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Meet people creating opportunities for others through sport, learning and care.

Country

Pakistan

Malala Yousafzai

Working for girls’ education — her foundation has published its 2026 report.Malala Fund ↗Source published: Oct 6, 2026Photo: Simon Davis/DFID · 2015 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Ghana

Abedi Pelé

The Ghanaian football legend was honoured by Africa’s confederation for his outstanding contribution to the game.Ghana Football Association ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Christophe95 · 2007 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Liberia

Leymah Gbowee

The Liberian peacebuilder’s foundation welcomed seventy new scholarship students in October.Gbowee Peace Foundation Africa ↗Source published: Oct 1, 2026Photo: Jon Styer / Eastern Mennonite University · 2011 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Tanzania

Flaviana Matata

The Tanzanian model’s foundation supports girls’ education through scholarships and mentoring.Flaviana Matata Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Greg Doyle; crop: Danny martz · 2007 · CC BY 1.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Congo - Kinshasa

Denis Mukwege

As founder of Panzi Hospital, he helps survivors of violence heal and rebuild their lives in DR Congo.Panzi Hospital ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Foreign and Commonwealth Office · 2018 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Zambia

Muzala Samukonga

The Zambian runner earned his country a bronze medal in the Paris Olympic 400 metres final.Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts · Zambia ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Owula kpakpo · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Sierra Leone

Ishmael Beah

The Sierra Leonean author speaks up for the rights of children affected by war.UNICEF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Nicolas Richoffer · 2008 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Zimbabwe

Kirsty Coventry

The Zimbabwean swimmer won seven Olympic medals, building an exceptional career in African swimming.International Swimming Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: JD Lasica · 2009 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Nepal

Mira Rai

The Nepali trail runner opens pathways to sport, education and professional development for young women.Mira Rai Initiative ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Prabina Karki · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Botswana

Letsile Tebogo

The Botswana sprinter’s 200 metres victory brought his country its first Olympic gold medal.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ssu · 2026 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Ethiopia

Haile Gebrselassie

The Ethiopian running legend helped make running a community experience by founding the Great Ethiopian Run.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Alexxx86 · 2011 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Namibia

Christine Mboma

The Namibian sprinter won silver in the 200 metres final at the Tokyo Olympics.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Kashindi Ausiku · 2021 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Iraq

Nadia Murad

The Iraqi Nobel Peace Prize laureate works to support survivors and rebuild communities in Sinjar.Nadia’s Initiative ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: BMEIA / Gruber · 2023 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Mozambique

Graça Machel

The Mozambican humanitarian works for women’s and children’s dignity, opportunities and participation in society.The Graça Machel Trust ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: World Economic Forum / Eric Miller · 2009 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Uganda

Joshua Cheptegei

The Ugandan runner’s foundation creates community opportunities through sport and education.Joshua Cheptegei Development Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Rebeccananonof · 2026 · CC0 1.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Cameroon

Francis Ngannou

The Cameroonian fighter’s foundation supports children with school supplies and opportunities to practise sport.Francis Ngannou Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: X2o · 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Syria

Yusra Mardini

The Olympic swimmer brings attention to refugees’ talents and opportunities.UNHCR / ACNUR ↗Source published: Sep 25, 2026Photo: United Nations · 2016 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Burkina Faso

Hugues Fabrice Zango

The triple jumper from Burkina Faso also lends his voice to children’s rights beyond sport.UNICEF Burkina Faso ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Yann Caradec · 2019 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Malawi

William Kamkwamba

The Malawian inventor supports community solutions built on local knowledge and hands-on learning.Moving Windmills ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Rod Penn / Scotland Malawi Partnership · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Chad

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

The Chadian environmental advocate champions Indigenous knowledge and women’s role in climate action.United Nations ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Fatakaya · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Senegal

Sadio Mané

By funding a hospital and school in Bambali, he turns football success into opportunities for his Senegalese community.Peace and Sport ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Steindy · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Eritrea

Zersenay Tadese

The Eritrean distance runner entered athletics history with a half-marathon world record in 2010.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Erik van Leeuwen · 2011 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Benin

Angélique Kidjo

As Batonga’s founder, the Beninese singer expands opportunities for girls and young women.Batonga Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Simon Davis / Department for International Development · 2013 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Togo

Emmanuel Adebayor

The Togolese footballer’s foundation works for education, health and young people’s opportunities in entrepreneurship.Fondation SEA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Roger Goraczniak · 2010 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Afghanistan

Nadia Nadim

Born in Afghanistan, she became a Danish international footballer and doctor, and advocates for girls’ education.UNRIC ↗Source published: Mar 6, 2026Photo: Ray Terrill · 2016 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Gambia

Gina Bass Bittaye

The Gambian sprinter opened a new chapter for her country’s athletics by reaching a world championship final.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Astro medya Org. Ltd. ŞTİ. · 2022 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Mali

Salif Keita

The Malian singer’s foundation supports dignity and equal treatment for people with albinism.Salif Keita ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: ProtoplasmaKid · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Gabon

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The Gabon forward, Africa’s 2015 Player of the Year, also scored at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Confédération Africaine de Football ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Thomas Rodenbücher · 2014 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Venezuela

