For many people, sports are a crucial part of everyday life. When they gather such a wide global audience, it is important to recognize that professional athletes have very powerful voices. Their voices are heard by millions of people, so they have the ability to cause positive changes in society. Because of this, it is also important to have representation within these sports, so that everyone’s voices can be heard through athletes. The following athletes have broken barriers in their sports that have existed for many years, and are empowering many future athletes as a result.
Willie O’Ree: The First Black Player in the National Hockey League (NHL)
On January 18th, 1958, Willie O’Ree made history. By making his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins, he became the first black hockey player to ever play in the National Hockey League. This milestone paved the way for many future black hockey players, such as Jarome Iginla, P.K. Subban, and many more. Icons like these have shaped the NHL forever, providing inspiration for young hockey players on a global scale – and it all started with Willie O’Ree.
Shaquem Griffin: Linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) Without a Hand
Simplified, football is a sport that requires catching and throwing. That means it would require two hands, right? Well, Shaquem Griffin left the world in awe by making it to the NFL – without a hand. After losing his left hand at the age of four, Griffin created an inspirational story by working his way to his dream of playing in the National Football League. His perseverance during his journey to the top sets a great example for athletes with disabilities all over the world.
Muggsy Bogues: The Shortest Player in the History of the National Basketball Association (NBA)
One of the main stereotypes surrounding the game of basketball is that NBA players must be tall. Often, this has led to the discouragement of many young athletes. That is, until Muggsy Bogues came along. Standing at only 5 feet and 3 inches, he is the shortest player to ever play in the National Basketball Association. Collecting 6,858 points over the course of his professional career in the NBA, Bogues enforced the idea that even smaller athletes can succeed.
Kendall Coyne Schofield: The First Woman to Ever Participate in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition
On January 25th, 2019, Kendall Coyne Schofield became the first woman to participate in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition. Finishing less than a second behind Connor McDavid – the winner of the ‘fastest skater’ challenge – Schofield recorded an astonishing time of 14.346 seconds to complete the full lap in this famous event. Kendall Coyne Schofield is also an Olympic gold medalist for Team USA, and earned global recognition for her accomplishments both internationally and nationally. Since the beginning of her professional career, Kendall Coyne Schofield has been an inspiration for countless female athletes.
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.
– Nelson Mandela
The only way that sports can grow is by being more inclusive. By venturing beyond stereotypes, countless opportunities are opening up for young athletes who no longer need to feel as though they must fit a certain mould to be successful. These historic athletes are just some of the many people that have changed the way their games are seen. By continuing to break barriers in such a significant aspect of our lives and our society, athletes are enabling positive change and building a future with equality in the world of sports and beyond.