Who Is Your Favorite Athlete, and Why?

Jan 31, 2017 · 93 comments
team JUL (France, Marseille)
Today, when I see the top 10 of my favorite athlete on youtube , I have the same emotion like when he was on the court. When he played for kings Sacramento with great player like Webber or Stojakovic, when did he not look pass he could feel something. He' s a motivation for all young boys who begin basketball and for old people who just want to always be suprised.
Savanna Ansley (Kent Roosevelt )
To question Two: My favorite athlete is Bethany Hamilton, a Pro Surfer, from the shores of Hawaii. This athlete is different from others in my eyes, because when she went through a traumatic experience losing her arm due to a shark attack at age thirteen, she never gave up on herself or felt discouraged. She found a way to get back up on her board and learn the technique it takes to surf with only one arm. Many wouldn’t even get in the water if something like this happened to them but Bethany persevered and went for her dreams. As to question three: Bethany give greatly back to her community and those less fortunate. Some of these are: Women's Sports Foundation, Fair Fund’s Jewel Girls program, Walking on Water, Life Without Limbs, Holidays With Purpose and Christian Surfers. Bethany Hamilton is a very down to earth and faith filled person. She gives supports to others who have been through shark attacks and severe amputees. Through her story she gives strength and hope to those who need a little light at the end of their tunnel and bring a smile to their face.
Katrina bennett (Beaverton, oregon)
My Favorite Athlete is Damian Lillard because he is very kind and takes time to go around and help people and does camps to work with kids who love basketball and want to take time and get better!!!!!!! i love him because he shows team work in his games and always cheers on his team mates and always communicates with everyone during the game and lest them know what will happen or gets ideas from everyone and is not just all about him and everyone has to do what he wants..... No he takes time to see what his team mates has in mind to do for a play for offence and deffence and that i love him for cuz no one needs to control over everyone!!! everyone is aloud to take turns being "captain" for the game or play that will be used for the game!!!!!!
Desmond Kennedy (South Carolina)
My favorite athlete is Kevin Durant. Why because hes a scoring machine an he broken the record for the youngest to ever do it at 21. He an all-around player on and off the court. To me he has a tragic backstory.He moved from home to home as an child.When as a teenager his mentor past away at the age of 35. That why Kevin Durant wears 35 to honor him.
What makes him your favorite athlete different from all the others?His personality off the court.He is one of the coolest and nicest player out there.He also gives back to his community.What stood out to me the most was when Kevin Durant donated $57,000 to Oklahoma City for the homeless kids in that community.
Cielo Castro (Arkansas)
My favorite athlete has to do with soccer, almost every athlete that is my favorite is a soccer player. In this case my favorite soccer player is "Alex Morgan". She plays in the USWNT, standing for United States Women National Team. The reason why she's my favorite athlete is because she is a wonderful woman in and out of the field. When she is in the field she is a magnificent player, the way she skills the ball is what I like. The communication she has with people on and off the field, being her teammates or not she talks to them with a great attitude. She is inspiring with great advice and with her kindness. Also, knowing that she plays the same position that I play in the LBST (Lady Badger Soccer Team) is really inspiring. That gives me the chance to look at her videos so that I can get to play like she does. I will follow her skills and create something out of them. Alex Morgan is also my favorite athlete because she is someone everyone looks up to in soccer. She is also a FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion, and that is another thing that inspires me, I want our LBST to go to state. Alex Morgan is for sure my favorite athlete.
Will Herron (Arkansas)
My all-time favorite athlete is a baseball player off the St. Louis Cardinals, Yadier Molina. I love his attitude towards the game he loves and the interviews he does at the end of most of the games because he's a role model to young people like me. Even though he is a different race than me, I think he's still one of the best athlete's in baseball today. He has one of the best batting averages in major league baseball, he has won two World Series with his best friend Albert Pujos, he's a 6-time All-Star and 5-time Gold Glove winner, and he's also in line to becoming the second catcher to win MVP since Johnny Bench in 1972. He loves to make music labels and spend time with his family and loves to play baseball. My favorite quote by him that has always expired me to never give up is, "Before you can achieve, you must believe....In Yourself."
Robia18 (PA)
My favorite athlete of all time is Micheal Phelps. he is someone is was shaky at the begging and able to fight back to his addiction and come back to the Phelps everyone knows and loves in the water. With numerous gold medals in the olympics he is someone that will always put on a show for you when racing. He is extremely fast and I love always waiting and waiting to see see him race. Unfortunately he retired and ended his career on a good note. Phelps was a partier in the begging and had a very bad addiction to drugs and alcohol. He was few to be able to admit it and get help. Soon he was able to fight back and leave that in the past. By seeing that in my eyes it tells me not everyone is perfect no matter who u are or how good you are at something. His journey taught me not to shy away from things to own up to things you have done and make the best out of them. He now goes and tells his stories o people and has came out about this his story and to show you you can change. You might be down right now but it only goes up from there. He is a class act and a nice guy when it comes to talking to fans and talking to media. I enjoy watching him and inspired form what he has done.
Freddy (Santa Ana)
Yes I play basketball, water polo, and swim.Those are the sports I really enjoy playing. My favorite athletes are messi and Michael Phelps. Michael Phelps is an Olympic swimmer. Messi is a soccer player from the European Leagues. The athletes I like aren’t as cocky as other athletes they show respect and have good sportsmanship. They put a lot of their sweat, tears, and heart into their sport. Sadly Michael Phelps retired last year in the Rio Olympics. Messi on the other hand is still playing soccer and is going for many years. Well outside the soccer field Lionel Messi is a loving father to his son. He loves and takes care of his parents because when he was a kid they were poor and messi wanted to pay back his parents for keeping his head up even his family was going through difficulties. Michael Phelps is also a father and now that he is retired he can spend more time with his family. Both are great people and I’ve never heard that they are bad people when outside the court or pool.