Yulimar Rojas

The Venezuelan triple jumper returned from injury to win silver at the 2026 World Indoor Championships.World Athletics ↗Source published: Mar 21, 2026Photo: Dan Maharry · 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Tunisia

Ons Jabeur

The Tunisian tennis player became the Open Era’s first African and Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final.WTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Hameltion · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

South Sudan

Emmanuel Jal

As Gua Africa’s founder, the South Sudanese musician supports education for young people affected by war.Gua Africa ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Tore Sætre / Wikimedia · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Algeria

Souad Massi

The Algerian singer-songwriter gives voice to humanity, freedom and openness towards others through her music.Souad Massi ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Schorle · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Côte d’Ivoire

Didier Drogba

Beyond football: his foundation works to improve learning conditions in rural schools.Fondation Didier Drogba ↗Source published: Jun 2, 2026Photo: Y.Leclercq · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Morocco

Nawal El Moutawakel

The Moroccan Olympic champion has also worked to expand opportunities for women in athletics.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Citizen59 · 2016 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Somalia

Ilwad Elman

She supports youth education, peacebuilding and human rights in Somalia.Elman Peace ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Eunice Lau · 2012 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Egypt

Mohamed Salah

The Egyptian footballer’s Liverpool career established him as a leading figure in the international game.Liverpool FC ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Bryan Berlin · 2026 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Kyrgyzstan

Aisuluu Tynybekova

As Kyrgyzstan’s first wrestling world champion, she opened a new chapter in her country’s sport.United World Wrestling ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Jørgen Løken · 2021 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Timor-Leste

Yohan Goutt Gonçalves

The alpine skier has represented Timor-Leste on the slopes of the Winter Olympics.International Ski and Snowboard Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Yohan Goutt Goncalves’ mother · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bangladesh

Runa Khan

As founder of Bangladesh’s Friendship, she works for communities that are difficult to reach.Friendship ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sheybonti Rayees · 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Mongolia

Urantsetseg Munkhbat

The Mongolian judoka has won a world championship title and an Olympic bronze medal.International Judo Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Roberto Castro / Brasil2016.gov.br · 2016 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Ecuador

Richard Carapaz

Alongside cycling, he advocates for children’s rights in Ecuador as a UNICEF Friend.UNICEF Ecuador ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: UNICEF Ecuador · 2019 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Tajikistan

Manizha Sangin

The Tajikistan-born singer-songwriter supported the UN Refugee Agency’s work from 2019 to 2024.UNHCR ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Pavel Vagapov / diplomatru.ru; crop: Roman Kubanskiy · 2018 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Sri Lanka

Kumar Sangakkara

The Sri Lankan cricketer also contributes to the work of the Foundation of Goodness.Foundation of Goodness ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sampath s / English Wikipedia · 2009 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Honduras

David Suazo

The Honduran footballer reflects on how the 2010 World Cup appearance brought his country together.FIFA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Djuradj Vujcic · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

South Africa

Siya Kolisi

Alongside sport, he helps build community opportunities through the foundation he co-founded with Rachel Kolisi.Kolisi Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Stefano Delfrate · 2022 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Jordan

Rana Dajani

The Jordanian scientist brings the joy of reading to children as the founder of We Love Reading.World Economic Forum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: محمد العمري · 2016 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Cambodia

Rithy Panh

As Bophana’s founder, the Cambodian director makes his country’s audiovisual memory accessible.Bophana Center ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Harald Krichel · 2022 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Iran

Kimia Alizadeh

The Iran-born taekwondo athlete won her birth country’s first women’s Olympic medal in 2016.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Mohammad Hassanzadeh / Tasnim News Agency · 2016 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Kenya

Eliud Kipchoge

The Kenyan marathon runner supports access to learning through UNESCO’s 2026 education campaign.UNESCO ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Denis Barthel · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Philippines

Manny Pacquiao

The Filipino boxer’s foundation supports communities in need through housing programmes and relief aid.Manny Pacquiao Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Mike Gonzalez (TheCoffee) · 2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Armenia

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

The Armenian footballer also advocates for equal opportunities for children as a UNICEF Ambassador.UNICEF Armenia ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Дмитрий Голубович · 2017 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Colombia

Caterine Ibargüen

The Colombian triple jumper found a new direction after setbacks and became an Olympic champion in Rio.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Seleccionantioquia · 2012 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Uzbekistan

Oksana Chusovitina

With eight Olympic appearances, the Uzbek gymnast embodies an extraordinary sporting career of perseverance.World Gymnastics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Olympic.uz / National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan · 2024 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Georgia

Zaza Pachulia

The Georgian basketball player also supports sport at home through the academy he founded in Tbilisi.Golden State Warriors / NBA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Keith Allison · 2017 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Lebanon

Nadine Labaki

Through film and her support for UNHCR, the Lebanese director brings attention to refugees.UNHCR ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Omernos · 2007 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Palestinian Territories

Hanan Al Hroub

The Palestinian teacher uses learning through play and trust to support children who have experienced violence.Global Teacher Prize ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Gobierno de Chile · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bolivia

Roberto Mamani Mamani

The Bolivian artist shares his Andean roots through colourful murals that connect communities.University of Pennsylvania ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Jascha Goltermann · 2011 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Peru

