Famous American Athletes

Jim Thorpe was a remarkable American athlete who excelled in various sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and track and field. He made history by becoming the first Native American to win Olympic gold for the United States in 1912. Despite losing his Olympic titles due to professionalism controversy, he continued to showcase his talents in professional sports, achieving success in football, baseball, and basketball. Thorpe's legacy as a versatile and talented athlete was recognized through various accolades and inductions into sports halls of fame.

Allyson Felix is a retired American track and field athlete known for her exceptional performances in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters events. Throughout her career, she achieved numerous accolades, including Olympic gold and silver medals, world championships, and U.S. national titles. Felix also made history by winning the most Olympic gold medals by a female track and field athlete and being the most decorated athlete in World Athletics Championships history. She is acclaimed for her speed, versatility, and advocacy for athlete rights.

Carl Lewis is a former American track and field athlete known for his exceptional achievements in sprinting and long jumping. Throughout his career, he won nine Olympic gold medals, one silver medal, and 10 World Championships medals. He holds world records in the 100m, 4x100m relay, and 4x200m relay, as well as the indoor long jump. Lewis also achieved significant recognition, being named "World Athlete of the Century" and "Sportsman of the Century." Following his athletics career, he ventured into acting and founded a successful marketing and branding company.

Wilma Glodean Rudolph was an American sprinter who overcame childhood polio to become a world-record-holding Olympic champion and international sports icon. She won a bronze medal in the 4 × 100-meter relay at the 1956 Summer Olympics and three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics. Rudolph was acclaimed as the fastest woman in the world in the 1960s and was among the most highly visible black women in America and abroad. She retired from competition as a world record-holder and became an educator and coach.

Armand Duplantis is a dominant figure in the world of pole vaulting, holding multiple world records and titles. He has achieved great success on both indoor and outdoor circuits, winning Olympic, World, European, and Diamond League championships. With an impressive track record of breaking records and winning titles, Duplantis has been recognized as both the European and World Male Athlete of the Year. His exceptional talent and consistent performance have solidified his reputation as one of the greatest pole vaulters in history.

Jim Kelly was a prominent American athlete, martial artist, and actor known for his achievements in karate championships. Rising to fame in the early 1970s, he starred in action films within the martial arts and blaxploitation genres. His notable roles include appearing alongside Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon (1973), portraying the title character in Black Belt Jones (1974), and playing Mister Keyes in Three the Hard Way (1974). Kelly's career was marked by his martial arts prowess and impactful presence in the film industry.

Justin Gatlin is a retired American sprinter known for his success in the 60 meters, 100 meters, and 200 meters events. He achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including Olympic and World Championship titles in the 100 meters, as well as victories in the 4 x 100 meters relay. Gatlin faced bans for doping violations but made a successful comeback, setting records and winning medals well into his 30s. He remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in history, retiring in 2022 at the age of 40.

Jesse Owens was an American track and field athlete known for his exceptional talent in sprints and the long jump. He gained widespread recognition for setting multiple world records in under an hour during the 1935 Big Ten track meet. Owens achieved international fame at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, winning four gold medals and making a significant statement against Hitler's Aryan supremacy ideology. His legacy includes being honored with the Jesse Owens Award and recognized as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.

Yolanda Gail Devers is an accomplished American track and field sprinter, renowned for her excellence in a variety of events such as the 60 meters, 60 meters hurdles, 100 meters, and 100 meters hurdles. Throughout her career, she secured numerous world indoor championships, Olympic gold medals, and world championship titles, solidifying her status as one of the greatest female sprinters in history. Devers' remarkable achievements have earned her a well-deserved place in the National Track and Field Hall of Fame.

Allison Stokke is an accomplished American track and field athlete and fitness model. She gained widespread recognition for breaking numerous American high school pole vaulting records, becoming an internet sensation at a young age. Stokke continued her athletic career at the University of California, Berkeley, competing for their track team and earning All-American honors. She pursued her passion for pole vaulting at the national level, representing top brands such as Nike and Athleta as a professional vaulter and sports model.

Jim Ryun is an accomplished American former Republican politician and Olympic track and field athlete. He was known as the world's leading middle-distance runner during his prime, winning a silver medal in the 1500m at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Ryun made history as the first high school athlete to run a mile in under four minutes and is the last American to hold the world record in the mile run. He later transitioned to a career in politics, serving as a US Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district from 1996 to 2007.

