Lauren takes a look at some of the black sporting heroes who simply meant everything to us, changed our lives and made us fall in love with sport.
Cover image: The New Yorker
Simone Biles
The American is the most decorated gymnast in history with 7 Olympic Gold medals and a 23-time World Champion. That alone deserves applause.
But in today’s world, athletes are not just athletes. They are public speakers, role models and activists; using their worldwide platforms to raise awareness. Above all of that, they are humans.
In the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she pulled out of the gymnastics team final after facing “twisties” during the vault; when a gymnast’s body and mind aren’t in synchronisation due to a mental block). Her decision drew admiration from across the world as her courage to not compete demonstrated an important message about the pressure that athletes face when competing. Still at just 27, she continues to be a role model to future generations of athletes.
Venus and Serena Williams
Under the guidance of their father Richard Williams, the Williams sisters have become some of the biggest stars of tennis, in a sport which to this day is still predominantly white. The colour of their skin caused several obstacles in their careers, including boycotting the 2001 Indian Wells Open, yet that did not prevent them from dominating women’s tennis in the 2000s.
The duo were also key figures in the fight for equal pay in tennis. In 2006, an article by Venus written in The Times was publicly endorsed by then Prime Minister Tony Blair and with further backing from UNESCO, Wimbledon equalled the prize money for men and women the subsequent year. They quite literally changed the sport for women in tennis for generations to come.
With over 30 titles between them, it is their determination to compete year after year that inspires most. Whilst neither has won a grand slam title in recent years, their matches are always jam-packed with a crowd wanting to see the icons in action.
Usain Bolt
Bolt needs no introduction. The fastest man in the world. The Lightning Bolt.
The Jamaican sprinter won the first of his eight gold medals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics as he broke the world record for the 100m sprint in just 9.69 seconds. He is the reason why millions like me tune in to watch the Olympic Games.
Retiring from athletics in 2017, Bolt uses his international status to help those less fortunate than him. The Jamaican has appeared in the last three matches for Soccer Aid whilst he has also set his own foundation up to create opportunities in his home nation for children in education.
Bukayo Saka
The Arsenal midfielder enjoyed a stellar breakthrough season in the 2021/22 Premier League season. He became the second-youngest player to reach 50 appearances for the Gunners’ and made his senior debut for England at 19 years-old in 2020.
In the delayed Euro 2020 Final, Saka missed a decisive penalty in the final against Italy alongside Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford. They endured extensive racial abuse on social media instantly. In his first match following the defeat, Saka came on to a standing ovation in a friendly away at rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
He has come on strength to strength since, becoming an integral part of both Arsenal’s race for titles and on the pitch for England. A role model both on and off the pitch to the next generation.
Lewis Hamilton
Knighted in 2021, Sir Lewis Hamilton to this day is the only black driver to race in Formula One. Hamilton has endured racial abuse his entire sporting career, and as such is a profound activist against racism. Similarly, the British driver has also advocated other issues including supporting LGBT+, human rights, animal and environmental rights.
With a joint record 7 Drivers’ Championship Titles and 105 wins, Hamilton has been credited with establishing a global name for Formula One.
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