Sofía Mulánovich

The Peruvian surfing champion’s journey from world competition to the Olympics is featured by the ISA.International Surfing Association ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Chipoco · 2007 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

Paraguay

Roque Santa Cruz

Paraguay’s international record goalscorer offers young footballers a sporting career to look up to.FIFA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Mundo arte Paraguay · 2025 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Rwanda

Salima Mukansanga

The Rwandan referee became the first woman to referee a match at the men’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.CAF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Camilopiz; crop: MerielGJones · 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Burundi

Francine Niyonsaba

The runner won Burundi’s first women’s Olympic medal in the 800 metres in 2016.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil · 2016 · CC BY 3.0 BR · Resized and cropped for display

Guinea

Naby Keïta

The Guinean midfielder won the Champions League, Club World Cup and Premier League with Liverpool.Liverpool FC ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Werner100359 · 2016 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Guinea-Bissau

Ansu Fati

The Bissau-born footballer progressed from Barcelona’s youth system to top-level international football.AS Monaco ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Olga Shcherbytska / ТОВ «Динамоманія»; Commons crop · 2021 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Congo - Brazzaville

Serge Ibaka

The Brazzaville-born basketball player also supports children’s health and education through his foundation.Serge Ibaka ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: All-Pro Reels / Joe Glorioso · 2022 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Cape Verde

Mayra Andrade

The Cape Verdean singer shares her islands’ rhythms in several languages, blending international musical influences.Amare ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Irn · 2009 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

São Tomé & Príncipe

Nuno Espírito Santo

The São Tomé-born Portuguese coach led Wolves back to the Premier League as champions in 2018.Wolverhampton Wanderers FC ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Carla Cortés / @noaasoka · 2015 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Djibouti

Ayanleh Souleiman

The Djiboutian runner won his country’s first world indoor gold over 1500 metres in 2014.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: filip bossuyt; Commons crop · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Azerbaijan

Mariya Stadnik

The wrestler who represented Azerbaijan finished her career with four Olympic medals and ten European titles.United World Wrestling ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Dilaver Najafov · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Kazakhstan

Gennady Golovkin

In 2026, the Olympic silver medallist became the first athlete from Kazakhstan inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.World Boxing ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Przemek Garczarczyk · 2013 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Haiti

Dany Laferrière

The Haiti-born writer explores memory, belonging and encounters between cultures through his books.Académie française ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Georges Seguin (Okki); Commons crop · 2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Vietnam

Hoàng Xuân Vinh

The shooter won Vietnam’s first-ever Olympic gold in the air pistol event in 2016.ISSF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Danilo Borges/Brasil2016.gov.br · 2016 · CC BY 3.0 BR · Resized and cropped for display

Myanmar (Burma)

Aung La N Sang

The Myanmar-born martial artist won ONE world titles in two weight divisions.ONE Championship ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Lionslayer · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Indonesia

Greysia Polii

The Indonesian badminton player won Olympic women’s doubles gold in Tokyo alongside Apriyani Rahayu.Badminton World Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Yogwi21; Commons crop · 2013 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Thailand

Ratchanok Intanon

The Thai badminton player became women’s singles world champion at eighteen in 2013.Badminton World Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Jurnal Bulutangkis · 2025 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Malaysia

Nicol David

The Malaysian squash champion’s organisation supports children through sport, language learning and life-skills sessions.Nicol David Organisation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Barcex · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

India

Deepa Malik

India’s first female Paralympic medallist also works to expand sporting opportunities for women with disabilities.International Paralympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Young Indians · 2015 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Brazil

Marta Vieira da Silva

The Brazilian footballer advocates sporting opportunities and equal recognition for women and girls.UN Women ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Wilson Dias/Agência Brasil · 2007 · CC BY 3.0 BR · Resized and cropped for display

Argentina

Gabriela Sabatini

The Argentine tennis player reached a career milestone by winning the 1990 US Open.International Tennis Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: United States Embassy to Argentina, Buenos Aires · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Chile

Christiane Endler

The Chilean goalkeeper won The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award for 2021.FIFA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Anjuff Chile · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Uruguay

Diego Forlán

The Uruguayan footballer has also supported children’s causes as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005.UNICEF Uruguay ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: George Groutas; crop: Mario Žamić · 2009 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Suriname

Clarence Seedorf

The Suriname-born footballer won the Champions League with three different clubs.AC Milan ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Simone S. · 2008 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Guatemala

Erick Barrondo

The racewalker won Guatemala’s first-ever Olympic medal at London 2012.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Gobierno de Guatemala; Commons crop · 2023 · CC0 1.0 · Resized and cropped for display

El Salvador

Marcelo Arévalo

The Salvadoran tennis player became Central America’s first men’s doubles Grand Slam champion in 2022.ATP Tour ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Carine06 · 2018 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Costa Rica

Keylor Navas

The Costa Rican goalkeeper became part of Real Madrid’s history with three Champions League titles.Real Madrid CF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Антон Зайцев / soccer.ru · 2018 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Nigeria

Asisat Oshoala

The Nigerian footballer also supports girls developing through sport through her own academy.FIFA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Bryan Berlin / WikiPortraits (Commons crop) · 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Angola

Leila Lopes

Angola’s first Miss Universe winner also raises awareness against discrimination towards people living with HIV.Miss Universe ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: David Shankbone · 2012 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Sudan