Bob Beamon is renowned for his exceptional career as a track and field athlete. His most notable achievement was setting a world record in the long jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where he jumped 8.90 m (29 ft 2+1⁄4 in), shattering the existing record by a significant margin. This record remained unbroken for nearly 23 years until it was surpassed by Mike Powell in 1991. Beamon's jump still stands as the Olympic record and ranks as the second-longest in history without wind assistance.

Edwin Moses is an American former hurdler known for his outstanding achievements in the 400 m hurdles. He won gold medals at the 1976 and 1984 Olympics and set world records in the event multiple times. Moses had an impressive streak of 107 consecutive finals wins and 122 consecutive race wins between 1977 and 1987. He was not only a dominant athlete but also made significant contributions to Olympic eligibility and drug testing reforms. Moses later became the first Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, showcasing his leadership in the sports world.

Richard Douglas Fosbury, known as Dick Fosbury, was an American high jumper who revolutionized the sport with his "back-first" technique, the Fosbury flop. He won a gold medal at the 1968 Olympics and his approach became widely adopted in high jump competitions. Fosbury remained active in athletics after retiring, serving on the executive board of the World Olympians Association. He also ventured into politics, running for the Idaho House of Representatives in 2014 and later becoming a Blaine County Commissioner in 2018.

Maurice Greene is an American former track and field sprinter known for his dominance in the 60 meters, 100 meters, and 200 meters events. He held the world record in the 100 meters with a time of 9.79 seconds and won multiple Olympic medals and World Championships. Despite injuries later in his career, he continued to achieve success, including becoming a World Indoor Champion and setting records in the 60-meter dash. After retiring, he transitioned to roles as an ambassador for the IAAF, television personality, and track coach before becoming a physical education teacher.

Alberto Salazar is an American former track coach and long-distance runner. He achieved success in marathons, winning the New York City Marathon three times and the 1982 Boston Marathon. Salazar set American track records for 5,000 m and 10,000 m in 1982. He later served as the head coach of the Nike Oregon Project. In 2019, Salazar was banned for four years for doping offenses, leading to the closure of the Nike Oregon Project. He was also permanently banned for emotional and sexual misconduct violations in 2021.

Suzy Favor Hamilton is a retired American middle-distance runner who competed in three Summer Olympics in 1992, 1996, and 2000. She gained recognition for her athletic achievements, setting multiple records and winning various competitions. However, she also faced controversy for her involvement in escorting. Despite this, Hamilton remains a notable figure in the world of track and field, with her athletic career leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Bernard Kipchirchir Lagat is a retired Kenyan-American middle and long-distance runner with an impressive competitive career. He holds records in the 1500m and mile run indoors for the United States and in the 1500m outdoors for Kenya. Lagat is the second fastest 1500m runner in history. He is a five-time Olympian and has won thirteen medals in World Championships and Olympics, including five gold medals. Lagat's coach, James Li, has been instrumental in his success for over a decade.

Mike Powell is a renowned American former track and field athlete known for holding the long jump world record with a distance of 8.95 m (29 ft 4+1⁄4 in) since 1991. He is a two-time world champion and two-time Olympic silver medalist in the long jump event. Powell's exceptional athletic abilities and dedication to the sport have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest long jumpers in history. His record-breaking achievements and impressive career have earned him international recognition and respect within the track and field community.

Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo, was an American track and field athlete known for setting world records in the 100 m and 200 m sprints in 1988. She rose to fame in the late 1980s due to her record-breaking performances and unique personal style. Griffith Joyner began her athletic career at a young age and continued to excel in track and field through her college years. She won multiple medals at the Olympics and became a prominent figure in pop culture through various endorsements and design work before retiring in 1989.

Delilah DiCrescenzo is an accomplished American distance runner specializing in the women's 3000 metres steeplechase. She graduated from Queen of Peace High School and Columbia University, where she majored in sociology. She holds a master's degree in Sports Management from Columbia University. DiCrescenzo competes for the New York Athletic Club and trains with the NJ-NY Track Club under Coach Frank Gagliano. Sponsored by Puma, she competes internationally and gained additional recognition as the inspiration behind the hit song "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's.