Bryant (Santa Ana, CA)
My Favorite Athlete is Manuel Neuer he is a Goalkeeper for Bayern Munich and Germany, He is my favorite because he is different than all the other Goalkeepers, The Best Goalkeeper to be exact, He is good in the pitch and does his best for his team could win this is what he did to he can help Germany win the 2014 World Cup and he will be a good captain for Germany
Julian Blanco (Santa Ana, CA)
My favorite athlete is Lionel Messi. He is a 29 year old Argentinian soccer player that currently plays for FC Barcelona in Barcelona, Spain. He is my favorite because he is the best in the world and he has so much confidence with the ball at his feet. He always seems to excite the crowd every time he gains possession of the ball. Without Lionel Messi, he would have never inspired me to get more into soccer and start playing and watching more.
Crystal Diaz (Santa Ana, California)
Yes, I play sports which include basketball, and softball at the high school level. My favorite athlete’s which are Dwyane Wade and LeBron James both play professional basketball just like I play basketball. What makes Dwyane Wade and LeBron James different from other athletes are their passion for the game, their devotion to their families, and the friendships they create and keep. For example, both LeBron and Wade played in the same team (Miami Heat) but they later left to different team(Wade moved to the Bulls and Lebron moved to the Cavs) they still have a very close relationship.What makes Dwyane Wade and LeBron James different from other athletes are their passion for the game, their devotion to their families, and the friendships they create and keep. For example, both LeBron and Wade played in the same team (Miami Heat) but they later left to different team(Wade moved to the Bulls and Lebron moved to the Cavs) they still have a very close relationship.
BRich (Flint, MI)
My favorite athlete and I don’t play the same sport. What makes my favorite athlete different from others is his self-confidence, level of focus and his commitment to being the best at his sport as well as a good teammate. My favorite athlete’s off-field behavior adds to his appeal because he appears to be confident in everything he does, not just when playing his sport. I think this adds to his appeal because its within his character to be confident as well as a team player no matter the task.
Myah.W (Michigan)
Yes I have a favorite athlete. My favorite athlete is Kyrie Irving, the point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is 24 years old was the number 1 overall pick from The University Of Duke. What makes me keep coming back to Kyrie for more is just his energy he seems like such a loving happy person all the time he is always smiling. Also he is just a great basketball player I think he is one of the best point guards in the NBA today his dribble moves the way he is so efficient with passing the ball just makes him my favorite.
Arman I. (Madera Ca.)
My favorite athlete is probably Kobe Bryant because it just shows that hard work comes a long way.
Drew (Arizona)
I don't play sports anymore but my favorite athlete played football and so did I. My favorite athlete is different than others because he is super religious, a high school and college superstar, and has played multiple professional sports. His off-field behavior is like a helping hand because he helps as many people as he can.
Matthew McGrath (Middletown South)
Unfortunately, I am a New York Islanders fan, and not much has gone well for us since the four consecutive Stanley Cup championships during the early 1980s. Recently, however, the team has encountered much success through the captaincy of John Tavares. For the past seven years, Tavares has been the main component of the Islanders' long awaited reconstruction. Tavares brings a competitive attitude on a nightly basis and provides the team with talent and tenacity to assist in helping them win. Last season, the Islanders won their first playoff series in 23 years, with Tavares netting the game tying and game winning goals. Ultimately, I have seen Tavares develop as a player and transform my beloved Islanders into a truly competitive team in the eastern conference. When his contract expires after next season, I hope that the Islanders will retain Tavares, as he has become my favorite athlete and holds a special place in my heart.
FREDO (bed)
my favorite sport is football, and my favorite all time player is Deion sanders I admired Deion when I was watching football highlights, I fell in love with the way he made the receivers look like kids compared to him, and the way he returned those kicks, he made it look easy, but what i also like about him is the way he has fun while doing it.
Dominick C (SHS)
My favorite sport is Hockey, ever since my father turned on the television and I saw the Buffalo Sabers playing against the Boston Bruins I was instantly hooked to the the sport, the best to play the sport was Dominik Hasek, a goal tender for many teams in his great career, two time Hart Trophy winner, two time Stanley Cup winner, and he was six time Vezina Trophy, which he won back to back to times, and he did this being the 199th pick in the 10th round, the mirror image of Tom Brady. He has defined what "commanding the crease" means, he has made saves that the today's goalies would be lucky to make. he is a man that is related to stone walls. after being an out cast in Chicago he was traded to Buffalo and stunned the world and the NHL with the skill that he put out on the ice. without argue, one of the best, if not, the best to protect the net in the NHL.
Troy B (Madera, Ca)
My favorite sport is baseball, I've been playing baseball ever since I learned to walk. My favorite athlete is Clayton Kershaw who is a pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. When he is off-field he treats his fans like they are human beings and doesn't place them lower than him, unlike many athletes. What makes Clayton different from the rest is his love for God, work ethic, and humbleness. He is the only athlete I have ever looked up to because many athletes lack these traits. I can no longer play baseball but I still continue to look up to him.
Morgan D (Madera, CA)
Yes, I've been playing soccer most of my life. My favorite athlete is Ronaldinho; he plays soccer as well. Ronaldinho stands out to me because of his technique, skills, and free kicks. In addition, his no-look passes are one of his many strengths; the other team is usually confused about where the ball will go whenever Ronaldinho has it. Off the field, he has an amazing attitude and says he tries to be an honest, straight forward guy. He is loved by many people because he is skilled, humble, and most of the time, he does the right thing no matter what the circumstances are.
Aramel (Madera, California)
My favorite sport is soccer. I have been playing soccer since I was 3 and haven't stopped. My favorite athlete is Lionel Messi. He is the person I look up to in soccer. Messi is considered the best player in the world by many. He is y favorite player for many reasons, one is he worked hard to get were he is, shows us anything is possible, and dreams come true. Messi came from a poor family and didn't have a lot of money but he worked hard to achieve is dream. Every time I play I try to play like him. I look up to him and want to play like him.
