Iconic athletes who have transcended beyond their sport

Every once in a while, very few athletes who aren't made to stay in their lane come along. Some are much bigger than the sport they perform in.

There are true icons in sports whose names go far beyond the sport they played. You may know the name, but don't know anything about the sport. Here are some of the athletes who transcended their sport.

Michael Jordan revolutionised the game of basketball with his drive for excellence and clutch performances, which helped him win six NBA Championships and five league MVPs. 'MJ was a ten-time scoring champion and one of the most famous athletes of his generation. His name goes far beyond the hard floor in America.

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Jordan is still a household name because of his extremely popular Air Jordan sneakers, which he released with Nike in 1984. The Sneakers became a staple of pop culture and are still some of the most popular trainers to date. His appearances in commercials and TV shows helped him become an icon and legend. He turned his brand into a billion-dollar empire.

Muhammed Ali was the 'People's Champion' known for elite speed, charismatic personality, and becoming the heavyweight world champion. However, it wasn't his boxing skills that helped him transcend beyond his sport.

Ali won the hearts and minds of the masses by campaigning for social justice. He used his vast platform to promote civil rights and speak out against racism and war. He was even arrested for refusing to fight in the Vietnam War. Future generations of activists and athletes still feel his legacy.

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete who left an undeniable mark on sporting history after securing four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games in Nazi Germany. He won in the 100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, and 4×100 meters relay.

His success was a historic achievement, proving to Hitler that the Aryan race was not superior and showcased the ability of black athletes. Owens' achievements showed what black people could achieve when America was still in segregation and under Jim Crow laws.

Argentinian Lionel Messi transcended beyond football because of his pure ability on the pitch and how he could captivate a global audience with his magician-like ability that helped him secure eight Ballon d'Or's and countless trophies worldwide.

Messi is Barcelona's all-time leading goalscorer. He has won ten La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues. Winning the World Cup with Argentina secured his place as the best footballer ever and confirmed his name as a global trademark.

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American Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players, having won 12 singles and 16 women's doubles titles. However, her advocacy for equal rights and equal pay led her to become one of the most important women athletes in history.

King became an activist for gay rights, receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and is a role model for the 1972 passage of Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs. She founded the Women's Tennis Association to promote equal representation and led players in a vote for equal pay at the US Open in 1973.

Very few athletes have been able to transcend a sport like Tiger Woods has for golf, displaying talent nothing short of sensational and going on one of the most dominant spells in sporting history, winning 14 major titles between 1997 and 2006.

His miracle at the Masters in 2019 is one of the most captivating sporting achievements, as he won his 15th major championship. His dedication and how he brought fitness into golf have changed the dynamics of the sport. His success has also made golf more accessible for ethnic minorities in a sport dominated by white people.

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff revolutionised football. He was one of the best players of his generation, leading Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands to trophy success with his flamboyant style and skills other players couldn't comprehend. His 'Cruyff turn' is used by millions across the world.

Much of how football is played today has come from Cruyff's philosophy as Barcelona's manager in the 1980s and '90s. He liked his teams to be fluid, play attacking football, and nurture young talent. Beyond the football pitch, Cruyff spent time helping masses of young, disadvantaged children gain access to sporting facilities worldwide.

Eddy Merckx is a name synonymous with cycling greatness. He won every Grand Tour, including a record five times Tour de France. He also became the first rider to win the Triple Crown of Cycling, which consists of winning the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and men's road race at the World Championships in one calendar year.

Beyond being the greatest cyclist ever during the 1960s and 1970s, Merckx took the sport to a new level, demanding higher salaries for the riders and improved infrastructure, while also advocating for cycling safety.

LeBron James has transcended what's possible in any sport with his drive for excellence and his continued dominance of the NBA at the age of 39. James is a four-time champion and Finals MVP, a 20-time All-Star, and the NBA's all-time leading scorer. With over 20 years in the spotlight, James has used his image to impact the lives of many.

James set up the LeBron James Foundation in 2004 to help families through various programs and the 'I Promise' school, which provides a free education for underprivileged students. James has been outspoken on social justice and racial inequality. In pop culture, he has been featured in many shows and films, including the remake of Space Jam.

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