25 Black Athletes Who Changed the World
By Jose Martinez | Feb 9, 2012 | 12:33 pm | Permalink
Could you imagine sports without the Williams sisters or LeBron James? It's pretty difficult to picture, huh? But, as we all know, there once was a time when black athletes weren't allowed to be on the same playing field as white people. Fortunately, there were African-American players who ignored the racial slurs and death threats that were hurled their way and focused on making the sports world a better, equal place.
As time progressed, there become exceptional athletes like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, who further solidified African-Americans' place among the best to ever play in their respective sport. We take a look at those that forever changed the game, past and present. From the aforementioned names of Jordan and Woods to legends like Jackie Robinson and Althea Gibson, these are 25 Black Athletes Who Changed the World.
Jerad February 9th, 2012 at 12:54 PM
How do you pass up Major Taylor (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Taylor)? You include Craig Hodges, but not Major Taylor, WTF?
unclesam February 9th, 2012 at 02:18 PM
How the fuck is Michael Jordan the most recognizable athlete on the planet? Ronaldinho? Ronaldo? Zinedine Zidane? Lionel Messi? Cristiano Ronaldo? David Beckham? Around the world, they are more famous than Jordan is.
Travis February 9th, 2012 at 02:53 PM
Sorry buddy, I understand Messi is on the direct-road to becoming one of, if not the greatest, soccer player off all time, but you can never defeat Jordan's legacy. Nobody has ever dominated a sport the way he has, gathered statistics/accomplishments like he has, or been as clutch as he has. Did Argentina win the World Cup? No. Barcelona is a stacked team, but I will not deny Messi's skill. They are in no way more famous than Jordan, they do not have a company worth over a billion dollars that people wear worldly, and he did not bring soccer to the globe as Jordan did with basketball. Good day sir.
trademark February 9th, 2012 at 03:09 PM
Dude, the Air Jordan symbol is probably recognized by like 90% of the world. It's not even close.
tony February 9th, 2012 at 05:20 PM
No Major Taylor ?????????
Patrick February 9th, 2012 at 09:56 PM
I think you forgot Willie O'Ree as well
Mitya Yakushkin February 10th, 2012 at 05:27 PM
Also Mj is not "recognized as one of the greatest ever to play the game", he's the clear-cut GOAT
Ace M. February 11th, 2012 at 06:43 PM
John Amaechi? man please,you could have used the Williams sisters caused they the inspiration for black women to play tennis.
Alex February 11th, 2012 at 09:02 PM
Ted Corbitt. There are a ton of other athletes that should be on this list. In my opinion, Ted Corbitt is one of them.
BigBear February 12th, 2012 at 03:38 PM
I think you may be confusing the World with the USA most Athletes in this 25 play sports that are mostly prevalent in the USA, also there are other black athletes in the World not just in the good ole US of A.