Sarah S. (Madera CA)
I play Soccer and my favorite Athlete, who aslo plays soccer, is Carli Lloyd. She is a great player and person on and off the feild. Carli Lloyd is a role model for every young girl. She shows that nothing holds her back and she goes one hundred percent every time. Her off-feild attitude is great because she is a caring and nice person.
Katelynn B (Madera, Ca)
My favorite athlete is Sherry Cervi. Sherry Cervi is a professional barrel racer. She has won a world title 4 times. She holds herself to the highest standard possible and is gracious in winning and losing. She has never given up even after the death of her husband right before a performance. Personally I have met her multiple times. She is gracious and does not brag. SHe is a sweet and personable athlete. The thing that stands out the most tome about her is the fact that she pets her horses good or bad.
John L (Madera CA)
I play basketball for the liberty hawks high school, on Jv. My favorite athlete Tim Tebow play baseball for the Met but use to play football for the Denver Broncos Qb. He care about his religion more than sports and help people in needs. He help kid that have a illeness and hang out with them. Tim Tebow also write books about his joury thought being cut. Tim Tebow with all hopes down his tryed hard at a new school and never gave up on his dream to play a sport.
Teagan Tovsrud (Madera, California)
My favorite athlete is Chaunte Lowe. She is an Olympic athlete who preform high jump. As she fought on, she made it into the top 5 leaving with 4th place in the Olympics of Rio de Janeiro. She is my favorite athlete because she inspires me to become the best I can be when I am also pursuing to increase my PR in high jump. My athlete is different then everybody else in the United States to go the furthest in high jump during the 2016 Olympics. She has a positive attitude on and off the track which inspires many people to pursue their dream of becoming a professional athlete.
Margarita F (Madera, CA)
I play volleyball as a sport, it's my passion. My favorite athlete is Jordan Larson. Jordan Larson is a Olympic volleyball player. Jordan gets offered to play with many different teams because of how good she is. Jordan is very competitive and never gives up. Jordan is always positive; when she sees her teammate down, she gives them a little push to get back up and be confident. Jordan is a team player, which inspires me to be one as well. She has the same behavior on and off the court. She is kind, supportive, and competitive. Jordan inspires me to be myself no matter where I am or with who I am with. That is why Jordan Larson is my favorite athlete.
Madison B. (Madera-Ca.)
I play many sports that all involve one sport put together; I do Cross Country, Soccer, and Track and Field. But in all of these they involve running. My favorite athlete is Jenna Prandini. Jenna Prandini is a 2015 National Champion for the 200 mete, and she continues to National Championship while finishing her senior year at the University of Oregon. Jenna Prandini is different from all the other athletes because most athletes when they want to win but they lose they give up, but Jenna Prandini has this spirit and unique personality, yeah she wants to win , but when she looses all she will is fix her mistakes and get better. Jenna Prandini's behavior doesn't change when she get's off of the field, she is a kind, enthusiastic, and kind-hearted girl that wants to strive and be successful in the future. And she will inspire people of all ages to follow there dreams, and I should know because when I met her she was so kind and I remember her saying to me " Be who you want to be and always remember to never give up", and if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be who I am today
Dominic O. (Liberty High School)
My favorite athlete is Barry Bonds, because first off I love the Giants, and he was a really good baseball player. Barry Bonds knew what he was doing he was a great hitter. Giants are the best, giants all the way. Barry Bonds got the job done and looked good doing it too. Lets go Giants!
Eli Manning (Madera California)
Football is my favorite sport to play. Eli manning is a good representative to the sport because Hes an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Mississippi. He was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and immediately traded to the Giants who in return gave up a package, highlighted by fourth overall selection Philip Rivers. He is the son of former NFL quarterback Archie Manning and the younger brother of former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning.
Emmanuel J. (Madera, CA)
I play basketball, and my favorite athlete is Kobe Bryant. While many like him for winning championships or his insanely good scoring ability, I like him for his toughness and work ethic. He was always the first to enter the gym, and the last to leave. I've heard stories of when he was on team USA. When the other athletes were sight-seeing or relaxing, he was spending hours working on his game. He's had a lot of injuries, he was always playing through them. He tore his achilles once, and he still took his free throws and even walked himself back to the locker rooms. I admire his Mamba Mentality, and I strive to be able to have it as well.
Taylor P. (Madera,CA)
My favorite athlete is Rocky Babola. Yes, he is a character played in a movie but he stills a great athlete. He was poor and dropout of high school with no job and all he like to do were fight.He shows from all the hard work and sweat you put in, will make you great in life. I look up to him because he shows that in order to succeed in life, you gotta work hard. One of rocky quote was, "It ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward." What he means by that is that you can get hit as hard as you can and still be the best and never give up. This is why Rocky Babola is my favorite athlete.
Alyssap (Libertyhighschool)
My favorite athlete is Muhammad Ali. Muhammad is a professional boxer and activist. He is considered one of the most remarkable and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century. Muhammad is a good example of a person to look up to, he is very inspiring. I personally see Muhammad as a person who doesn't give up, nor works hard from the beginning to the end and never gives up. Muhammad is a very good fighter. He is also very loyal, shows respect and love.
Zeeshawn D. (Madera, Ca.)
I enjoy playing tennis and basketball. My favorite athlete, Paul George, plays basketball. Paul George is different because he is an one of few big men that can put up high performances as a big man in the NBA. With also facing the harshness of coming off of a severe injury in which he completely broke his leg bone. Paul George takes care of his community in his off-time. He donates, he volunteers, and he meets with kids who have disabilities and love to watch him play.
Christian G. (SHS)
My favorite athlete is Roger Federer. He is an interntional tennis player from Sweden. Federer has 18 grand slam championships throughouthis years as a professional tennis player. Federer lately has been recovering over an injury that had him out for 6 months. He is my favorite athlete because through all of the hardships e has faced, he still manged to keep his head high and do his job.