Mo Ibrahim

The Sudan-born entrepreneur established a foundation in 2006 to support responsible leadership in Africa.Mo Ibrahim Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Vysotsky · 2014 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Eswatini

Richard E. Grant

Raised in Eswatini, the actor’s journey led from local theatre to international cinema.BAFTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: See Li · 2014 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Central African Republic

Geoffrey Kondogbia

The Central African Republic midfielder brings his European football experience to the national team.CAF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Дмитрий Пукалик / soccer.ru · 2019 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Equatorial Guinea

Saúl Coco

The Spain-born defender represents his family’s country of origin, Equatorial Guinea, in international football.Torino FC ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Happiraphael / MBIELE HAPPI RAPHAELL (Commons crop) · 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Qatar

Mutaz Essa Barshim

The Qatari high jumper’s shared Tokyo Olympic gold with Gianmarco Tamberi became a memorable moment of sportsmanship.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Zorro2212 · 2016 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Oman

Ali Al-Habsi

During his European career, the Omani goalkeeper was part of Wigan’s English FA Cup-winning team.Asian Football Confederation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: joshjdss / Flickr 109430286@N06 · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Kuwait

Fehaid Al-Deehani

The Kuwaiti shooter won double trap Olympic gold in 2016 while competing under the Olympic flag.ISSF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Kuwait National Petroleum Company · 2016 · CC0 1.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United Arab Emirates

Zahra Lari

The United Arab Emirates’ first international figure skater opened a new path for girls in sport.FISU ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: FISU (video frame) · 2019 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

China

Li Na

The Chinese tennis player became Asia’s first Grand Slam singles champion at Roland Garros in 2011.International Tennis Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sascha Grabow / www.saschagrabow.com · 2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Singapore

Joseph Schooling

The Singaporean swimmer won his country’s first Olympic gold in the 100m butterfly at Rio 2016.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Oleg Bkhambri (Voltmetro) (Commons crop) · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Ukraine

Elina Svitolina

The Ukrainian tennis player’s foundation supports young Ukrainian athletes through training camps and tournaments.Svitolina Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Hameltion (Commons crop) · 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Moldova

Radu Albot

The Moldovan tennis player became his country’s first ATP Tour singles champion at Delray Beach in 2019.ATP Tour ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Hameltion (Commons crop) · 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Türkiye

Çağla Büyükakçay

The Turkish tennis player became her country’s first WTA title winner with her 2016 victory in Istanbul.WTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: David Iliff / Diliff · 2015 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Russia

Natalia Vodianova

The Naked Heart Foundation, founded by the Russian model, also supports families raising autistic children.Naked Heart Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Gil Zetbase · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Jamaica

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce

The Jamaican sprinter’s Pocket Rocket Foundation supports young athletes’ education through scholarships.Pocket Rocket Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ludovic Péron · 2012 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Dominican Republic

Félix Sánchez

The Dominican Republic hurdler won Olympic 400m hurdles gold in both 2004 and 2012.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Egghead06 · 2012 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Panama

Irving Saladino

The Panamanian long jumper won his country’s first Olympic gold with victory at Beijing 2008.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Yann Caradec · 2011 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Cuba

Mijaín López

The Cuban Greco-Roman wrestler made sporting history in 2024 with his fifth consecutive Olympic gold.United World Wrestling ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Dilaver Najafov (Commons crop) · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Trinidad & Tobago

Brian Lara

The cricketer from Trinidad and Tobago scored an unbeaten 400 in a Test innings in 2004.International Cricket Council ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Goleo; portrait edits by Bigforrap and WikiPedant · 2007 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Dominica

Thea LaFond

The triple jumper from Dominica won her country’s first Olympic medal, a gold, at Paris 2024.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Martin Rulsch, Wikimedia Commons (Commons crop) · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

St. Lucia

Julien Alfred

The Saint Lucian sprinter secured her country’s first Olympic medal with 100m gold at Paris 2024.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: filip bossuyt (Commons crop) · 2023 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Grenada

Kirani James

The Grenadian runner won his country’s first Olympic medal at 19 with 400m gold at London 2012.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: SportsMax TV (video frame) · 2024 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bahamas

Shaunae Miller-Uibo

The Bahamian sprinter won Olympic 400m gold at Rio 2016 and again at the Tokyo Games.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: filip bossuyt (Commons crop) · 2019 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Madagascar

Erick Manana

The Malagasy singer and guitarist brings his island’s musical traditions to international stages.Erick Manana & Jenny Fuhr ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Domoina RATSARA · 2007 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Mauritius

J. M. G. Le Clézio

The writer with Mauritian family roots received the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature, bringing cultures together in his work.Nobel Prize ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Holger Motzkau / Wikimedia Commons (Commons crop) · 2008 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Comoros

Youssouf M’Changama

The Comoros international midfielder supports his island nation’s team with experience and creative play.CAF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Mattythewhite · 2012 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Niger

Bombino

The Tuareg guitarist from Niger became his country’s first Grammy-nominated artist with the album Deran.Bombino — official biography ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Аркадий Зарубин · 2012 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Libya

Hisham Matar

The writer with Libyan roots won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for The Return, a book about family and homeland.The Pulitzer Prizes ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Politics and Prose Bookstore · 2011 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Saudi Arabia