Billy Mills is an American Oglala Lakota former track and field athlete who achieved fame by winning a gold medal in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His victory was a remarkable upset as he was relatively unknown at the time. Mills made history by becoming the first non-European to win this Olympic event, and he remains the sole winner from the Americas. Prior to his athletic success, Mills served in the United States Marine Corps and is a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

John Wesley Carlos is an accomplished American former track and field athlete and professional American football player. He achieved a bronze medal in the 200 meters at the 1968 Summer Olympics and famously displayed the Black Power salute alongside Tommie Smith. Carlos tied the world record in the 100-yard dash and set a world record in the 200 meters. Following his athletic career, he briefly played in the Canadian Football League before retiring due to injury. Carlos later contributed to the organization of the 1984 Summer Olympics and became a track coach at Palm Springs High School. Inducted into the USA Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2003, Carlos is also known as the co-author of The John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That Changed the World.

Mary Decker is a renowned American retired middle-distance and long-distance runner. Throughout her career, she achieved numerous accolades, including winning gold at the 1983 World Championships in the 1500 meters and 3000 meters events. She held world records in the mile, 5000 meters, and 10,000 meters, setting a total of 17 world records. Decker also set 36 U.S. national records across various distances and was the first woman to break the 4:20 barrier for the mile. In recognition of her achievements, she was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2003.

Betty Robinson was an accomplished American athlete known for winning the first Olympic 100 meters for women. She made history with her athletic prowess and set a high standard for female athletes in the sprinting world. Her dedication to her sport and remarkable speed on the track made her a trailblazer in women's athletics. Robinson's achievement in winning the Olympic gold medal in the 100 meters solidified her place as a legendary figure in the history of track and field.

Evelyn Ashford is an American retired track and field athlete known for her outstanding achievements in sprinting. She was a dominant force in women's sprinting in the late 1970s and 1980s, setting multiple world records and winning numerous Olympic gold medals. Ashford overcame various injuries throughout her career, showcasing resilience and determination. She was recognized as one of the greatest track and field runners ever, earning accolades such as the Broderick Award and inductions into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame and UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame.

Malvin Greston Whitfield, known as "Marvelous Mal," had a distinguished professional life as an American athlete, goodwill ambassador, airman, and coach. He achieved significant success as an Olympic champion in the 800 meters and a member of the gold medal-winning relay team. Whitfield became a five-time Olympic medalist, winning three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. Following his competitive career, he dedicated 47 years to coaching, serving as a goodwill ambassador and athletic mentor in Africa on behalf of the United States Information Service.

Amos Alonzo Stagg was a prominent American athlete and college coach primarily in football. He achieved success as a head football coach at various institutions, notably at the University of Chicago and College of the Pacific. Stagg's coaching career included leading his teams to multiple national championships. Additionally, he made significant contributions to basketball by developing it into a five-player sport. Stagg's influence extended beyond football and basketball, as he was also recognized for his contributions to track and field.

Alexi Pappas is a multi-talented Greek-American professional known for her achievements as a runner, filmmaker, actor, and writer. As an NCAA All-American athlete at Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon, she has excelled in the world of running. Pappas represented Greece at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she set the national record for the 10k race. Her diverse skill set and passion for storytelling have also led her to success in the fields of filmmaking and writing, showcasing her creativity and determination in various professional endeavors.

David James Wottle is an American retired middle-distance track athlete known for his impressive achievements in the sport. He won the gold medal in the 800-meter run at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich and held a world record in the same event. In 1973, Wottle achieved the 3rd fastest mile in history. He was recognized for his distinctive choice of wearing a golf cap while competing, adding a unique touch to his performances on the track.

Antonio Pettigrew was an accomplished American sprinter known for his expertise in the 400 meters event. Throughout his professional career, he achieved numerous accolades and victories in national and international competitions. Pettigrew's dedication and talent helped him become a prominent figure in the world of track and field, inspiring many aspiring athletes. His commitment to excellence and sportsmanship left a lasting impact on the athletic community, solidifying his legacy as one of the greats in the sport of sprinting.

Ralph Harold Metcalfe Sr. was a prominent American track and field sprinter known for jointly holding the world record in the 100-meter dash. He achieved significant success in the Olympics, winning four medals and being considered the world's fastest human in 1934 and 1935. Transitioning into politics, Metcalfe served as a Democrat from Illinois in the United States Congress for four terms during the 1970s. His legacy encompasses both athletic prowess and dedicated public service, leaving a lasting impact in both arenas.