Reek Thomas (Shaker High School)
My name is Reek and my favorite athlete is pretty much the whole Kansas City Chiefs depth chart. They're my favorite team and my favorite athletes because they are all so helpful to their community and their all underdogs in the NFL until now, now they're one of the best teams in the NFL.
Molly F (shaker)
Wow, I really like the Chiefs too! My dad and I were always fans!
Makayla Marcotte (Latham)
UFC is my passion, it's basically the greatest thing that Americans have produced. The fighters literally fight their way to the top and they don't let anyone or anything stop them. My favorite athlete is Amanda Nunes. Amanda Nunes is a female UFC fighter. The greatest match of all time was on December 30,2016 when Amanda Nunes faced Ronda Rousey, within a period of 48 seconds Nunes was able to take down Rousey! The greatest match of 2016!
Josh L (New Jersey)
I am a sophomore in high school, and I play for the baseball team at my school. I have been following sports for over 12 years now, and my favorite athlete out of all of that time is probably David Wright. He is a baseball player for the New York Mets. He plays 3rd base, and he is one of the most humble and appreciative athletes out there. He really appreciates his fans a lot more than most players He never gets cocky, and he shows more sportsmanship than any other baseball player I have ever seen. Although he has never won a championship, he has been in 7 all-star games, won 2 golden glove awards, gotten 2 silver slugger awards, and won rookie of the year in 2004. Most of all, though, he is a team player, and he has been with the Mets his whole career.
Matt K (New Jersey)
I play Football for the freshman team in New Jersey. My favorite athletes are almost anyone on the New England Patriots. I like these players because none of them were scouted as much as other draft picks. Tom Brady for example was picked round 6 pick 199 and he is the greatest quarterback of all time. Also Julian Edelman was a 7th round draft pick and he made the second greatest catch in Super Bowl History. Danny Amendola and LeGarrette Blount because they were both undrafted and played big parts in winning the super bowl. In total 12 out of 22 players were drafted in the first round or later and that shows that you don´t have to be the best player in the draft to make a team and win a super bowl
Aidan B (Arizona)
I am currently a freshman in high school and I played basketball for the school team. But one of my favorite athletes is probably Kyrie Irving because he's not cocky, he is very humble, and he is a great basketball player. Kyrie is only 24-years old and he has already won a gold medal in the Olympics, he won an NBA championship, and lastly ,he has already been in a couple All Star games.
Chris Trudeau (SHS)
I play lacrosse at my high school, it is my favorite sport. My favorite athlete is Paul Pogba. He plays for Manchester Untied. He is just a beast even tho he is going downhill right now. He is also great person.
Nitin J. Obla (Shaker High School)
Chris what you are saying is very true and it is nice to see someone who still supports an athlete despite his career taking a turn.
Kieran H (Shaker High School)
I would like you to explain why this guy "is a beast" and what sport he plays i can sense that you like your athlete though
Nitin J. Obla (Shaker High School)
I run for my high school. My favourite athlete is Paul Nichols. He is a very good runner who got a fat scholarship to a college in Boston. He continues his running career by running long distance. He is a nice man who has many interests and was in advanced classes. He is my favourity athlete because he seems to be good at everything.
Kieran H (Shaker High School)
I play soccer at my high school, it is my favorite sport. My favorite athlete who also plays soccer is Marco Reus. He is a 27-year-old German midfielder that plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, although he doesn't play for my favorite team, Liverpool, he is one of the most respectable men in the game. His team Borussia Dortmund builds up great youth players like Reus and usually sells them to other European super clubs. Despite interest from clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona he has stayed loyal and won't leave. (His departure would definitely hurt Borussia Dortmund and could be their downfall). This gives all of my respect and is one of the major reasons no one in the soccer world hates Marco Reus, along with his giant donations to charity and his clean reputation.
Nitin J. Obla (Shaker High School)
Kieran I absolutely adore your response to the question that asks what your favourite athlete is and why. I believe that you have a strong sense of respect for your athlete and I respect that.
Chris Trudeau (SHS)
Kieran I totally agree with you on your statement about your favorite athlete Marco Reus is a great person and he has a great future.
Anthony Calvanese (Quakertown)
Rues is a great person and is respected by all. He is a fan favorite and that is why he is on the cover of FIFA 17!
Claire N (SHS)
My favorite athlete is Gaby Douglas, the Olympic gymnast. She is extremely talented at such a young age and I respect what she does so much. I can't even imagine the amount of determination this girl has to practice so much throughout her high school experience. She also was such a great teammate, always cheering people on and taking her losses with pride.
Karrington Eagan (SHS)
My favorite athlete is Adam Forte, he is a cheerleader for Cheer Intensity Allstars out of Green Island NY. I chose Adam as my favorite because not only is he a well rounded athlete in cheer, he is a person that in and out of cheer pushes and inspires people everyday to reach their goals; also, Adam is also a coach and owner of Cheer Intensity so he knows what its like from both perspectives which makes him such an amazing athlete and coach, always working hard to benefit his teams. Adams behavior outside cheer adds to his appeal because no matter what he is doing he has the same encouraging attitude to everyone, always lending a helping hand to make people the best they can be in and outside of cheer.
Gabe Amoroso (SHS)
Currently, my favorite athlete is Hassan Whiteside. Hassan Whiteside plays for the Miami Heat and is currently the only star player on the team. I have been a Miami Heat fan since I was in 2nd grade. I always loved watching Dwyane Wade growing up but when Hassan Whiteside came along and Wade left Whiteside quickly became my favorite player. He is an amazing player on the court, throwing down dunks, grabbing rebounds, and rejecting shots like nothing. To quote him "Ain't nobody doing it with blocks." He is one of few people to have a triple double with blocks among the ranks of Dikembe Mutombo and David Robinson, both Hall of Famers. He anchors the Heat defense and has been a major part of the 12 game winning streak they are currently on. He has a very fun personality and is always good for a laugh in interviews. He also has a snap chat where he posts funny stories. Another reason I love Hassan Whiteside is because he started from the bottom as a second round pick and was released from the Kings, however, Whiteside's story did not end here. The Miami Heat gave him a chance and he proved he was worth it, averaging a double-double with points and rebounds as well as having 3.7 blocks a game. This lead to Hassan getting a 4 year 88 million dollar contract. He worked hard to get to where he is and he plans to stay at the top of centers in the NBA for years to come. Hassan may even lead the Heat to a playoff spot this year after they started 11-30. He is a great player.
