Who are the 20 most influential black athletes of all time?

Throughout history, black athletes have excelled in their respective sports, shattered barriers challenged social norms, and left an indelible mark on the world of sports. We celebrate the impact of these influential black athletes; we honour their contributions to the world of sports and the ongoing quest for equality and social progress.

The list of the most influential black athletes is subjective and can vary depending on individual perspectives and criteria. Here is a selection of some of the most influential black athletes who have left a lasting impact on their respective sports and beyond.

Influential black athletes who made history

These players' heroic examples, both on and off the field of play, helped to slowly but steadily advance social change in the fight against racism and, later, racial prejudice in this country. There is a special place in American sports lore for black athletes, and these 20 players were among the most transformative in the history of black athletic achievement.

1. Jesse Owens

Owens was an African American track and field athlete who left an indelible mark on sports and society during racial discrimination and segregation. Owen was born in 1913 and gained international acclaim for his remarkable performance in the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Jesse Owens won four gold medals, defying racial stereotypes and showcasing his exceptional speed and athleticism. His victories in the 100-meter sprint, 200-meter sprint, long jump, and 4x100-meter relay not only shattered records but also served as a powerful symbol of triumph over adversity.

2. Muhammad Ali - Boxing

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay in 1942, is regarded as one of the greatest boxers ever. Renowned for his exceptional boxing skills, flamboyant personality, and unwavering conviction, Ali made a monumental impact on the sport and beyond. He rose to prominence by winning the Olympic gold medal in 1960 and later became the first three-time heavyweight champion of the world. He is among the black athletes who made history.

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3. Jackie Robinson - Baseball

Jackie Robinson, born in 1919, made history as the first African American to break the colour barrier in Major League Baseball. In 1947, the Canadian black athlete joined the Brooklyn Dodgers, challenging racial segregation in sports and society. Robinson's exceptional athletic abilities, unyielding courage and composure paved the way for racial integration in professional baseball.

4. Serena Williams

Serena Williams was born in 1981 and is regarded as one of the most outstanding black female athletes. Serena has revolutionised the sport with her extraordinary talent, power, and relentless determination; She has amassed an impressive collection of Grand Slam titles, including singles, doubles, and mixed doubles championships.

5. Usain Bolt

Bolt was born in 1986 and is widely recognised as the fastest man in history and an iconic figure in track and field. Hailing from Jamaica, Bolt's electrifying speed and charismatic personality captivated the world.

With his tall stature and remarkable stride, Bolt dominated the sprints, holding multiple world records in the 100-meter and 200-meter events. As a Jamaican athlete of African descent, he became a symbol of national pride and inspired aspiring athletes around the globe. Bolt is one of the greatest black athletes of all time.

6. Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was born on 17 February 1963, and is widely regarded as the most famous black athlete in the basketball world. Known for his exceptional skills and unmatched competitiveness, he played as a shooting guard in the NBA.

Jordan's illustrious career spanned from 1984 to 2003, during which he achieved remarkable success and left an indelible mark on the sport. The black male athlete won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and earned five regular-season MVP awards. He was also a 14-time NBA All-Star and a 10-time scoring champion.

7. Tiger Woods

Woods was born on 30 December 1975 and is one of the most famous black athletes in the history of golf. Tiger is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the United States. He turned professional in 1996 and embarked on a career redefining the game.

Tiger achieved numerous accolades throughout his career, including winning 15 major championships, second only to Jack Nicklaus. Woods held the world number-one ranking for a record total of 683 weeks, showcasing his consistent excellence.

8. Wilma Rudolph

Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940, and was an American track and field athlete who overcame significant adversity to become an inspiration in sports history. Rudolph's journey began in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she faced numerous health challenges, including childhood polio, which left her with weakened legs. Wilma entered the international scene at the 1960 Rome Olympics and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.

9. Arthur Ashe

Ashe was born on 10 July 1943 and was an American tennis player and an influential figure both on and off the court. Ashe's career was marked by his exceptional talent, strategic gameplay, and sportsmanship. In 1968, he became the first African American man to win a Grand Slam title when he triumphed at the US Open. Sadly, Ashe passed away in 1993.

