Athletes have always inspired us to cheer, boo and imitate. Over the past 12 months athletes have caught the attention of everyone around the world in what they do on the court/field or outside the arena. These are my top ten athletes of 2018…

10.      Conor McGregor

The Irishman from Dublin has an uppity attitude against his opponents and the whole MMA world. McGregor recently lost in the UFC 229 to Khabib Nurmagomedov which shocked fans, but with his sassy character, everyone will always love McGregor.

9.        Colin Kaepernik

After losing Super bowl XLVII against the Ravens in 2013, Colin Kaepernik and his career went downhill. He wasn’t known for his football career, but after protests against racism, he was known for kneeling during the National Anthem. Ultimately, he was let go from the 49ers. In 2018, Kaepernik signed an endorsement deal with Nike, with a slogan that reads “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” This became one of the most popular advertisements of 2018, showing athletes and people to not be afraid to speak their minds about what they think is right even if it means sacrificing everything.

8. Cristiano Ronaldo

Many people already know this famous forward in fútbal. Ronaldo has made a mark in the soccer world like the former best soccer player Lionel Messi. He is the only soccer player to hold two Golden Boot awards, and 4 club world cup trophies. He recently won a championship with Real Madrid and now is looking to win another championship, but with a different team. Everyone who follows soccer knows how much of a power move moving to Juventus was for Ronaldo. The 33-year-old has many more playing years to look forward to.

7. Mookie Betts

After the Boston Red Sox made it to the World Series, there is obviously one player that leads their team to the championship on both sides. The last time Boston won a championship was in 2013. Mookie Betts was the one who pulled the Red Sox together and won the championship in 2018. They now stand with nine total championships. Betts won the MVP as well as the Golden Glove, which is a tremendous achievement.

6. Dwyane Wade

For Dwyane Wade, this his last season in the NBA. The Hall Of Fame shooting guard from the Miami Heat is coursing through the season and reliving career memories. He is only 36, and he will go down as one of the greats. Wade has 3 championships along with an MVP award, and many more achievements. In a recent interview, Wade said, “I don’t want to go out like Kobe. I want to go out as Dwyane Wade.”

5. Serena Williams

Serena Williams and her tennis career is nothing short of incredible, and she has been a role model for women. One event that shocked the world was when Williams played an Australian Tour match while pregnant. She was said to be at least 8 weeks pregnant when she played, and no one knew at the time, but she posted a picture on Snapchat. The fact Williams played and won a match while pregnant is stunning.

4.        Derrick Rose

The life story of Derrick Rose will always be a sad one. Athletes who have so much potential but fall due to injury is the worst for fans and the athletes themselves. Rose has been everywhere, from the Bulls to the Knicks and Knicks to the Cavaliers. He could never find his mark on those teams. Rose found his calling while being on the Minnesota Timberwolves. He wound up scoring his career high of 50 points against the Utah Jazz in 2018. He has been working hard to get to this moment, and fans know he will not let up.

3.        Alex Ovechkin

This Russian NHL player worked his whole life to play at the level he is now. There were multiple playoff appearances with Capitals, but there was always something that came in his way. Finally, last season, the Capitals and Ovechkin went on a run that put them in the biggest event of the playoffs. The Stanley Cup. The Capitals won the Stanley Cup in a 4-0 series and Ovechkin earned the MVP award.

2.          Tom Brady

Tom Brady is 41-years-old. On December 10th he broke Peyton Manning’s record of 579 touchdowns (Playoffs and Regular Season) and now sits at 580. Also, Brady has a record of 79,727 passing yards and passing touchdowns to 71 different receivers, but those numbers are only increasing as the season heading into the playoffs. Brady maybe old, but I doesn’t look like he wants to retire anytime soon.

1.         Lebron James

Lebron James is 33 and has been playing for the NBA for 15 years. He is a 14 time All-Star as well as a 3-time Champion. Although his stats for this year (every year before) are off the charts, this is not the only thing he has done. Before he left Cleveland to join the Lakers he did one more thing for his hometown Akron, Ohio. James and his foundation created the IPROMISE school for kids who are struggling on their studies. By attending this school, children have the opportunity of changing their lives, and once they graduate successfully, they earn a scholarship to attend the University of Akron. James proved he is more than an athlete.