Bri E (Shaker High School)
My favorite athlete is Odell Beckham Jr. The New York Giants are my favorite football team and he is their best receiver. He always has such a positive attitude and encourages other players on his team to do their best. He was rookie of the year in 2014 and continues to be a phenomenal athlete. He is known for his elaborate touchdown dances. Odell always adds fun to the game and makes football more interesting to watch. Odell's one-handed catches are undeniably incredible. Odell knew when he was 4 years old that he would play in the NFL and now he is one of the best receivers the NFL has.
Aidan Beach (SHS)
I play lacrosse and my favorite athlete is Lyle Thompson. Lyle played for UAlbany which is close by to where I live and I went to the games countless times. Lyle could have gone to a top ranked school but, decided to make his own mark on lacrosse at UAlbany. Lyle changed lacrosse with is skill and play style and put UAlbany on the map in college lacrosse.
Audra M (SHS)
My favorite athlete is Kris Letang. He is a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins and he is my favorite because he is overlooked by a lot of people and usually doesn't get the credit he deserves. Without him, the team's defense is not the same as it is with him. He, by himself, has made defensive plays that have saved the team from many losses, and ultimately led them to a championship last year. Almost every year, he makes the top 10 for goals as a defenseman, even with the number of injuries he's had each year. Letang also contributes lots of assists to his team throughout the year. Without him, not as many goals are scored as they are with him. He also has a great attitude and is a definite team player. He sticks up for his teammates when they are knocked down, and usually never gets upset at any bad calls or plays. If he does get upset, he soon moves on from it and continues to play the game and help out his team.
Mahad.A (Shaker High School)
I play soccer at my high school, it is my favorite sport. Like my favorite sport, My favorite athlete also plays soccer. He is the 32-year-old Portuguese, current ballon D'or holder, Cristiano Ronaldo. He first debuted at the age of 18 in the English club Manchester United and since then he has been compared to the best soccer players of all time. He has been consistantly scoring 50+ goals for the past four seasons. That sounds normal but no player has ever been consistent like that. He is also the first ever player to score in 3 different world cups and 3 different Euro's. These facts are just the tip of the iceberg. He holds many more records that I am unable to lay all out here. Aside from being a great player, he also has shown to be a great leader for his country's national team countless times. Motivating his team through the Euro 2016, defeating the best and favorites of the tournament he proved his worth as one of the best players of all time. He is my favorite because of how he is independent and always there for his teammates when he's needed most.
Mahrouz Ahmad (Latham Ny)
My favorite athlete is Rob Gronkowski because he's a stud.
Brandon Vogel (Shaker High School)
My personal favorite athlete is Norm Duke he has 64 perfect 300 games. He has earned 3,000,000+ dollars in the past 32 years from just bowling. He has over 20 PBA titles and he is in both the USBC and PBA halls of fame. Averaging at around 220 and is an extremely adaptable player. He is amongst the best bowlers to ever bowl on television.
Ryan G. (Shaker High School)
My favorite athlete is David Johnson on the Arizona Cardinals. In my opinion, he is the best running back in the NFL. I've been watching football for a while now, and I haven't seen a guy that's more athletic than him. He has the speed and acceleration to run around you, as well as the strength to go right through you. For years to come, I think David Johnson will be a star in the NFL, compared to other running backs. I also think he will guide the Cardinals to the playoffs for years to come after the other stars like Larry Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer leave or retire.
Amos Grimm (Latham ny)
my favorite athlete is Richard sherman.he is a nfl corner back for the seattle seahawks. he is a beast. he goes all out every time and he isnt scared of anyone. he is also very smart and always does his research.
Jason L (Shaker High Schoool)
My favorite sport has been football since I was little. I have played football since fifth grade and continue to play it. My favorite athlete Odell Beckham Jr. also plays this sport. He is a wide receiver for the New York Giants and ever since I watched him first play I knew he was special and really like him. The Giants are my favorite team and have been a fan ever for a long time. Odell is a very dynamic player who has a really fun personality and does a variety of dances when he scores a touchdown. Odell's off-field behavior isn't appealing because he does many things such as going on a Miami boat trip before the playoff game and it became a huge deal and after they lost he punched a wall and put a hole in it. But in my opinion, he has the chance to be the best receiver in the league and I love watching him play and constantly rewatch his highlights. He is by far my favorite player in the NFL and probably will be for a while.
Emily R (Shaker)
My favorite sport is soccer, and I love to watch Messi who is a professional soccer player in the Premier league. He is different from other players because he is the best in the world, loves his family and fans and would do anything for them. He has a son who is adorable plus he is rarely to never is in the press and if he is it´s never bad. He has an amazing reputation.
Rene Valdez (Thunderbird High School)
I myself play soccer. I like this player because he is the best in the world. He plays in "La Liga" the best soccer league in the world. He is forward in one of the best teams in the world, FC Barcelona. He loves his team and his fans. His name is Lionel Messi.
Lucille Annette Garcia (Thunderbird High School)
My favorite sport is basketball, and I like to play it and watch the games, so my favorite athlete is an amazing player. He is the best on his team, the Phoenix Suns. He’s just 20 years old, and he started playing professionally when he was 18 years old. He has a lot of skills to play so young on a professional team. He is David Booker. There are some other amazing players, like LeBron James, Steve Nash, and Steph Curry, but David booker is the best in the NBA. Now he is a professional player.