Christian Coleman is an American professional track and field sprinter specializing in the 60 meters, 100 meters, and 200 meters events. He holds impressive personal bests, including 9.76 seconds in the 100 meters and 19.85 seconds in the 200 meters. Coleman has achieved significant milestones in his career, such as winning the 2019 world championship in the 100 meters and setting world records in the indoor 60 meters. Despite facing a suspension for a missed drug test, Coleman remains a notable figure in the track and field world.

Alice Coachman was a pioneering American athlete known for her expertise in the high jump. She made history as the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal. Coachman's dedication to her sport and exceptional talent propelled her to success, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of athletes. Through her remarkable achievements, she not only left a lasting impact on the world of track and field but also helped pave the way for greater diversity and inclusion in sports.

Lolo Jones is a versatile American athlete known for her success in track and bobsledding. She excelled in the 60-meter and 100-meter hurdles, winning NCAA titles and multiple national championships. Despite a setback at the 2008 Olympics, she bounced back to win gold at the World Athletics Final. Jones also achieved success in bobsledding, winning gold medals at World Championships and competing in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. Beyond sports, she has appeared on various reality TV shows, showcasing her diverse talents and personality.

Kerron Clement is a highly accomplished American track and field athlete specializing in the 400-meter hurdles and sprint. He has set records and won numerous titles in both individual and relay events at prestigious competitions such as the Olympics and World Championships. Known for his speed, technique, and consistency, Clement has demonstrated exceptional talent since his junior years, earning championship records and NCAA titles. His professional career showcases a remarkable progression from junior success to becoming a dominant force in the global track and field scene.

Wyomia Tyus is a retired American track and field sprinter known for her remarkable achievements in the 100m sprint. She made history by being the first person to successfully defend her Olympic title in the event. Tyus' accomplishment of retaining the Olympic gold in the 100m has since been matched by several other notable athletes. Her legacy in the world of track and field is defined by her speed, determination, and unique place in Olympic history.

Marion Jones, also known as Marion Jones-Thompson, is a former world champion track-and-field athlete and professional basketball player. She achieved great success in the 2000 Summer Olympics, winning three gold medals and two bronze medals. However, her career was marred by a scandal involving the use of performance-enhancing substances, leading to her being stripped of her medals. Jones was a prominent figure in the BALCO scandal, along with other top-level athletes. She also had a brief stint playing professional basketball in the Women's National Basketball Association.

Charley Paddock was an accomplished American athlete known for his success in sprinting. He gained widespread recognition for his impressive performances, earning him two Olympic gold medals. Paddock's dedication and skill in track and field made him a prominent figure in the sports world during the early 20th century. His achievements on the track solidified his legacy as a talented and respected athlete who made significant contributions to the world of sprinting and athletics at large.

Paul Kipkemoi Chelimo is a prominent Kenyan-born American track and field athlete known for his accomplishments in the 5000 meters event. He has achieved Olympic success, winning a silver medal in 2016 and a bronze medal in 2020. Chelimo is recognized for his exceptional performances at the highest levels of competition. Additionally, he has gained attention for employing controversial racing tactics during competitions, showcasing his competitive drive and strategic approach to the sport.

Glenn Cunningham was an exceptional American middle-distance runner renowned as the greatest American miler in history. He achieved widespread acclaim for his remarkable athletic abilities, earning the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award in 1933 as the top amateur athlete in the United States. Cunningham's professional career was marked by numerous victories in middle-distance running events, solidifying his reputation as one of the most talented and accomplished runners of his time. His dedication and passion for the sport inspired many aspiring athletes and left a lasting legacy in the world of running.

Ralph Boston was a prominent American track athlete known for his exceptional long jump abilities. He made history by being the first person to surpass the 27 feet barrier in the long jump. Boston's impressive career included winning three Olympic medals for his outstanding performances in the sport. His dedication and skill in track and field not only earned him numerous accolades but also solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the world of athletics.

Tyson Gay is a retired American track and field sprinter known for his exceptional performances in the 100 and 200 meters. He holds the American record in the 100 m with a personal best of 9.69 seconds. Gay has won medals at various international competitions, including three golds at the 2007 Osaka World Championships. He is a four-time U.S. champion in the 100 m. Despite facing setbacks like a hamstring injury and a doping suspension, Gay's achievements include multiple accolades and top performances in his events.