Reema Juffali

The Saudi racing driver also encouraged girls interested in motorsport through the Girls on Track programme.FIA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Rsj192 (Commons crop) · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bahrain

Winfred Yavi

Representing Bahrain, she won the Paris 2024 Olympic 3000m steeplechase with an Olympic record.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Martin Rulsch, Wikimedia Commons (Commons crop) · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Japan

Shingo Kunieda

The Japanese wheelchair tennis player inspired the next generation with three Paralympic singles gold medals.International Tennis Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: robbiesaurus (Commons crop) · 2011 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

South Korea

Yuna Kim

The South Korean Olympic figure skating champion has supported children as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010.UNICEF ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: white@black / paparazzistudio · 2010 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Israel

Yael Arad

The Israeli judoka won her country’s first Olympic medal, a silver, at Barcelona 1992.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Leah Jones · 2009 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Fiji

Iliesa Delana

The Fijian high jumper won his country’s first Olympic or Paralympic gold with victory at London 2012.International Paralympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Stemoc · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Tonga

Pita Taufatofua

The athlete who represented Tonga at Summer and Winter Olympics also encouraged children as a UNICEF Pacific Ambassador.UNICEF Pacific ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Javid Nikpour / Tasnim News Agency · 2016 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Samoa

Manu Tuilagi

Born in Samoa, the rugby player reached the international stage representing England.World Rugby ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: George Olcott; crop by Blackcat · 2011 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Solomon Islands

Benjamin Totori

The Solomon Islands footballer opened a new path for his country’s sport by signing for Portland Timbers in 2008.Oceania Football Confederation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Rosa Stewart1 (Commons crop) · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Albania

Luiza Gega

The Albanian runner won her country’s first European athletics gold in the 3000m steeplechase in 2022.European Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Martin Rulsch, Wikimedia Commons (Commons crop) · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Amel Tuka

The Bosnian middle-distance runner won 800m silver at the 2019 World Athletics Championships.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Bob Ramsak (Commons crop) · 2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

North Macedonia

Kiril Lazarov

The North Macedonian handball player set a historic record with 92 goals at the 2009 World Championship.European Handball Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Roi González Villa (Vivaelcelta) · 2014 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Montenegro

Danka Kovinić

In 2022, she became the first player representing Montenegro to reach a Grand Slam singles third round.WTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: SweTennis · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Serbia

Novak Djokovic

The Serbian tennis player’s foundation creates preschool opportunities for rural children through Schools of Life.Novak Djokovic Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Christian Mesiano · 2012 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Croatia

Janica Kostelić

The Croatian alpine skier became a leading figure in her sport’s history with four Olympic gold medals.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Micivek · 2003 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bulgaria

Grigor Dimitrov

The Bulgarian tennis player won the ATP Finals in London on his tournament debut in 2017.ATP Tour ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Vbrunophotog · 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Romania

Nadia Comăneci

The Romanian gymnast earned Olympic gymnastics’ first perfect ten at Montreal 1976.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ioan-Sebastian Buduroi · 2011 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Hungary

Szilágyi Áron

The Hungarian sabre fencer won three consecutive individual Olympic titles in London, Rio and Tokyo.International Fencing Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons · 2013 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Poland

Iga Świątek

The Polish tennis player became her country’s first Grand Slam singles champion at Roland Garros in 2020.WTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Hameltion; crop and retouch by Ocoudis · 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Slovenia

Tina Maze

The Slovenian alpine skier won downhill and giant slalom gold at the Sochi 2014 Olympics.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Petrol d.d. (video frame) · 2014 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Yemen

Tawakkol Karman

The Yemeni journalist shared the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for work supporting women’s safety and participation in peacebuilding.Nobel Prize ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Jindřich Nosek (NoJin) · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Bhutan

Kinzang Lhamo

The Bhutanese runner’s determination to finish the Paris 2024 Olympic marathon became a memorable example of perseverance.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Walter Boon · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Maldives

Ali Ashfaq

The Maldivian forward showcased his skill for New Radiant on the international stage of the AFC Cup.Asian Football Confederation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: The President's Office, Maldives · 2021 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Antigua & Barbuda

Daniel Bailey

The sprinter from Antigua and Barbuda earned World Indoor Championships bronze, bringing his country onto the global athletics podium.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Zorro2212 · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Barbados

Sada Williams

The Barbadian sprinter won 400-metre bronze at both the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Pit1233 · 2016 · CC0 · Resized and cropped for display

Belize

Brandon Jones

Representing Belize internationally in sprinting and triple jump, he set a national triple-jump record.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Citizen59 · 2016 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Nicaragua

Román González

Nicaragua’s “Chocolatito” became a professional boxing world champion in four divisions through years of disciplined work.World Boxing Council ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Qadeer.ali1989 · 2014 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Mauritania

Aminetou Mint El Moctar

The Mauritanian women’s rights advocate led an organisation supporting women and girls who had experienced violence.Human Rights Watch ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: AWDF-wikiwomen · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

St. Kitts & Nevis

Kim Collins

The sprinter from Saint Kitts and Nevis won the 100-metre world title in 2003.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Zorro2212 · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