Ashleigh S. (NJ)
My favorite athlete is Tom Brady because he is one of the best quarter backs in the NFL. He is the only football player in the NFL to have won 5 super bowl rings. I feel he represents this generations athletes. He has carried his team to break a nearly 21 point lead and go over time in the 2017 super bowl.
Elsa Kauffman (Oregon)
My favorite athlete is Russel Wilson. I have watched the Seahawks ever since I was able to walk. I enjoy cheering on for a player who is not only passionate about football, but who gives back to his community. Russel Wilson pays visits to children who are cancer patients all over the west coast. This gives those kids hope and something to look forward to, instead of thinking about negative outlooks on life. An athlete who is able to make a difference in the community is a true player to me. Anyone can find out an athletes true character, and those who use their talent and fame to make a difference in the world are the real MVP's.
Teagan (Arizona)
My absolute favorite athlete is Gabby Douglas because she loves her sport and was passionate enough to follow her dreams no matter what obsticals get in her way. She was only a 16-year-old when she went to her first olympics to compete. she is as dazzeling as the medals she has won. I love her so much because I feel like she represents a part of me that accomplished one of her biggest dreams that I wish I wasn"t able to do.
Gabriella J. (NJ)
I have played many sports in the past and do continue to enjoy playing sports. My favorite athlete, Leonel Messi, I believe is one of the most talented athletes currently in soccer history. I used to play soccer but am not as interested as I was in the past. Messi is unique and is just a natural overall within the sport of soccer. He has influenced so many people to follow their dreams. It makes you reminisce and look back at the things you could've done. Height and nationality doesn't matter, unless you put your mind to it. He is a natural to do what he does and still continues to amaze people to this day.
Rouan E BEL4 (High Tech High School)
My favorite athlete is Simone Biles. As a kid I've always loved to do flips and twirls. I was even team captain for my cheerleading team. I loved how I was able to be so flexible and light. So seeing Simone Biles succeed after so many obstacles, makes me realize that nothing is impossible. Simone is the 2016 Olympic individual all-around, vault and floor champion. She was also part of the gold medal-winning team called the "final five" at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. However, before Simone and her sister, Adria, were raised by their grandfather Ron and grandmother Nellie, since their mother was struggling with substance, and abuse problems. That itself was a huge emotional struggle. At the end I love how she was able to ignore all that, and continue to practice what was really important to her. Simone Biles is the best known gymnast in the world!
Alejandro Perez (Thunderbird High School)
I myself am a boxer, and I have two favorites boxers. Manny Pacquiao is one of the two best boxers. He is amazing. He has been winning a lot tournaments, and he is better than most of the others.

Canelo Alvarez is the best boxer I’ve ever seen. His skills have no limit. Canelo’s right uppercut is more powerful than Manny Pacquiao’s. Also, he is the fastest of all boxers I have seen. Although, I must admit that Manny Pacquiao’s left jab is faster than Canelo’s.

No matter what, they have both been winning, so the two are amazing.
Miguel Vincent Bernal (1750 W. Thunderbird Rd 19th Ave.)
I myself skate with a skateboard, and so does my favorite athlete. My favorite skater is unique in doing tricks He is so good. He likes to teach his fans his favorite tricks like, backside kickflips, 360 kickflip, and Nollie flip. He is a successful skateboarder because he practiced when he was younger, and his name is Chris Chann.
AnthonyLBEL (High Tech)
I currently do play Baseball and I used to play football and basketball. My favorite athlete is Eli Manning. He is the quarterback for the New York Giants. He is great on and off of the field. On the field, he is a two time Super Bowl Champ. Off the field, he is a great man that donates to many foundations. He recently just won the Walter Payton Man Of The Year award which honors a players volunteer and charity work. This shows how good of a person Eli Manning is. He is an all around person which makes him such a great role model for kids.
JonathanBBEL4 (High Tech High School)
Draining deep threes from downtown, and having two MVP awards, Wardell Stephen Curry ll, better known as Stephen Curry, is my favorite athlete. Curry wasn't famous before, he had to earn his fame. Curry has a fighting spirit that all athletes don't usually have. This fighting spirit led to several achievements. One of them having to hit 13 three pointers in a single game! However, that's not all, the very last time the Golden State Warriors have won a NBA Final was in 1956! 2015 was the year the Golden States Warrior won the NBA Finals. That's almost 50 years! Stephen Curry contributed to the win of this NBA Final, but Curry wasn't the only player, it was the entire team. In the article, "Who Is Your Favorite Athlete, and Why," Clinton Yates, a sportswriter at ESPN writes about how Serena Williams is his favorite athlete. He says, "I am here for what she does off the court." Curry is married and has a daughter. Curry loves his daughter and always helps his wife whenever she needs it. Not only is Stephen Curry an amazing athlete, he is also a caring person. One of my hobbies is playing basketball and when I grow up I aspire to become like a player like Stephen Curry. A player who has a big will to win and able to shoot the ball so effortlessly.
VeerajSBEL3 (High Tech High School)
There are many athletes out there doing a phenomenal job. However, in my opinion, there is only one individual that plays with great skill and keeps a good team morale. This athlete is Lionel Messi, a soccer legend. He is a great forward (soccer positon), who always surprises people whenever he enters the field. For instance in one year he scored 91 goals, which is a world record. His stats do not end there, he is also the leading goal scorer in Spanish League history. Lionel Messi has taken several world records. As Serena Williams, mentioned in the article, “wins her 7th Australian Open Title.” Like Serena, Lionel Messi continues to win tournaments and score goals. Furthermore, his ball handling skills are exceptional. Outside of the field, Messi mentions that he prefers, “to be remembered as a good friend and colleague to his team mates rather than as the best player in the world.” This mindset shows the type of person Messi is, even if he is popular. Besides playing soccer for fame and glory, he also plays it to help his team and be a good friend. Expanding on his accomplishments, according to the FIFA administration, he is five times FIFA's player of the year. This shows his consistency and his talent as a soccer player. He helps the team in one way or another and always stands up to his name. He is a soccer legend that I respect and see as a role model.
