Multiple African-American athletes, starting from Muhammad Ali to Simone Biles, have helped The Stars and Stripes fly high in various sporting events. Their journey to the top speaks volumes about the years of practice and dedication they have put into their respective sports.

So let's take a look at seven African-American athletes who redefined American sports with their unwavering commitment to excel in their fields.

1. Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, aka the Greatest, is an American professional boxer. He was born into an African family in Louisville, Kentucky, with ancestral roots linked to the African diaspora. He won a gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics. He fought a total of 61 fights throughout his career.

2. Simone Biles

Simone Biles is an American artistic gymnast who was born in Columbus, Ohio, to African American parents.

She is one of the most decorated gymnasts, with 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals. She has won 32 gold medals in different events.  

3. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a former professional tennis player. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, U.S., to African American parents. Her parents, Oracene Price and Richard Williams, are well-known names in tennis history. She received the Career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles. She has won 4 Olympic medals in tennis.

4. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is an African-American professional basketball player known as 'Steph' Curry. He is considered the greatest shooter in basketball history. Curry is 4-times NBA champion and two-time NBA Most Valuable Player. He also won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

5. Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick is a former American professional football quarterback. He played 6 seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. He represented his team in the Super Bowl, and he also set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game by a quarterback.

His father is African American, and his mother is an American. He also won GQ's 2017 Citizen of the Year Award and, in 2020, received the Ripple of Hope Award.

6. Florence Griffith Joyner

Florence Griffith Joyner was an African-American track and field athlete, better known as Flo-Jo. In 1988, she set world records in the 100m and 200m and won 4 gold medals. In 1955, USA Track & Field inducted her into its Hall of Fame. 

7. Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff is an American professional tennis player. She was born in Florida to African parents. She is ranked the world No. 2 in singles and the world No. 1 in doubles by the WTA. She also won 11 singles titles and 10 doubles titles in her career.

Do you agree with our picks? Who else would you have placed on your list?

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy