Best sports biographies of all time
A selection of inspirational sportsmen whose contribution extended beyond a mere sporting achievement, but also through the strength of their personality.
Jesse Owens &#;
An all-round American athlete who won 4 gold medals in the Berlin Olympics of Mr Adolf Hitler was far from amused and refused to shake Jesse’s hand.
For 25 years, Jesse Owens held the world long jump record. He had to endure racism in his native America, but he also retained a dignity and humility in promoting a more equal society.
Don Bradman &#;
The Australian cricketer that most followers believe was the greatest batsman of all time.
Nicknamed ‘ The Don’, he ended a year career with an average just a smidgeon short of – an average far ahead of any other cricketer. He remained a great ambassador for the sport for many years.
Eric Liddell ( - )
Eric Liddell won Olympic gold in the m in the Paris Olympics.
Biography of sportsmen Held no. Winning Olympic gold from to The most successful surfer of all time, also known for his style and prowess. Won World Cup with Argentina.He is also famed for turning down the opportunity to compete in the m because the heats were on a Sunday and it conflicted with his strong religious views. Eric was an accomplished sportsman also representing Scotland at rugby union. He later became a Christian missionary in China and was interned by the Japenese in a prisoner camp.
He was appreciated for his courage, honesty and selflessness.
Sebastion Coe ( &#;
Now Lord ‘Seb’ Coe this British middle-distance runner won 4 medals at the & Olympics. He also set many indoor and outdoor world records. After retiring from sport he was ennobled and became a key member of the Olympic organising team.
Mark Spitz ( -)
A notable American athlete his powerful swimming career included winning seven gold medals at the Olympic Games in Munich.
He is a member of the US Olympic, The International and the Jewish Museum of Sports Halls of Fame.
Jack Nicholas ( &#;
The golfer nicknamed ‘The Golden Bear’ &#; Jack Nicholas has won many championships over a year career including 6 Masters, 5 PGA Championships, 4 United States Opens and 3 British Opens.
Bjorn Borg ( –
Bjorn Borg was the Swedish number one tennis player who won five Wimbledon singles titles and 11 Grand slam titles overall.
Carl Lewis ( &#; )
Carl Lewis was an American track and field athlete who won 10 Olympic medals.
He qualified for the American team in 5 Olympics from
Basil D’Oliveira CBE ( &#; )
D’Oliveira was born and raised in South Africa during the apartheid regime and barred from first-class cricket except in the coloured league. He emigrated to England, became a British citizen and a member of the England cricket team.
Controversially he was not initially selected to tour South Africa in but after pressure and a change of heart, he was included in the team only for the South African prime minister to make it clear he was not welcome and the tour was cancelled. This was the start of a change in sporting apartheid in South Africa.
David Beckham OBE –
One of the worlds best-recognised sportsmen due to his football (soccer) career that has included playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and now LA Galaxy in the US Major League.
Beckham&#;s career began on a professional contract with Manchester United, making his debut at the age of He married Victoria Adams Posh Spice from the Spice Girls in
Imran Khan
Great Pakistani cricketer who in , aged 39, came out of retirement to lead Pakistan to their first and only victory in the Cricket World Cup.
Went on to become an influential humanitarian and political figure in Pakistan.
Biography of sportsmen association Fry — England, cricket, football Represented England at football and cricket. Held no. Including three gold in the games. Carl Lewis — US, athletics Nine-time Olympic gold medallist, Carl Lewis won gold over three Olympics and was the great star of s track and field.Khan is now a leading politician in Pakistan.
Sachin Tendulkar
Immortal Indian batting great, who tops the all-time test run scores. Also with the most number of test centuries &#;
Roger Bannister
Roger Bannister became the first athlete to break the four-minute barrier for the mile. It was a record some had felt impossible.
He did this while also training to be a doctor at Oxford University.
Emile Zatopek
At the Olympics, the &#;Czech Locomotive&#; set an unprecedented feat of winning gold in the 5,m, 10,m and marathon. A feat never since emulated.
Stood up for democracy and reform after the turmoil of the Prague Spring in the s.
Usain Bolt
Bolt captured the world&#;s imagination at the Olympics, smashing the m and m World Record with a seemingly effortless performance. Bolt went on to dominate Olympic sprinting for the next 12 years. His cheery personality made him one of the most recognised person on the planet.
Pele ( &#; )
Perhaps the world&#;s greatest footballer.
Also symbolises the great Brazilian flair of the s and s which gave so much joy.
Pele remained a UNESCO ambassador.
Muhammad Ali ( &#; )
The greatest boxer and perhaps most iconic sportsman of the twentieth century. Muhammad Ali had talent, charm, wit and personality.
At the height of his boxing career, he was called up to the Vietnam War. He refused to fight because he felt the war was wrong. He lost his titles and was banned from boxing. But, he came back a few years later.
Roger Federer
Perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time. Federer has won over 22 grand slam singles titles.
Biography of sportsmen international: Holds the record for most international tries 64 and won World Cup of with Australia. Messi has led Barcelona FC to domestic and European. Holds 61 NHL records, including most points scored. Eric was an accomplished sportsman also representing Scotland at rugby union.
He was continuously ranked in the top ten from October to November Considered a true gent of the sport.
Babe Ruth
Great Baseball player. One of the most prolific home run hitters of all time. Babe Ruth was a great personality who captured the spirit of the roaring twenties.
See also:
Inspiring Female athletes
Over 50 famous female athletes who have made contributions to tennis, football, cycling, athletics, gymnastics, golf and swimming.
Famous sporting personalities – Famous sporting personalities, including Muhammad Ali, Nadia Comaneci, Pele and Jesse Owens.