Kyle O'Mara (High Tech High School)
My favorite athlete is Dak Prescott. Even though I do not play football he is my favorite athlete. He is my favorite athlete because of what he has overcome and he is the Quarterback for my favorite football team. He has captured every oppertuindy he had. In high school he was the back up until the starter got hurt and he impressed everyone. He did that at every level he did it in college and in the NFL. He wasn't expected to start on the cowboys by the backup got hurt and the starter got hurt and nobody gave him a chance. He impressed like he always did. while he was in college his mother passed away in November 2013 and his dream was to play for the cowboys him and his mother grew up watching them. He wanted to make his mother proud and he did. Every time he throws a touchdown he honors his mom. He will kiss hand and point up to her. He said that she is always with him every play. That is why he is my favorite athlete
DavidY BEL7 (High Tech High School)
LeBron James has to be my number 1 pick for favorite athlete. LeBron never seems to disappoint. King James is a small forward/power forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Ohioan born champion is arguably the best player in the world. Watching him play is like getting hooked on drugs, you never want to stop watching. He is undoubtedly the most explosive, breathtaking player on the court in today's game. Not only is he a great all-around player, but his work ethic is absolutely insane. What sets LeBron apart from any other athlete is that he never stops working on his game and improving his body. He is a 32-year-old in the body of a 19-year-old, as the Cavs' medical crew says. Every year he breaks records and sets himself up one step closer to potentially being the best player ever. In the article "Who Is Your Favorite Athlete, and Why?" written by Caroline Crosson, Clinton Yates states that "....but I am here for the fashion. I am here for what she does off the court." Other than James' amazing game and talent he also never fails to wow his fans with his sense of fashion. LeBron's style never goes unnoticed. The King's shoes are sold worldwide and look amazing. I also enjoy playing basketball and James always inspires me to get better at my game. Just like many other young athletes across the world. He is even an inspiration to NBA players that play alongside him and against him. In conclusion, LeBron James is unquestionably my favorite athlete of all time.
Eshan Mehta (High Tech High School)
Athletes are not only people who are talented or skilled in a sport/activity, they are the ones who inspire and make us who we are today. Therefore my favorite athlete is Eli Manning, quarterback for the New York Giants. Eli doesn’t only play for my favorite football team, he is a role model for all children and adults around the world. Manning has also been a two time Super Bowl champion, two time Super Bowl MVP, and four time Pro Bowler. On February 4, 2017 he won the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year along with Larry Fitzgerald, which is a award given to honor and recognize an NFL player for his excellence on and off the field. In the article Clinton Yates, a sportswriter at ESPN states, “I am here for what she does off the court. I am here for her eloquence and intelligence and personal standards.” Eli Manning is committed to helping kids with illness and challenges every individual to assist a person in need. Manning commenced the "Tackle Kids Cancer" initiative with Hackensack University Medical Center and deserves to be a future Hall of Famer.
YaimyDBEL3 (none)
A sport can be defined in many ways. Athletes in today's society are a great influence to our youth. I personally do not devote my time in a sport however, I do take time out of my day to spectate different sports and admire the determination and perseverance of many athletes. One of my favorite athletes is Simone Biles. Simone Biles is a gymnast who recently won the Olympics. She led the U.S. women to their second-straight Olympics gymnastics team gold. Gymnastics intrigues me because of its resemblance to dancing, which I take part in. Like Serena Williams in the article “Who is Your Favorite Athlete, and Why?” written by, Caroline Crosson Gilpin, both athletes overcame their own struggle. With Serena Williams being the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam singles title in the Open era and Simone Biles being the shortest Olympic winner. Simone Biles also overcame great struggles throughout her childhood with an unreliable mother figure however, she found salvation in gymnastics. Off the mat, Simone Biles spends her time influencing young gymnast to follow their dreams and overcome their issues. All in all, Simone is a great athlete and public figure in my eyes.
Michelin (High Tech High school)
My favorite U.S group athletes are Simon Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raismen, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian. This is because they are strong and confident. They are a 5-time gold gymnastics. They make me feel strong and confident because they push their self to achieve their gold medals. Anyone can try their hardest and achieve their goals.
Gabriel Goya (High Tech High School)
Freshman year is already coming to a near end, so I may as well make the most of it. Next year as a Sophomore, I plan on trying out as a punter for my local high school football team, so I look up upon Ryan Allen, the punter for the New England Patriots. Some may hate my opinion for liking their team, especially with the up coming Super Bowl LI, but hey it doesn't really matter. Allen doesn't have a cocky attitude like how some players do and is even in the top 10 punters of this 2016-2017 football season.
Ryan Allen is possibly one of my favorite athletes throughout my history of liking sports. He's a great punter and is on my favorite team, what else can I ask for. This is why I guarantee to myself that there would be no one else I would pick over Ryan Allen for being one of my all time favorite athletes.
RyanBPBEL3 (BPBEL3)
What makes an athlete great, perhaps their ability to catch a pass or hit a home run. That might be so, but how many athletes are still still making the news even when their off the field? Most notably, I think of Derek Jeter who was not only a splendid shortstop but an even better person. Thus, making him my favorite athlete even after his cleats have been hung up.
Throughout his career, Jeter has reached a multitude of milestones. For instance, he is one of very few to have hit 3000 times in his career while also winning 8 world championships. He might seem like someone who was born with a bat in his hand, however, all of his accomplishments are the byproducts of hard work and dedication and the ideal to never give up which has inspired many including myself. Interestingly enough, his greatest accomplishments lie off the field. From his charity events to his self-funded ,Turn Two Foundation'' he has empowered the youth of inner cities with the same opportunities and privileges he enjoyed as a child. As mentioned by Clinton Yates, a sportswriter at ESPN in regards to his favorite athlete, ''I am here for what she does off the field.'' Even after his 20 year career, there is no athlete better deserving of being considering a hall of famer off the field as much as he is while he is on than Derek Jeter. Lastly, ask anyone who is the most intimate athlete, and Derek jeter would certainly be one of the first responses.
