Inspiration can be found in a sports person's way of thinking or acting in challenging situations. You might feel inspired by the tactics they employ, their positive attitude, or the specific way in which they would approach a challenge.
We have listed a number of inspirational sports people below, and provided a prompt question to help you think more creatively about your own challenge.
PELÉ
Pelé was a Brazilian former professional footballer who played as a forward. Regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he was among the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century.
His playfulness and creativity on the football pitch were intoxicating and singled him out for greatness. Pelé was an artist, whose vision of the game and technical skills enabled him to rise above his peers.
How might introducing different forms of play help you with your challenge?
BILLIE JEAN KING
Billie Jean King is an American former World No. 1 professional tennis player. King won 39 Grand Slam titles – 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles, and noted for her victory in the ‘battle of the sexes’ match in 1973.
She is regarded by many in the sport as one of the greatest women's tennis players of all time. She is also an outspoken figure advocating for women’s rights.
What rule or norm could you change to help you with your challenge?
SIMONE BILES
Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast. With a combined total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is the most decorated American gymnast and the world's third most decorated gymnast.
Biles is known for her exuberant personality and the consistent high degree of difficulty that she has incorporated into all of her routines.
Consider adding complexity into the routine or solution to your challenge.
ROGER FEDERER
Roger Federer is a multiple Grand Slam winning Swiss tennis star and arguably the greatest player of all time. A classy performer on court, he is both elegant and ruthless. Stylish in appearance, he is known for his "RF" insignia and his well-coordinated outfits.
A multi-linguist, his language skills endear him to audiences around the world. Nicknamed "FedEx", he always delivers.
Think about how you could deliver many potential solutions to your challenge.
MUHAMMAD ALI
Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist, entertainer, and philanthropist. He is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated figures of the 20th century, and as one of the greatest boxers of all time.
Ali was an ingenious boxer who employed his creativity not only to come up with witty sayings but also to devise creative tactics that won fights everyone expected him to lose, such as the epic “rumble in the jungle” with George Foreman.
What creative tactics could you employ to tackle your challenge?
LINDSEY VONN
Lindsey Vonn is one of only two female skiers to win four World Cup overall championships. She won three consecutive titles from 2008-10 and another in 2012. With her unique style and electric speed, she has overcome injury and continued a long career to establish herself as one of Alpine skiing’s all-time greats.
In what way could you use the unique style of the athlete to solve their challenge?
USAIN BOLT
Usain Bolt is a Jamaican sprinter, multiple gold medal winner and world-record breaker in the 100 and 200 metres. He pulls in massive crowds around the world due to his jaw dropping times and infectious personality.
He is known to joke around before races, pretending to comb his hair or dance. Once the gun fires, however, he is super focused and devastating in his execution of the race. Nicknamed the "Lightning Bolt", he has a famous pose to go with it.
Would an energised supportive crowd help your athlete with their challenge?
SERENA WILLIAMS
Serena Williams is highly regarded as one of the best female tennis players of the Open Era. Her victories have shaped her into an inspirational figure in the sport, especially to children. Serena is famous for revolutionising women’s tennis with her powerful style.
She is a fierce competitor and never gives up. Even when other players think that they are beating her, if they let their guard down, she is ready to fight back.
Imagine possible scenarios where you need to ‘fight back’ to solve your challenge.
DAVID BECKHAM
David Beckham is arguably the most iconic figure to come from the world of football, he was a winner on the pitch and a successful brand off the pitch. A talented young footballer, his name went global when he married Victoria "Posh Spice "Adams from the Spice Girls.
He crossed over to mainstream media, using his fame and good looks to secure numerous product endorsements. He was famed for his free kicks and inspired the film name "Bend it Like Beckham".
What aspects of your challenge can you bend?
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