We believe there’s a superhero in each of us - so we’re launching our annual True Superheroes awards to celebrate people who’ve overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same. We’ll nominate people in art, design, music, tech, science and many other fields. This week we share a few of our many nominees in sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo - Instagram’s most-followed person, with $1bn in career earnings - was introduced to soccer by his father, who died when Cristiano was 20. José Dinis Aveiro didn’t live long enough to see his son’s meteoric rise, a heartache that still moves the athlete to tears. Cristiano now has four children of his own and he’s an ambassador for Save the Children - but he’s not finished with sports just yet. So what’s next?
Winning is a way of life for Serena Williams, a sports icon with 23 Grand Slam titles to her name - more than any other tennis player in history. Through determination and faith, she has battled racism, sexism, depression, and injury. Now Serena is inspiring others to live their best life. The tennis superhero takes strength from poet Maya Angelou: “You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies. You may trod me with the very dirt. But still, like dust, I rise. I rise. I rise.”
Reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion of the world Francis Ngannou is the hardest man in the hardest sport. But fighting in the octagon is nothing compared to growing up on the streets of Batié, Cameroon. He dreamed about being the next Mike Tyson, but Francis’ journey took more than just raw talent. Now he’s trying to change the world one child at a time, coaching young athletes and supplying equipment, clothes, and much more.
Nominate your True Superhero - someone who’s overcome adversity, made amazing contributions to society, and inspired others to do the same - and you could win tickets to our VIP Awards Ceremony in New York City on Superhero Day - April 28th. Your nominee can be from any background, from arts and sciences to sports and education.