Samy A.BEL (High Tech High School)
Marco Reus, undoubtedly, is my favorite athlete of all time. Marco is an astonishing left forward who plays for Borussia Dortmund of Germany. Not only does Mr. Rues play for my favorite soccer team, he additionally plays my favorite sport, which is soccer. I myself indeed play and enjoy soccer as it is a great form of exercise and can be very exciting to watch, as well as play. However, Marco Reus differs from most other soccer players. To begin, he is very loyal, meaning he does not switch up or leave his club to join a stronger one. Previous teammates were offered to join Dortmund's rival team, Bayern Munich, in which they accepted. On the contrary, Rues was offered a countless amount of times to join another club, but he declined as he promises to stay loyal and faithful to his team and fans. As Clinton Yates stated about Serena Williams, "I am here for what she does off the court." I admire and appreciate Marco's work off the pitch, as much as I do when he's on the pitch. Firstly, he partnered with EA Sports in creating FIFA, the number one selling soccer video game. He was one of four who volunteered to take personal time off to help in creating and being the cover star of the game. Mr. Reus is an all around athlete who puts his all in inspiring young athletes like myself and others. To summarize, Marco Reus is unquestionably my favorite athlete of all time.
Joel Goulbourne (Thunderbird High School)
I myself play football, wide receiver to be exact,and so does my favorite athlete. He is an outstanding and intelligent wide receiver. I believe that he is one of the most respectful players in the NFL. He never gets in trouble on or off the field. He also survived some very sad tragedies while growing up, including the deaths of his brother and his coach. He played high school football at Summerville High School and went to the University of Georgia. He is now playing for the team that would end up being my favorite team in the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals. If you don’t already know who my favorite football player is by now, here he is: AJ Green, wide receiver and the best of the best. My name is Joel Goulbourne and that is my favorite athlete.
Hussain Abdulkadhim (Thunderbird High School)
I myself play football, and so as my favorite player Odell Beckham Jr. He is the one who inspired me to watch and play football. He is always hyped, and he made me hyped, too. By hyped I mean he has the energy and agility to catch a 43-yard touchdown one-handed! Like Odell says, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” I was just talking about joining track to get in shape for football. I know it won’t be easy to be on the track team, but it will be worth it if it helps me play football even a little bit like Odell Beckham Jr.
D. Yamileth Valdez (Thunderbird High School)
My favorite athlete is Lionel Messi. He has a lot of trophies and he plays on the best team, “Barcelona”. He is also very good playing soccer. I think Jesus Corona is a good athlete, too. Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Jesus. But Messi is the best athlete in the world. Talking about ages, Cristiano Ronaldo is young, but Messi is younger. Jesus is the youngest of the three.
Leonardo Campos (Phoenix, AZ)
I myself play football. Odell Beckham Jr. is my favorite player because he is very strategic in the field.The New York Giants change him around the field because he has speed. Also, he is nominated as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL; he gained several prizes, like Rookie of the Year, and in only two years of his career, he passed the Jerry Rice record of catches and was the one who scored the fastest touchdown in the history of the NFL. He is a three-time Pro Bowler besides, and he won the best offensive player of the year twice.
Guadalupe Ramirez (Thunderbird High School)
I myself play soccer, and my favorite athlete plays, too. My favorite soccer player is a pretty good player in the game. He’s from Brazil, and he plays for Barcelona and Brazil, too. For me he’s the best player. I like his good skills, and sometimes I even try to emulate him (haha). I know that since he was little he liked to play soccer and he was good at it. He has been injured several times during his games, but he didn’t give up and he kept doing what he loves to do. I remember in one of his games he got injured badly. He had a fracture in his back and was in the hospital for months, but now he’s playing again. He and his teammates love each other and they take care of each other.
I admire him a lot, and his name is Neymar.
Feras Saadullah (Thunderbird high school)
I myself play soccer, and so does my favorite athlete. My favorite soccer player is an amazing shooter in the field. He is so generous and loves everyone. He loves to show his fans his favorite moves and skills. He is a very successful midfielder and his name is James Rodriguez.
Ms. Norris (Thunderbird high school)
What wonderful and descriptive language you have used to write about your favorite athlete! I like the connection you made between yourself and your favorite athlete, James Rodriguez, because you both play soccer. You are a soccer player yourself and you can really tell by how you speak about the sport and the player. Great response Feras!
Hailey (Az)
I myself play basketball, and so does my favorite athlete. My favorite basketball player is an amazing baller on the court. He is so generous and loves everybody. He loves to teach his fans his favorite skill moves. he is a very successful point guard and his name is Steph Curry.
Easton M (Arizona)
I myself play volleyball, but my favorite athlete doesn't. He plays basketball and his name is Eric Bledsoe. He is a very talented, and humble basketball player. Last night I went to go watch him play at the Talking Stick Arena. He was a beast on and off the court. He often helps the community around him. He is my favorite athlete even though he doesn't play the same sport as me. He plays basketball and his name is Eric Bledsoe.
Branden (Arizona)
I myself play football, and so does my favorite football player. My favorite football player is an outstanding man. He's a beast on the field, he is a well-mannered man, and does a lot of charity work. My favorite football player is Larry Fitzgerald. he is my favorite player because he is a good role model for everyone.
Michelin (High Tech High school)
My favorite athlete is Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, Aly Raismen, Madison Kocian, Laurie Hernandez they are 5 times Olympic gymnast gold medalist. They inspire me because they show courage, strength, and love. they show how they work so hard to get to the Olympic so that means I can also work hard to get where I want to.
Derrick Scott (Peoria, Arizona)
I myself play basketball, but my favorite athlete does not. He was a very talented and successful quarterback named Michael Vick. He's an animal on the field, he's a very good man regardless of his past mistakes, and he helps with the homeless very often. So even though i play basketball, my favorite athlete is a very successful quarterback in the NFL. His name is Michael Vick.