Beyond the Finish Line: Black Athletes Who Changed the Game and the World

October marks the annual commemoration of Black History Month. It is often argued that people from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been overlooked and stereotyped. However, Black History Month enables recognition and the celebration of Black heritage and culture. In particular, Black representation in sports has come a long way and is now more diverse and inclusive. Today, sports from basketball to football to gymnastics to golf have strong Black athletic talent. These sporting heroes deserve to be praised. I’ll be taking a deep dive into four sportspeople who warrant all the admiration and love.

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant was an icon in basketball and is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. His 20-year-long career created him the most magical, glittering legacy. Bryant is a household name, and his influence and reach were vast.

Bryant was also heavily involved in charity and his most prominent work was the ‘Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.’ This aimed to improve the lives of people in need and work on issues such as homelessness. He worked closely with organisations to support homeless youth in Los Angeles.

Tragically, in 2020 Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna passed away in a helicopter crash. The crash claimed the lives of all nine individuals on board and the accident shocked the world. The sudden loss created an outpour of grief and tributes from fans and athletes around the world.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka may only be 23 but his mark on history, in particular Black history, has already been cemented. The Arsenal midfielder has become a role model for many and is most definitely a British hero.

During the Euro final in 2021, Saka missed a penalty in a devastating shootout defeat against Italy. Disappointingly, after the match, the racial abuse he received was horrific. However, fans worldwide rallied around him, uniting against discrimination.

After such support, Saka has gone from strength to strength and is an England and Arsenal legend.

Bukayo is inspirational to others as he has proved that no matter the discrimination, abuse, or hatred you face, you can work hard and prove that you can overcome tough obstacles.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is one of the most recognisable names in tennis. Starting her professional career at 14, Williams has transformed the way tennis is played, perceived, and supported. Further, she has transformed how women and Black women were seen as athletes.

Williams values being authentic and has spoken about how she and her sister Venus were unapologetically themselves, wearing braids during matches and not being “afraid to be Black in tennis.”

She has won 23 major titles and has 367 career wins throughout her career. Tennis icon Billie Jean King praised Serena, saying “She’s going to help girls and girls of colour, women and women of colour.”

Serena has helped tennis and the diversity within it immensely.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Legendary British Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes is inspiring to all. Despite showing signs of becoming a promising runner, Holmes gave up the sport at the age of 18 to join the army, initially serving as a lorry driver.

She returned to athletics in 1992 and in 2004, she earned 2 gold medals in the 800m and 1,500m. Noticeably, she was 34 and, therefore, the oldest woman ever to win both races.

In 1998, she was awarded an MBE for her services to the British Army and in 2005, she became a Dame for services to sport.

In 2008, Holmes founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust – a registered charity supporting young athletes and helping young people who are disadvantaged in the UK.

Kelly Holmes is a Black athlete who deserves to be recognised for her continued support and mentoring of young people who so desperately need it.

In conclusion, Black athletes have made an enduring impact, both in sports and beyond. Their achievements and sporting commitment inspire future generations and highlight the importance of diversity and representation in all sports. Celebrating their legacies during Black History Month honours their significant influence and resilience.