Kelli White is an American former sprinter known for her achievements in the sport. She made a significant impact by winning two gold medals at the World Championships in Paris in 2003. However, her career took a controversial turn when she was stripped of her medals in 2004 due to a failed drug test. Despite this setback, White continued to compete professionally until her retirement in 2006. Her career is marked by both success on the track and the challenges she faced due to doping allegations.

LaShawn Merritt is a renowned American track and field athlete specializing in the 400 meters. He has achieved significant success in his career, including winning Olympic gold and establishing himself as one of the fastest sprinters of all time. Merritt has also excelled in relay events, contributing to multiple victories for the American team. His accomplishments include winning medals at World Championships and setting records in both individual and team events. Merritt's professional career is marked by his dominance on the track and numerous accolades in sprinting.

Jeremy Wariner is a retired American track athlete known for his specialization in the 400 meters event. He has achieved significant success in his career, winning a total of four Olympic medals (three gold, one silver) and six World Championships medals. Wariner holds an impressive personal best of 43.45 seconds in the 400 meters, making him the fourth fastest competitor in the history of the event. Throughout his career, he demonstrated consistency and excellence, earning accolades such as the 2007 Best Male Track Athlete ESPY Award.

Tatyana McFadden is a highly accomplished American Paralympic athlete competing in the T54 category. She has achieved remarkable success, winning a total of twenty Paralympic medals across multiple Summer Paralympic Games. In addition to her impressive Paralympic achievements, McFadden was honored with the prestigious Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award in 2015. Her dedication, skill, and perseverance have solidified her as a prominent figure in the world of Paralympic sports, inspiring many with her remarkable athletic prowess.

Michael Johnson is an American retired sprinter known for his remarkable achievements in track and field. He won multiple Olympic and World Championships gold medals, holding records in the 200m, 400m, and indoor 400m events. Johnson made history by winning both the 200m and 400m events at the same Olympics and successfully defending his Olympic title in the 400m. He showcased a unique running style and held numerous top times in both the 200m and 400m races, setting national records and anchoring relay world records. Post-retirement, Johnson has been an esteemed BBC pundit for athletics events.

Jenna Prandini is an accomplished American track and field athlete known for her prowess in sprinting and long jump. She has secured two national championships in the 200 meters event and has represented the United States at the Olympics twice, earning a silver medal in the 4x100 m relay in 2020. Prandini's impressive career also includes a gold medal win with the US 4x100 m relay team at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier athlete in the world of track and field.

Bob Richards was a versatile American athlete, minister, and politician. He excelled in pole vault and decathlon, representing the U.S. in multiple Olympic Games and securing gold medals in pole vault. Alongside his athletic career, he pursued a calling as an ordained minister. Richards also ventured into politics, running for President in 1984. Known for his athletic prowess, he gained fame as a popular figure on "Wheaties" cereal boxes, cementing his status as a recognizable face of the brand for years.

Tom Sims was a prominent American athlete, inventor, and entrepreneur known for his contributions to the sports of snowboarding and skateboarding. He achieved success as a World Snowboarding Champion and World Champion Skateboarder, as well as the founder of SIMS Snowboards and SIMS Skateboards. Sims played a significant role in popularizing snowboarding through his stunt work in a James Bond film. He remained actively involved in his company, overseeing the design and testing of new snowboard and skateboard equipment until his passing in 2012.

Eddie Tolan, known as the "Midnight Express," was a pioneering American sprinter who achieved remarkable success in track and field. He set world and Olympic records in various sprint events, solidifying his reputation as the "world's fastest human." Tolan's historic achievements include winning gold medals at the 1932 Summer Olympics and becoming the first athlete to win both amateur and professional world sprint championships. With an impressive track record of 300 wins and only 7 losses, Tolan left an indelible mark on the world of sprinting.

Jamie Nieto is an accomplished American high jumper with a personal best jump of 2.34 meters. He was the USA Olympic Trials Champion in 2004 and 2012, as well as the USA Outdoor Champion in 2003. Nieto has also pursued acting, portraying baseball legend Roberto Clemente in a film. Despite a tragic injury in 2016 that resulted in paralysis, Nieto has shown resilience and determination. In 2017, he married Olympic hurdler Shevon Nieto, who showcased her talent on America's Got Talent in 2020 with a song dedicated to him.