France

Lilian Thuram

The French World Cup winner founded an organisation in 2008 that uses education to challenge racism and advance equality.Lilian Thuram Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: © Matthieu Riegler / Wikimedia Commons · 2013 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Mexico

Lorena Ochoa

The Mexican golf champion established a foundation in 2004 to expand educational opportunities for children.Lorena Ochoa — official biography ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA · 2007 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Papua New Guinea

Toea Wisil

The Papua New Guinean sprinter was the fastest qualifier in the women’s 100-metre preliminary round at London 2012.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: cdephotos · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Tuvalu

Etimoni Timuani

The Tuvaluan athlete represented his country in the 100 metres at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Dutch Support Tuvalu · 2011 · CC BY-SA 1.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Guyana

Letitia Wright

The Guyana-born British actress played Shuri in Black Panther and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Guyana in 2023.University of Guyana ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Gage Skidmore · 2017 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Laos

Alexandra Bounxouei

The Lao singer blends pop with her country’s musical traditions, bringing the sound of Laos to international audiences.Japan Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Foreign and Commonwealth Office · 2018 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Andorra

Mònica Dòria

The Andorran canoe slalom athlete made her Olympic debut in Tokyo, where she also carried her country’s flag.International Canoe Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Antoine Lamielle · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Cyprus

Pavlos Kontides

The Cypriot sailor won silver in the Laser class at the London 2012 Olympic Games.World Sailing ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: ERIC SALARD · 2024 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Czechia

Petra Kvitová

The Czech tennis player won the Wimbledon women’s singles title in both 2011 and 2014.WTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Peter Menzel · 2018 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Estonia

Kelly Sildaru

The Estonian freestyle skier won slopestyle bronze at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.Estonian Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Christophe95 · 2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Lithuania

Rūta Meilutytė

The Lithuanian swimmer won 100-metre breaststroke gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games.World Aquatics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: nrcphotos · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Latvia

Jeļena Ostapenko

The Latvian tennis player won the Roland Garros women’s singles title in 2017 at the age of twenty.WTA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Hameltion · 2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Malta

Joseph Calleja

The Maltese tenor’s foundation supports young talent and children facing hardship.BOV Joseph Calleja Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Reanu Keeves · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Slovakia

Peter Sagan

The Slovak cyclist won three consecutive road race world titles from 2015 to 2017.Union Cycliste Internationale ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Clémence LN · 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Iceland

Björk

The Icelandic artist’s Biophilia educational project brings science to children through music and creative exploration.Nordic Council of Ministers ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Foxtongue · 2007 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Portugal

Telma Monteiro

The Portuguese judoka won a bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.International Judo Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sport Lisboa e Benfica · 2021 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Lesotho

Tsepo Mathibelle

The marathon runner from Lesotho finished at London 2012 despite difficulties, offering an example of perseverance.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Luke McKernan · 2012 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Marshall Islands

Kathy Jetn̄il-Kijiner

The Marshallese poet gives voice to island life and the human consequences of climate change through her poetry.Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Kara Schumacher · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Spain

Rafael Nadal

The Spanish tennis champion’s foundation supports children’s development and opportunities through sport and education.Fundación Rafa Nadal ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Barcex · 2024 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Italy

Bebe Vio

The Italian wheelchair fencer won individual foil B gold at both the Rio and Tokyo Paralympic Games.International Paralympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Scott335 · 2018 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Germany

Dirk Nowitzki

The German basketball player’s foundation helps children and young people recognise and develop their potential.FortyOne — Dirk Nowitzki Foundations ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sven Mandel · 2019 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United Kingdom

Marcus Rashford

From 2020, the English footballer supported FareShare’s work to tackle child hunger.FareShare ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ardfern · 2016 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States

Billie Jean King

The American tennis champion founded the Women’s Sports Foundation in 1974 to expand sporting opportunities for girls and women.Women’s Sports Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Claire Fridkin · 2026 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Australia

Evonne Goolagong Cawley

The Australian tennis champion’s foundation uses tennis to support education and health among young Indigenous Australians.Evonne Goolagong Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Griffith Tennis Club · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Netherlands

Esther Vergeer

The Dutch wheelchair tennis champion’s foundation helps children with disabilities or chronic conditions take part in sport.Esther Vergeer Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: nick step · 2010 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Canada

Clara Hughes

The Canadian athlete won six medals across Summer and Winter Olympics and advocates open conversations about mental health.Canadian Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sergei Scurfield · 2010 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Austria

Anna Gasser

The Austrian snowboarder won big air gold at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games.International Ski and Snowboard Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: ArminE · 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Belgium

Nafissatou Thiam

The Belgian heptathlete won her third consecutive Olympic gold at Paris 2024.World Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Erik van Leeuwen (bron: Wikipedia). · 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Belarus

Victoria Azarenka

The Belarusian tennis player won the Australian Open women’s singles title in both 2012 and 2013.Australian Open ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Tatiana from Moscow, Russia · 2015 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Denmark

Viktor Axelsen

The Danish badminton player won men’s singles gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Badminton World Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Nardisoero · 2010 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Finland

Leo-Pekka Tähti

The Finnish wheelchair racer won the T54 100 metres at four consecutive Paralympic Games from 2004 to 2016.International Paralympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Petritap · 2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Greece

