives since the start of his career. Not only does he often visit sick children in hospital and their homes, but he also proudly claims the current record for Make-A-Wish” requests that were granted – over 450.
5. Michael Oher – overcame poverty to become a success
Michael Oher’s life is so inspirational that it was played out in the major motion picture The Blind Side. Born in Memphis with no father and a mother addicted to drugs, Michael grew up in poverty and was placed into the foster care system.
He went on to be adopted by a supportive family who helped him excel in school and achieve his goals of making it in the NFL as an offensive tackle. He has used his influence and fame to raise awareness for kids growing up in similar situations.
4. Billie Jean King – founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation
Billie Jean King won 39 Grand Slam titles in women’s tennis and famously won the “Battle of the Sexes” match against Bobby Riggs.
She founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation and has always strongly advocated gender equality. She is one of the most outstanding role models in sports for young women.
3. Marcus Rashford – tackles the societal issues of child poverty, racism, and homelessness
While Marcus Rashford is well-known to millions for being a great soccer player for Manchester United, he has also become well renowned for his activism to influence young people’s lives across the UK positively.
His experience of poverty has helped motivate him to tackle critical societal issues such as racism, homelessness, and child poverty.
2. Serena Williams – a perfect role model for women all over the world
Serena Williams is a perfect role model for women all over the world. She has repeatedly used her incredible skills to win 18 Grand Slams and has actively motivated and inspired young ladies by showing that anything is possible through hard work and determination.
READ MORE: Our list of the most inspiring sports quotes.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – one of if not the most giving athlete in the world
In first place on our list of what we believe to be the top ten athletes who are also great role models is the world-class soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the most giving athletes in the world.
From building schools in the Gaza Strip, aiding in rebuilding after earthquakes, donating entire wings to hospitals, and paying for patients to test experimental cancer drugs, the list of selfless his selfless acts is endless.
He even refuses to get tattoos so that he can donate blood regularly.
That concludes our article on what we believe to be the top ten athletes who are also great role models. Are there other great athletes who are also great role models you think deserve a place on our list?
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