10. Bill Russell

Russell was born on 12 February 1934 and is a basketball legend known for his dominant presence and unparalleled success in the sport. Russell played as a centre for the Boston Celtics in the NBA during the 1950s and 1960s.

His impact on the game goes beyond individual achievements, as he led the Celtics to an unprecedented 11 NBA championships in his 13-year career. He was the first African American to coach an NBA team. He is one of the black athletes that changed the world of basketball.

11. Althea Gibson

Althea was born on 25 August 1927 and was a trailblazing African American tennis player who shattered racial barriers in the sport. In 1956, she won the French Open, becoming the first African American to win a Grand Slam title. She succeeded further, winning Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958 and the US Nationals (now the US Open) in 1957 and 1958. Gibson is often cited as one of the best black female athletes in tennis.

12. LeBron James

LeBron was born on 30 December 1984 and is a renowned basketball player who has established himself as one of the greatest athletes of his generation. He has garnered multiple MVP awards and led his teams to numerous NBA Finals appearances and championships. LeBron is one of the best male athletes the world has ever seen.

13. Jim Brown

Jim Brown was born on 17 February 1936 and is a former professional American football player widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in sports history. Brown's career spanned from 1957 to 1965 with the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). He retired as the NFL's all-time leading rusher, a remarkable achievement considering he played in an era with fewer games than today's players.

14. Simone Biles

Biles was born on 14 March 1997 and is an extraordinary American gymnast who has redefined the sport with her exceptional talent and unmatched athleticism. Biles is widely regarded as one of the greatest black athletes specialising in gymnasts. She has won numerous medals and accolades, including multiple Olympic gold and World Championship titles.

15. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem was born on 16 April 1947 and is a legendary basketball player widely recognised as one of the greatest to have ever played. Standing 7 feet 2 inches tall, Abdul-Jabbar's signature skyhook shot became an unstoppable weapon on the court.

The professional basketball player had a remarkable career from 1969 to 1989, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Abdul-Jabbar's accomplishments include six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and the title of the league's all-time leading scorer.

16. Florence Griffith Joyner

Griffith is widely known as Flo-Jo and was born on 21 December 1959 and became a legendary figure in the world of track and field. Her electrifying speed and flamboyant style made her a standout athlete during the 1980s.

Flo-Jo's career reached its pinnacle at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, where she won three gold medals and set world records in the 100 and 200 meters that still stand today. Her career was tragically cut short due to her untimely passing in 1998.

17. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson was born on 14 August 1959 and is a basketball legend widely regarded as one of the most significant point guards in NBA history. Known for his exceptional court vision, passing skills, and leadership, Johnson revolutionised the point guard position.

Earvin played his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 to 1991 and again in 1996. Johnson's basketball prowess was highlighted by his five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and 12 All-Star selections.

18. Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Jackie was born on 3 March 1962 and is an American track and field athlete widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes ever. Known for her versatility and exceptional performances across multiple events, she dominated the sport throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Joyner-Kersee won three Olympic gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals, solidifying her status as an Olympic legend.

19. Roberto Clemente

Roberto was born on 18 August 1934 and was a legendary baseball player who left an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the field. Clemente's achievements include 3,000 career hits, four National League batting titles, and 12 Gold Glove Awards. He helped lead the Pirates to two World Series championships in 1960 and 1971, earning the World Series MVP.

20. Henry Aaron

Hank Aaron was a legendary baseball player born on 5 February 1934 and left an indelible mark on the sport. Aaron played outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for 23 seasons, primarily with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and later with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Aaron's most notable achievement came on 8 April 1974, when he surpassed Babe Ruth's longstanding career home run record of 714, ultimately finishing his career with 755 home runs. Throughout his illustrious career, Aaron also amassed a staggering 3,771 hits, 2,297 runs batted in, and a lifetime batting average of .305.

The influence of these exceptional black athletes extends far beyond their sporting achievements. Their unparalleled talent, courage, and advocacy have become symbols of hope, perseverance, and social change. Their legacies serve as a constant reminder that sports have the power to transcend boundaries, inspire millions, and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

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