Athletes

Shohei Otani (baseball)

Because of his elite contributions as a hitter and as a pitcher, a rarity as a two-way player, Ohtani's prime seasons have been considered among the greatest in baseball history, with some comparing them favorably to the early career of Babe Ruth -- wikipedia.

Lionel Messi

Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional footballers of all time -- wikipedia.

David Goggins

Retired United States Navy SEAL. He is also an ultramarathon runner, ultra-distance cyclist, triathlete, public speaker, author of two memoirs, and was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements in sport -- wikipedia.

Mike Tyson

"professional boxer who competed from 1985 to 2005, and is scheduled to compete once again in 2024" -- wikipedia. By request.

The Caitlin Clark effect

The phenomenon of selling-out WNBA venues where ever she appears and the concomitant rise in general interest to watch women's basketball. Basically, it is her social impact.

Tiger Woods

Request: "arguably [the] greatest golfer of all time, transcending the division of race through the game of golf."

Novak Djokovic

Has 100+ more weeks as the men's singles tennis No. 1 than any other man (Roger Federer) in ATP rankings history.

Travis Kelce

"famous long before he met Taylor Swift. By the time the two started dating, he was already a Super Bowl winner, and one of the most popular players in the NFL" -- forbes.com

Nikola Jokic

Request: He is a current NBA champion and two-time MVP from Serbia.

Charles Barkley

Request: [This former NBA player] strongly opposes the paying of college players. Contends it will further undermine integrity in college sports. (calling a spade a spade or blowhard?)

Tom Brady

Request: Most successful US football player and greatest longevity

Roger Federer retirement announcement (video)

heart warming and gracious --request

Alex Honnold

professional adventure rock climber whose audacious free-solo ascents of America’s biggest cliffs have made him one of the most recognized and followed climbers in the world --his website

Muhammad Ali

Legendary boxer. "I am the greatest!" was his catchphrase.

LeBron James

Calibrated for social impact, as a basketball player and overall. He is "considered one of the greatest NBA players in history" --wikipedia