Triumphs of the Spirit: Athletes Who Overcame Adversity

Which famous athlete overcame a serious car accident in his youth to become one of the greatest basketball players of all time?

• Michael Jordan

• LeBron James

• Kobe Bryant

• Shaquille O'Neal

Who is the Olympic runner that was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, yet went on to win gold medals?

• Usain Bolt

• Michael Phelps

• Wilma Rudolph

• Carl Lewis

Which professional soccer player grew up in poverty in Argentina before becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in the world?

• Cristiano Ronaldo

• Lionel Messi

• Neymar Jr.

• Zlatan Ibrahimović

What NFL quarterback was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, yet led his team to multiple playoff appearances?

• Tom Brady

• Peyton Manning

• Jay Cutler

• Aaron Rodgers

Which professional tennis player overcame a life-threatening pulmonary embolism to win multiple Grand Slam titles?

• Serena Williams

• Venus Williams

• Maria Sharapova

• Naomi Osaka

Who is the professional skateboarder that was born with a condition that affects the growth of his arms, yet went on to become a celebrated athlete and motivational speaker?

• Tony Hawk

• Rodney Mullen

• Ryan Sheckler

• Italo Romano

Which heavyweight boxing champion overcame a tough childhood and time in juvenile detention to become a world champion?

• Muhammad Ali

• Mike Tyson

• Evander Holyfield

• Tyson Fury

What Paralympic athlete, born without fibulas, went on to compete in the Olympics against able-bodied athletes?

• Oscar Pistorius

• Tatyana McFadden

• Jonnie Peacock

• Natalie du Toit

Which professional golfer overcame a severe car crash and multiple back surgeries to win the Masters Tournament?

• Tiger Woods

• Phil Mickelson

• Rory McIlroy

• Jordan Spieth

Who is the female gymnast who overcame a childhood of foster care and family instability to become an Olympic gold medalist?

• Simone Biles

• Gabby Douglas

• Aly Raisman

• Nastia Liukin