Kaepernick, Rapinoe, Murray – The most influential sports people of the decade
It was a decade full of skill, unforgettable moments and remarkable storylines.
Grand slam titles, Olympic Games gold medals, Rugby World Cups, Women’s World Cups and more.
However, the impact and influence of some athletes proved more transcending than others.
We look at the most influential sports people of the past decade as we prepare to farewell the 2010s.
COLIN KAEPERNICK
Kaepernick has never swayed from his beliefs, even if it cost him a career in the NFL.
Following five years with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick hit the headlines when he kneeled during the United States national anthem in 2016.
The quarterback cited racial injustice and police brutality. He filed a grievance against the NFL in 2017, accusing owners of colluding to keep him out of a job. Kaepernick settled that grievance in February.
Despite some backlash, the 32-year-old inspired a nation – receiving support from Nike, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Megan Rapinoe and others. He even refused to meet the NFL’s demands for a workout in November – all but ending his career. For Kaepernick, it has always been about more than American football…
SIYA KOLISI
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi lifted the Rugby World Cup in November. However, his influence stretches much further than a rugby pitch.
In a country embroiled in economic turmoil and racial unrest, Kolisi – the Springboks’ first black captain in their 127-year history – is a beacon of hope.
Having come from an area marked by unemployment and lack of opportunity, Kolisi has become a household name and a genuine inspirational star, who can help unite a nation.
MEGAN RAPINOE
Outspoken on and off the field, Women’s World Cup winner and United States star Rapinoe has transcended football.
From LGBT rights, gender equality and racial quality, Rapinoe has led the fights.
The 34-year-old has drawn the ire of US president Donald Trump, and even called out FIFA over the gulf in prize money for the women’s and men’s World Cups as she strives to make football and the world a better place, while maintaining her dominance on the pitch – winning the 2019 Ballon d’Or Feminin, last year’s Golden Ball and Golden Boot.
ANDY MURRAY
A three-time grand slam champion and former world number one, Murray’s lasting legacy may be his fight for gender equality – not just his on-court achievements.
Not one to keep quiet, just watch him play tennis, Murray has championed against sexism, especially after hiring Amelie Mauresmo as his coach in 2014.
In 2015, Murray wrote: “Have I become a feminist? If being a feminist is about fighting so that a woman is treated like a man then I suppose I have.”
SIMONE BILES
This decade saw the emergence of a gymnastics sensation, yielding four Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 19 World Championships golds – 25 in total – over the past six years.
Biles is the most decorated artistic gymnast of all time at just 22 years of age, establishing herself as one of the best athletes in the world in the face of adversity.
The once-in-a-lifetime talent won five gold medals in Stuttgart, while dealing with the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal.
In 2018, she claimed she was sexually abused by ex-Team USA gymnastics sports doctor Nassar, encouraging others to do the same. She continues to influence the sport in innumerable ways.
ANTHONY JOSHUA
In a decade dominated by UFC and the emergence of mixed-martial arts, Joshua has stood tall for boxing. Flying the flag in the ring, the heavyweight champion consistently attracts crowds that have never been seen in British boxing.
A game-changer for the sport, Joshua has broadened boxing’s appeal beyond traditional audiences. For his bout against Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley in April 2017, a post-ward record crowd of 90,000 attended.
An estimated 80,000 spectators also took in his clash with Carlos Takam in Cardiff six months later. Joshua also took a title fight to Saudi Arabia in December – regaining his belts.
ALEX ZANARDI
Zanardi survived one of the most horrific non-fatal crashes in the history of open-wheel racing. The Italian lost both his legs in 2001, while he was also red his last rites.
However, Zanardi – who said he went 50 minutes with less than a litre of blood and his heart stopped beating seven times – was not done.
The former CART champion turned to paracycling and won two gold medals in his 2012 Paralympics debut, followed by another two in 2016.
CASTER SEMENYA
A two-time Olympic Games gold medallist and athletics star, it has been a tough end to the decade for Semenya but the South African inspired a nation in 2019.
She missed the World Athletics Championships in October after the IAAF proposed regulations regarding athletes with differences of sex development (DSD).
The new rule instructed athletes such as Semenya – who compete in events from the 400m to a mile, to take medication to lower their testosterone levels to take part in women’s track events.
Despite lengthy legal battles and years of questions, Semenya continued to fight for her rights, leading to a Nike video in which she spoke about acceptance, self-love and respecting people for who they are. “I’m one kind of an athlete. I run my own race. It’s all about me,” said Semenya.
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