Vince Papale Image credit: VincePapale.com In the late 70s, Vincent Francis […] Williams took part in 39 combat missions as a pilot in both World War II and the Korean War. Also, the story behind this success is an example of what happens when you don’t give up. The struggle had just started with this as after the match his health got worsen. He took a sabbatical and battled cancer like a true warrior. Over 1 Crore People Across Bengal Reached with Doorstep Delivery of … Though he himself was battling with cancer. Even his journey to cricket is inspiring as he had to struggle a lot to make it to International Cricket. However, Bethany was not someone like that. All Votes Add Books To This List. His hardships made him empathetic towards the less privileged. She is known for her achievements as well as for her inspiring story. As you need to follow a strict regime and go through rigorous training be it any sport. Magic Johnson, Lou Gehrig and Tiger Woods are just a few of the athletes who have inspired others in their respective sports. It was during the finals of the 2011 World Cup when he was diagnosed by a life-threatening disease-Cancer just before the match. He was being isolated by his friends as they considered him weak. Pacquiao began his life with a troubled background growing up in the Philippines, but ended up working his way to stardom in the boxing ring, where he currently stands 54-3 in his illustrious career. There were six quarterbacks that were taken before him in that draft, which ended up being six too many in the end. WhatsApp. Despite all the obstacles she went on to become one of the most famous surfers all over the World. With no parental supervision and nowhere to turn, a Mississippi family decided to take him in and make them a part of their family. Five years after his shocking announcement, Johnson was able to play again for the Lakers at the end of the 95-96 NBA season. 10 inspiring comeback stories of athletes who never gave up! His story is truly motivating and inspiring for every one of us. SHARE. EMAIL. He is still considering an icon to many boxing fans who watch the sport today. After already having a Hall of Fame career, Gehrig was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 1939. Even cancer and an artificial leg could not stop him to achieve his goals. Muhammad Ali. They are all proof that strength comes from within and it conquers any obstacle, pain, and injustice. No one believed in her abilities. The NFL is full of inspiring stories, ranging from out-of-nowhere players making names for themselves and becoming stars, to in-their-prime players proving that some things are bigger than the sport. With his one artificial leg, he ran about 8000 Km across Canada. He was 11 when both his father and brother became an alcoholic. From four-season athletes to motivational speakers, some Special Olympians' most inspiring stories. However, he did not let the success get into his head. Never quit!”. Woods is arguably the best golfer in the history of his sport. He not only came back to life but started racing again and won two more world championships. NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin summed up White the best when he said, "He was a gift from God, and that's all you need to know about Reggie White". With a lot of physical and emotional stress, he rigorously worked on himself. Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan in Pursuit of a Dream By Deloris Jordan and Roslyn M. Jordan, illustrated by Kadir Nelson 1 of 8 Rio saw some of the most daring Indians this year. June 24, 2019 . The … Ruettiger was deemed too small to ever play football, yet he proved his doubters wrong but not only making Notre Dame's football team, but also getting some playing time as well. He thought he would never be able to live a normal life. In a period when females weren’t known for being ‘strong and sexy’ – Rachel was the first Ms. Olympia champion and woman to gain popularity for her muscle size and tone. They thought that this young rising star is on his death bed already. The former Minnesota Twins star made news in 1978, when he made an unimaginable offer to then-California Angels owner Gene Autry. However, she suffered a lot of injuries and had to leave wrestling for some years. So, here are some success stories of inspirational athletes. Since his death in 1972, MLB has picked one day out of the regular season where every play on each team were's old number 42, in honor of the late baseball and American sports hero. By Chinmay Pagar. However, his mother pushed him out, she would treat him like a normal kid. As you need to follow a strict regime and go through rigorous training be it any sport. While rehabbing, he was diagnosed with a form of cancer known as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Kieran Behan, Gymnast Take, for example, the story of one 10-year-old boy who decided to study Judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. At the age of 27, he was told that there are very fewer chances of him getting back to life. The Chattanooga, Tennessee native was nearly unblockable on defense, as he racked up nearly 200 sacks in his 15-year pro career. She became the first Indian woman to reach the final of an Olympic at the age of 20. Rachel is #1 on our list, as she was the inspirational female athlete ahead of her time. In fact, she is known to be a better wrestler than many of the male wrestlers. "Teddy Ballgame" was a 19-time All-Star in the big leagues, and was also dedicated to his country through military service as well. For 15 long months, he went through a roller-coaster life. