
Many athletes have made indelible marks in their field by investing countless hours into rigorous training and discipline. They’ve proven to everyone and themselves that anyone can be exceptional, irrespective of race, sex, and background. Here are 15 athletes who have remained dominant in sports, with some setting records that may never be broken.
Serena Williams (Tennis)

Serena Williams is one of the most accomplished athletes in tennis history. Throughout her career, she has amassed an unparalleled 23 Grand Slam singles titles, which rank her second in the Open Era, just one shy of Margaret Court’s record. Serena’s dominance has transcended generations and surfaces, with victories on hard courts, clay, and grass.
Michael Phelps (Swimming)

Considered one of the world’s greatest athletes, Phelps began swimming at a young age and quickly rose to fame with his extraordinary talent and dedication. His career is studded with remarkable achievements, most notably his record-breaking 23 Olympic gold medals, three silver medals, and two bronze medals at five Olympic games. Two factors responsible for Phelps’ accomplishments are his rigorous training regimen and unwavering focus.
Usain Bolt (Track and Field)

The name “Usain Bolt” is synonymous with speed. One of the greatest sprinters of all time, Bolt became an international sensation at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won gold medals and set new records in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay. His victories continued at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. He also won 11 gold medals across multiple editions of the World Championships.
Tiger Woods (Golf)

History is lined with many great golfers, but none ranks higher than Tiger Woods. After becoming professional, he became the world’s number one golfer, a position he held for a record 683 weeks. Woods has won 82 PGA Tour events, tied with Sam Snead for the most in history, and has secured 15 major championships, including five Masters Tournaments, three U.S. Opens, four PGA Championships, and three Open Championships.
Roger Federer (Tennis)

Judging by Roger Federer’s many medals, he’s one of the world’s greatest tennis players. With 20 Grand Slam singles titles, Federer holds the record for the most men’s singles at Wimbledon (8) and shares the record for the most U.S. Open titles in the Open Era (5). The athlete also spent a record 310 weeks as the world’s No. 1 ranked player.
Muhammad Ali (Boxing)

In 1960, 18-year-old Muhammad Ali won the Olympic gold medal in the light heavyweight division. As a professional, he won the world heavyweight championship three times. His fights against Sonny Liston, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman proved his speed, agility, and tactical brilliance. Ali became a symbol of courage for speaking out against racial injustice and the Vietnam War, which cost him his boxing license for several years.
Martina Navratilova (Tennis)

Martina Navratilova’s successful career spanned from the 1970s through the 1990s. During this time, she amassed an incredible eighteen Grand Slam singles titles, thirty-one Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, and ten mixed doubles titles. At one time, Navratilova held the world No. 1 ranking in singles for 332 weeks. She continued to compete well into her 40s and demonstrated a rare longevity and dedication to the sport.
Wayne Gretzky (Ice Hockey)

Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky’s achievements in Ice Hockey are staggering. Many of his NHL records, like the most goals (894), assists (1,963), and points (2,857), may never be broken. During his tenure with the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and New York Rangers, Gretzky helped expand the sport’s appeal in the United States.
Steffi Graf (Tennis)

Steffi Graf achieved 22 Grand Slam singles titles throughout her career. In 1988, she won all four major Golden Slam titles (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open) and the Olympic gold medal the same year. This feat remains unmatched. She was also ranked world No. 1 for a record 377 weeks, and her rivalry with players like Martina Navratilova and Monica Seles elevated women’s tennis to new heights.
Jack Nicklaus (Golf)

Over his outstanding 22-year career, Jack Nicklaus amassed a record 18 major championships, a feat that still stands. His victories at prestigious tournaments like the Masters, the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship showed his skill across different courses. In addition, Jack is known for his prolific golf course design career, having designed over 300 courses globally, many of which are considered among the finest in the world.
Magnus Carlsen (Chess)

He became a grandmaster at just 13 years old. In 2013, Magnus came first at the World Chess Championship and defended the title in several matches against formidable opponents. His ability to consistently maintain the highest rating in chess, often by substantial margins, underscores his strategic brilliance. With numerous records and milestones, including extended periods as the world’s number one ranked player by FIDE, Magnus’ reign as champion may continue uninterrupted.
Claressa Shields (Boxing)

At the 2012 London Olympics, Shields made history by becoming the first American woman to win a boxing gold medal, an achievement she repeated at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The boxer holds multiple world championship titles across different weight classes and maintains an unbeaten professional record. Additionally, Shields has successfully unified middleweight titles from various boxing organizations, including the WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO championships.
Floyd Mayweather (Boxing)

With an unbroken record of 50 wins and 0 losses, Floyd Mayweather is undoubtedly one of the best talents to grace the ring. He has numerous world titles across five weight classes: super featherweight, lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight, and light middleweight. World-class opponents like Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao, and Conor McGregor respect him for his technical prowess, defensive mastery, and strategic brilliance. Floyd’s retirement in 2017 marked the end of an era.
Mike Tyson (Boxing)

Mike Tyson’s career was defined by his ferocious boxing style and undeniable mastery of the game. Respected for his exceptional power and speed, 20-year-old Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick in 1986 to become the youngest heavyweight champion ever. His early years were marked by devastating first-round knockouts, earning him the moniker “Iron Mike.”
Simone Biles (Gymnastics)

Born in 1997, she holds a record-breaking 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast ever. Her gravity-defying routines and flawless execution have won her seven Olympic medals, including four from the 2016 Rio Olympics. Simone’s signature moves include the Biles (a double layout and a half twist) on the floor exercise and the Biles II (a triple-double) on the floor and vault.