What professional athlete inspires you the most and why?

I’d say it’s a toss up between JJ Watt and Simone Biles. Both are leaders of their industry and have given back to their community. Biles grew up behind my house and she overcame so much adversity and mental health obstacles and with Watt, he is just amazing and gives back so much to the troops and those less fortunate. Can you tell I’m a Houstonian.

I was going to say Pat Tillman, but he’s already been spoken for. Simone Biles is quite inspiring to me. She’s a small-in-stature young woman, but possesses a strong sense of self. She knows her own strengths and weaknesses and manages both well while dealing with external pressures of being famous at such a young age. She knew when she was overwhelmed and, rather than allowing her ego to push her too far, she sought help. That is setting a good example for others.

For me the athlete who inspired me the most is Stephan Curry. Because no one saw him a future in the sport because of his size and physical condition. He never gave up and showed them that with effort and dedication he could. And today he revolutionized basketball, became the best three-point shooter and has achieved 4 championships. And it is the admiration of many young people today.

Tiger Woods!..
He opened door for blacks and other race!... We who VIEWED heard Commentators insult, repeat put him down, make his mishaps Gossip and not approved him being able to play the Sport of Golf so WELL!...
With all his WON Tournaments under his belt, he will and is Great for Golf wifies...
His personals life did unravel and his Fans also got hurt for it suppose to be a Gentlemen game, not player game (adultery's)...
Today I wish him well and his 2 children, along with his mother....

The current athlete I am interested in watching and admiring the hard work is New Jersey's Erin Blanchfield. She is a rising UFC female fighter that has shown time and time again, hard work pays off. She has faced tough opponents and has always been a betting underdog.
Very little social media presence.
Only dedication to her craft.

To me, Wilma Rudolph is the ultimate athlete inspiration. Not only did she break barriers in sports as an African-American woman, but she became an Olympic multi-medal winner despite being diagnosed with Polio as a child. Wilma Rudolph’s accomplishment represents the power of the will to dominate physical circumstances! HOOAH!

Larry Bird! His upbringing should have done him in....He defied all the odds and became "Larry Legend" and was one of the greats that changed the entire landscape of the NBA. He is still revered today as the boy from French Lick, IN. He never forgot where he came from and knew what a hard days work was on and off the court. He never let the fame go to his head and always took care of his family.

There are so many athletes that have served and then on to have successful professional careers. But Pat Tillman, to me was hands down the most inspirational. Tillman, left a successful, multi million dollar career to enlist in the United States Army after the 9/11 attacks. He then became an Army Ranger, motivating others around him like a captain in the huddle. Tragically, he lost his life in Afghanistan in 2004. I was deployed in Iraq in 2004, but news echoed throughout. Pats, decision to put his football career on hold and serve his country instantly made him an enduring symbol of sacrifice, courage, and selflessness. You’d be a fool not to get behind him and absorb that kind of dedicated servant soul. His story, His memory, His driven sense of purpose, continues to inspire people to this day and my hope is that it will continue for generations to come.

Elaine Zayak overcame personal tragedy when, as a very young child, her foot was run over severing the bone lengthwise as a result of a lawn mower accident. Elaine became a World Champion & Olympian figure skater. She is inspirational and an elite athlete and is still active in her coaching career.

While not a professional athlete I would say my daughter who plays volleyball at the University of Rochester. Mentally tough, grinds, humble and willing to sacrifice self over team.

https://uofrathletics.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/paige-stephenson/9281