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.”. Here are 10 such stories in what will be your overdose of inspiration for the week: 1) Glenn Cunningham Top 5 Inspirational Female Athletes 1. By ... Share on. She started wrestling at the age of 15. She was born with a birth defect called Fibular Hemimelia. He once said ” I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. Thus, he had to go through a very difficult childhood. As all of them have fought against extreme odds and achieved enormous success. Read the inspirational stories of Wheelchair Athletes who are living examples of miracles. Also, she was awarded the most prestigious Indian awards like Arjuna Awards and the Padma Shree Award. Thankfully, the tumor was non-cancerous. He would have died on the spot if he was not pulled by the other drivers from the raging flames. After all, he was a bartender from Philly, and hadn't even played football when he was in college. He also did something else that was almost unheard of in those days. “Happiness is nothing but satisfaction-satisfaction through work, thoughts, and accomplishing our mission.”. Magic Johnson, Lou Gehrig and Tiger Woods are just a … In his 3 lines, he gave a lifetime lesson. “When you’re in a rhythm during the season, you’re going to fail seven out of 10 times,”- Mark Texeira, Yankees. The bad childhood didn’t stop him to grow in fact, it pushed him harder. She won a lot of games even after the comeback. He was an amazing talent and dominated both in the outfield and at the plate while in the major leagues. Since bursting onto the scene in New York, shattering the 100m world record, Usain Bolt has become one of the most decorated athletes of all time. Inspirational stories of Paralympic athletes 09-03-2020. “Today, you have 100% of your … We see a lot of success stories in sports with athletes doing brilliantly and earning a name for themselves. Whether they’re true stories or not is another thing, as many of them are legends supposedly hundreds of years old. Watch them as they deliver an unforgettable performance and their view of the events years after. However, the stories … Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. He also was one of the best shot-blockers of all time during his 10 seasons in the league. However, she was adamant and fought against all the odds to ink her name in history. She didn’t only lose hope but began surfing within a month. Wrestling has been a male-dominated sport. He is now one of the most famous footballers in the World and the richest too. Guess what? But it is the stories of sportsmen turning around failure into a success that has the real flavour and something one can take inspiration from. With his one artificial leg, he ran about 8000 Km across Canada. Doctors told him that he would never be able to walk again. Making a name in the world of sports itself is inspiring. Warner's story is one that you can hear over and over without it ever getting old. At just 26 years old, he has a chance to be the greatest athlete to ever participate in his sport. In 1996, he was diagnose with testicular cancer, and doctors informed that he had around a 20-percent chance to survive. He is an inspiration to all QBs everywhere, as well as another member of this list, Tom Brady. The great story of star boxer Manny Pacquiao might be one of the lesser known stories on this list. Aimee Mullins is a brave, strong, inspirational woman. This gave her a lot of confidence and there was no looking back since then. She lost 60% of her blood in the attack. 1. He is a true example of humanity and courage. The story of Rudy Ruettiger is another one that become very well-known throughout American sports history. You won't find many people out there that are more dedicated to their home country than Manute Bol. 3. His story became an inspiration to many Americans that have fought with cancer over the years. Jesse Owens (Track Athlete) The story of Jesse Owens is one of historical timing, as an outstanding young athlete he reached his full sporting potential at the time of the 1936 Olympics. Thus, people love him not only for his great work but also for the kind of human he is. Throughout the course of sports history, there have been many professional athletes who have inspired the masses. First Half Marathon at 72. His career last an amazing 22 years, and he scored 894 goals and added 1,963 assists during that time. Unfortunately, that lead him to be wheel-chair-bound. The former NBA star set up numerous charitable organizations throughout his life and was very active in trying to help out people in the nation of Sudan. Also, after defeating cancer he made his comeback and won hearts again! Who doesn’t know this man? That’s how famous he is! Clemente died in late 1972 when the plane that he was in crashed on the way to help out earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest pro basketball player of all time. Your email address will not be published. *This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer for more information. He was just 10 years old when he was diagnosed with a tumor in his left thigh. However, he didn’t. Celebrate the uplifting stories and take a deeper look into the inspiring lives of athletes with Sports Illustrated's Inspirations. Michael Oher's story is one of the best ones in American sports history. Many of these athletes, as true warriors that they are, find the strength to fight and overcome adversity; moving forward and letting go of what held them down, with many if not most of them returning to their sports and sharing their inspirational stories with the world. 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