Eleftherios Petrounias

The Greek gymnast won rings gold at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.International Gymnastics Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Pierre-Yves Beaudouin · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Ireland

Katie Taylor

The Irish boxer won lightweight gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games.Olympic Federation of Ireland ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: cormac70 from London · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Luxembourg

Ni Xia Lian

Representing Luxembourg, she won a first-round table tennis match at Paris 2024, aged 61 and competing at her sixth Olympics.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Peter Porai-Koshits · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Monaco

Charles Leclerc

The Monegasque racing driver won the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix in front of his home crowd in 2024.Scuderia Ferrari ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Gilzetbase; derivative: DaanTW · 2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Norway

Birgit Skarstein

The Norwegian Para rower won PR1 single sculls gold at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.International Paralympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Arbeids- og sosialdepartementet · 2013 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

New Zealand

Lisa Carrington

The New Zealand kayaker brought her Olympic gold medal total to eight at Paris 2024.International Canoe Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General · 2022 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Liechtenstein

Tina Weirather

The alpine skier from Liechtenstein won super-G bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics.International Ski and Snowboard Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: CalandaCalanda · 2018 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

San Marino

Andy Selva

The former San Marino international striker shares his experience as a coach after his playing career.San Marino Football Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Adzio92 · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Sweden

Armand Duplantis

Representing Sweden, the pole vaulter won gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Bob Ramsak · 2020 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Switzerland

Roger Federer

The Swiss tennis champion’s foundation supports young children’s learning and educational opportunities.Roger Federer Foundation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: si.robi · 2016 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Vatican City

Leo XIV

In his 2026 letter on sport, Pope Leo XIV emphasised human dignity, education and sport’s power to build peace.Holy See Press Office ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Edgar Beltrán, The Pillar · 2025 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Brunei

Basma Lachkar

The Bruneian wushu athlete won taijiquan and taijijian all-round silver at the Asian Games held in Hangzhou in 2023.Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Yu Chu Chin · 2026 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

North Korea

Kim Song I

The North Korean table tennis player won women’s singles bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.International Table Tennis Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Wei-Te Wong · 2017 · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Resized and cropped for display

Turkmenistan

Yulduz Jumabayeva

The Turkmen weightlifter became the 45-kilogram world champion at the 2018 World Championships.International Weightlifting Federation ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Astro medya Org. Ltd. ŞTİ. · 2022 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Kiribati

Anote Tong

Kiribati’s former president raised international awareness of the lives of island communities threatened by climate change.United Nations Environment Programme ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Sam Beebe · 2011 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Micronesia

Joseph Urusemal

The Micronesian leader advocated marine and land conservation that also protects local livelihoods.Convention on Biological Diversity — TEEB ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: United States Department of the Interior · 2006 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

Nauru

Marcus Stephen

The Nauruan weightlifter won seven Commonwealth Games gold medals during his sporting career.Government of the Republic of Nauru ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson · 2009 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

Palau

Tommy Remengesau

UNEP recognised his conservation leadership in Palau with a 2014 Champions of the Earth award.United Nations Environment Programme ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: CTA ACP-EU · 2015 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Vanuatu

Ralph Regenvanu

The heritage advocate from Vanuatu highlights Indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage in the future of island communities.International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan · 2026 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

St. Vincent & Grenadines

Shafiqua Maloney

Representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the runner placed fourth in the 800 metres at Paris 2024.University of Arkansas Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: SportsMax TV · 2024 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Seychelles

Alexus Laird

The swimmer represented Seychelles at Rio 2016 and was inducted into her university’s athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.IU Indy Athletics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Patrick Joubert / Seychelles News Agency · 2015 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Alabama

Jesse Owens

Four athletics gold medals at the Berlin 1936 Olympics.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Acme News Photos · 1936 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Alaska

Kikkan Randall

Olympic gold: cross-country skiing, team sprint, 2018.U.S. Ski & Snowboard ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Frankie Fouganthin · 2013 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Arizona

Brady Ellison

Archer and team silver medallist at London 2012.Brady Ellison – official website ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Oleg Bkhambri (Voltmetro) · 2019 · CC0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Arkansas

Scottie Pippen

Olympic gold: basketball, 1992.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Noraft · 2009 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · California

Allyson Felix

Olympic gold: 200m athletics, 2012.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Doha Stadium Plus Qatar from Doha, Qatar · 2015 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Colorado

Amy Van Dyken

Six-time Olympic swimming gold medallist.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America · 2017 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Connecticut

Rebecca Lobo

Olympic gold: basketball, 1996.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Danny Karwoski · 2012 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Delaware

Elena Delle Donne

Olympic gold: basketball, 2016.University of Delaware ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: TonyTheTiger · 2014 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Florida

Caeleb Dressel

Olympic swimming champion specialising in freestyle and butterfly.Caeleb Dressel – official website ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: JD Lasica · 2018 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Georgia

Martin Luther King Jr.