George A. Sheehan is a renowned figure in both the medical and literary worlds. He initially pursued a career in cardiology, inspired by his father, and became a qualified doctor. However, he eventually turned to his early passion for running and track. Sheehan gained fame as an author by writing bestselling books on running, with notable works like "Running & Being". His professional life exemplifies a unique blend of expertise in medicine and literature, making him a respected authority in both fields.

Luis Miguel Grijalva is a successful Guatemalan long-distance runner with a notable career in both collegiate and professional athletics. He achieved All-American finishes while representing Northern Arizona University and later transitioned into professional competition, notably being sponsored by Hoka One One. Grijalva showcased his talent on the international stage by competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics and securing impressive finishes in the 5000m events at the World Athletics Championships in 2022 and 2023. His dedication and skill have solidified his reputation as a top competitor in long-distance running.

Angelo F. Taylor is an accomplished American track and field athlete, known for his exceptional performances in the 400-meter hurdles and 400-meter dash events. He is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 400-meter hurdles and has a personal record time that ranks him among the top performers in the world. Taylor has also excelled in relay events, winning multiple world championships and Olympic medals as part of the United States 4x400m relay team. His impressive career highlights his talent, dedication, and success at the highest levels of competition.

Jim Hines was an accomplished American track and field athlete and NFL player. He held the 100-meter world record for 15 years and made history in 1968 by being the first man to officially run the 100 meters in under 10 seconds. Hines achieved great success at the Mexico City Olympics, winning both individual and relay gold medals. His remarkable athletic abilities and achievements in both track and football solidified his legacy as a prominent figure in the world of sports.

Rodney "Rod" Milburn Jr. was an accomplished American athlete known for his success in the sport of track and field. He gained international recognition by winning the gold medal in the 110m hurdles at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich. Milburn's dedication and talent were evident throughout his career, and his victory at the Olympics solidified his status as one of the top hurdlers of his time. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring athletes and remains an integral part of track and field history.

Helen Stephens was a notable American athlete who achieved great success in track and field during the 1930s. She rose to prominence as a double Olympic champion in 1936, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Stephens' impressive athletic abilities and competitive spirit earned her widespread recognition and admiration in the world of sports. Throughout her professional career, she inspired many aspiring athletes and left a lasting legacy as a trailblazer for women in sports.

George Yardley was a pioneering American basketball player known for his scoring prowess. He made history by becoming the first NBA player to score 2,000 points in a single season, surpassing the previous record set by George Mikan. Yardley's exceptional skills and achievements earned him a well-deserved spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. His legacy as a prolific scorer and trailblazer in the world of basketball continues to inspire and influence the sport to this day.

Charles Everett "Charlie" Dumas was an accomplished American high jumper known for his groundbreaking athletic achievements. He became the first person to clear 7 ft. and won the Olympic gold medal in 1956. Dumas continued his success by winning the NCAA track and field title in 1958. Despite facing a setback due to a knee injury in the 1960 Olympics, he maintained his status as a top high jumper, winning five consecutive national titles. Post-retirement, Dumas transitioned to a career as a teacher in the Los Angeles area.

Ray Ewry was an accomplished American track and field athlete known for his exceptional success at the Olympic Games and Intercalated Games. He won a total of eight gold medals at the Olympics and two gold medals at the Intercalated Games in Athens. Ewry's remarkable achievements in various jumping events solidified his status as one of the most successful Olympians in history. His impressive career in athletics showcased his exceptional talent, dedication, and determination, inspiring many with his outstanding performances on the world stage.

LaVonne Idlette is an accomplished American hurdler who competes internationally for the Dominican Republic. She has represented her country at various prestigious events, including the 2012 Summer Olympics. Idlette holds impressive records in both the 100 meters hurdles and the 60 meters hurdles. In addition to her athletic achievements, she has also ventured into other endeavors, such as appearing on The Amazing Race 32. More recently, she has taken on a prominent role as a Global Partner of the ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network, showcasing her commitment to excellence beyond the track.

Bobby Joe Morrow was an accomplished American sprinter known for his exceptional performance at the 1956 Olympics, where he secured three gold medals. Regarded as the dominant sprinter of the 1950s, he was praised for his relaxed and effortless running style, often compared favorably to his idol Jesse Owens. Morrow's success on the track solidified his legacy as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, leaving a lasting impact on the world of athletics with his remarkable achievements and unparalleled talent.

David Torrence was a Peruvian-American middle-distance runner known for holding the indoor American record in the 1000 meters. He represented Peru at the 2016 Summer Olympics and had a successful career after graduating from Loyola High School. Torrence ran for the University of California, Berkeley and later for Hoka One One. His achievements in track and field showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, making him a respected figure in the running community until his untimely passing in 2017.

Jeffrey Julmis is a Haitian sprinter known for his participation in the 110m hurdles event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Despite a challenging moment during the semifinal round where he crashed violently over the first hurdle, leading to disqualification, Julmis displayed resilience by completing the race to a standing ovation from spectators. His dedication to the sport and ability to continue despite setbacks demonstrate his strong competitive spirit and determination as an athlete.

Houston McTear was an American sprinter who rose from poverty to become an international track star in the mid-1970s. He excelled in the 100 meters and 60 meters events, holding a world record in the latter until it was broken in 1986. Despite running an impressive time in 1980, it was invalidated due to timing concerns. His career was cut short by the American-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics, preventing him from further showcasing his talent on the world stage.

Willie Davenport was a prominent American sprint runner known for his exceptional speed and agility. He achieved great success in his professional career, winning numerous medals at prestigious athletic events. Davenport's dedication and hard work earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor on the track. He was admired for his technical skill and strategic approach to racing, which set him apart from his peers. Davenport's legacy as a trailblazer in sprinting continues to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.

Carmelita Jeter is a retired American sprinter renowned for her speed in the 60m, 100m, and 200m events. Dubbed the "Fastest woman alive," Jeter achieved a personal best of 10.64 seconds in the 100m in 2009. She clinched the 100m world championship in 2011 and earned an Olympic silver in 2012. Jeter secured multiple bronze medals in various championships and holds the title of the fourth fastest woman in the 100m. She transitioned to coaching, taking on a leadership role at UNLV in 2023.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a retired American track and field athlete known for her achievements in the heptathlon and long jump. She has won multiple Olympic medals across four different Olympic Games. Recognized as the Greatest Female Athlete of All-Time by Sports Illustrated for Women, she also served on the board of directors for USA Track & Field. Joyner-Kersee is an active philanthropist, founding the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation to support youth in East St. Louis and collaborating on initiatives like the Internet Essentials program. She is renowned for overcoming severe asthma and was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Matthew Brabham is an accomplished racing driver with a successful career spanning various motorsport series. He currently competes in the Trans-Am Series driving for Chris Dyson Racing. Brabham has showcased his talent by winning three Stadium Super Trucks championships and securing titles in the U.S. F2000 and Pro Mazda Championships. He comes from a prestigious racing lineage as the son of Geoff Brabham and the grandson of Formula One legend Sir Jack Brabham. Brabham's impressive track record and skills have solidified his reputation as a top-tier driver.

Félix Sánchez is a renowned track and field star known for his exceptional skills in the 400-meter hurdles. With a successful career highlighted by gold medals in the Olympics and World Championships, he has established himself as a dominant force in the sport. His remarkable comeback at the 2012 Olympics, winning the 400-meter hurdles at the age of 34, further solidified his legacy. His impressive achievements have earned him the nickname "Superman" and widespread recognition for his talent and determination.

Lee Evans was an American sprinter known for his remarkable achievements in the sport. He made history by winning two gold medals in the 1968 Summer Olympics and setting world records in the 400 meters and the 4 × 400 meters relay, which remained unbroken for two decades. Evans also played a significant role in co-founding the Olympic Project for Human Rights, advocating for athlete's rights, and supporting the Black Power movement. His legacy in track and field and social activism continues to inspire many to this day.

Kerri Walsh Jennings is a highly accomplished American professional beach volleyball player with an illustrious career. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time Olympic bronze medalist. Walsh Jennings holds the record for career victories as of 2016, having won 135 international and domestic tournaments. Teaming up with Misty May-Treanor, they dominated beach volleyball, winning gold at the 2004, 2008, and 2012 Summer Olympics, as well as multiple FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. Together, they established a remarkable win streak of 112 consecutive matches, solidifying their status as the greatest beach volleyball team in history.