Civil rights leader and advocate of nonviolence; Nobel Peace Prize, 1964.Nobel Prize ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Marion S. Trikosko · 1964 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Hawaii

Duke Kahanamoku

Olympic gold: 100m freestyle swimming, 1912.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Unknown photographer (see original source) · 1920 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Idaho

Picabo Street

Olympic gold: alpine skiing, super-G, 1998.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Kingkongphoto & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA · 1999 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Illinois

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Olympic gold: heptathlon, 1988.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ash Carter · 2015 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Indiana

Larry Bird

Three-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Steve Lipofsky www.Basketballphoto.com · 1985 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Iowa

Shawn Johnson

Olympic gold: gymnastics, balance beam, 2008.USA Gymnastics ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: The Ray Center - CHARACTER COUNTS! · 2012 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Kansas

Lynette Woodard

Olympic gold: basketball, 1984.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Bernard Gotfryd · 1986 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Kentucky

Muhammad Ali

Olympic gold: boxing, 1960.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Ira Rosenberg · 1967 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Louisiana

Seimone Augustus

Olympic gold: basketball, 2008.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: SusanLesch · 2016 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Maine

Joan Benoit Samuelson

Olympic gold: women’s marathon, 1984.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Goyk (talk) · 2008 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Maryland

Michael Phelps

Twenty-three Olympic gold medals in swimming.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Marylandstater · 2009 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Massachusetts

Aly Raisman

Olympic gold: gymnastics, floor exercise, 2012.Team USA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Michigan

Serena Williams

Olympic gold: tennis singles, 2012.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Edwin Martinez · 2013 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Minnesota

Jessie Diggins

Olympic gold: cross-country skiing, team sprint, 2018.U.S. Ski & Snowboard ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Stein Langørgen · 2025 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Mississippi

Jerry Rice

American football player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.Pro Football Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Uncredited (AP) · 1985 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Missouri

Maya Angelou

Poet, writer, educator and civil rights advocate.Maya Angelou – Caged Bird Legacy ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: York College ISLGP · 2013 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Montana

Phil Jackson

Won eleven NBA championships as a coach.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Keith Allison; crop: Chris! · 2009 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Nebraska

Bob Gibson

Baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.Baseball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Monowi · 2010 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Nevada

Andre Agassi

Olympic gold: tennis singles, 1996.International Tennis Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Shinya Suzuki from New York, U.S.A. · 2011 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · New Hampshire

Bode Miller

Olympic gold: alpine skiing, combined, 2010.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Christian Jansky · 2011 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · New Jersey

Carli Lloyd

Olympic football gold in 2008 and 2012.U.S. Soccer ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Victor Araiza from Houston, TX, United States of America · 2015 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · New Mexico

Holly Holm

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion and boxing world champion.UFC ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: MMAnytt · 2020 · CC BY 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · New York

Sue Bird

Olympic gold: basketball, 2004.Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Fuzheado · 2024 · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · North Carolina

Chris Paul

Olympic gold: basketball, 2008.USA Basketball ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Erik Drost · 2022 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · North Dakota

Jocelyne Lamoureux

Olympic gold: ice hockey, 2018.Team USA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Original: Sara Melikian · 2010 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Ohio

Simone Biles

Olympic gold: gymnastics, individual all-around, 2016.International Olympic Committee ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Oklahoma

Mickey Mantle

Baseball player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974.Baseball Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Unknown photographer (see original source) · 1957 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Oregon

Ashton Eaton

Olympic gold: decathlon, 2012, 2016.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: filip bossuyt from Kortrijk, Belgium · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Pennsylvania

Fred Rogers

Used television to support children’s emotional development and care for others.Fred Rogers Institute ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Unknown photographer (see original source) · 1987 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Rhode Island

Elizabeth Beisel

Olympic silver in the 400m individual medley, London 2012.Team USA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: JD Lasica from Pleasanton, CA, US · 2011 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · South Carolina

A'ja Wilson

Olympic gold: basketball, 2020.USA Basketball ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: John Mac · 2024 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · South Dakota

Billy Mills

Olympic gold: 10,000m athletics, 1964.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Donna Klapakis · 2010 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Tennessee

Wilma Rudolph

Three athletics gold medals at the Rome 1960 Olympics.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Henk Lindeboom / Anefo · 1960 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Texas

Simone Manuel

Olympic gold: 100m freestyle swimming, 2016.Team USA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Oleg Bkhambri (Voltmetro) · 2015 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Utah

Nathan Chen

Olympic gold: men’s figure skating, 2022.U.S. Figure Skating ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: David W. Carmichael · 2018 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Vermont

Hannah Teter

Olympic gold: snowboard halfpipe, 2006.Team USA ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: awnisALAN · 2005 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Virginia

Gabby Douglas

Olympic gold: gymnastics, individual all-around, 2012.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Agência Brasil Fotografias · 2016 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Washington

Apolo Ohno

Olympic gold: short-track speed skating, 1500m, 2002.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA · 2002 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · West Virginia

Mary Lou Retton

Olympic gold: gymnastics, individual all-around, 1984.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services · 2004 · Public domain · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Wisconsin

Eric Heiden

Five speed skating gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics.U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: Koen Suyk / Anefo · 1979 · CC0 · Resized and cropped for display

United States · Wyoming

Rulon Gardner

Olympic gold: Greco-Roman wrestling, 130kg, 2000.National Wrestling Hall of Fame ↗Profile verified: Oct 21, 2026Photo: U.S. Army · 2004 · CC BY 2.0 · Resized and cropped for display

Portraits may be older photographs; the photo year and source date are shown separately. This selection will grow.

Edited selection based on the original sources.

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