The Associated Press has named LeBron James and Serena Williams as Athletes of the Decade. They defeated Olympic gymnast Simone Biles (Olympic gymnast) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (both finalists). Lindsey Vonn (third place) and Katie Ledeck (fourth place respectively). Men's sports include Lionel Messi as well as Michael Phelps.
LeBron James
LeBron James is arguably the greatest basketball player, and he has also been a successful entrepreneur off the court. He has a minority stake at Liverpool Football Club and launched a production business. Uninterrupted, his digital media company, is also owned by him. His numerous projects have helped him gain more visibility. His goal is for the Los Angeles Lakers to return to their glory days.
James was named the AP Athlete of the Decade Monday. He beat out athletes like Usain Bolt and Lionel Messi. The honor was a big one for the star of the NBA, as he started out 2010 as a controversial figure. He was initially viewed as a villain by the league after he spurned the Cavaliers to sign with the Miami Heat. But he quickly earned praise. He won the MVP award and won three NBA championships in 10 years.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams has been a dominant tennis player over the past decade. This earned her the title Female Athlete in the Decade. In a vote based primarily on her achievements on the court and off, she was chosen by AP's sports editors as well as beat writers. She won 12 Grand Slam singles titles, became a mother for the first time, fought against racism and sexism in the athletic community, and became a role model for young women.
Since 2007, she has won multiple singles slams, claiming 12 Grand Slam titles, a feat no other woman has ever accomplished. She is also the oldest woman ever to win a Grand Slam singles title, and she tied Steffi Graf for the record for consecutive weeks at the top. Serena is also a finalist in 19 majors. She has won 37 singles titles.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has been called the greatest soccer player. He is not only the greatest goal scorer in soccer history, but he is also one of the most skilled dribblers, passers, and free-kick takers. Among other things, Messi completes more dribbles, plays more through balls and finds more passes into the penalty area than any other player. His dominance over other players has earned him the nickname Ruthian. Although the word doesn't exist in every dictionary, it is used on the sports pages as an indicator for Messi.
Messi is a top-flight soccer star, but his career has also been filled with many other honors and awards. He was twice named one of Time's 100 most important people in the world. Time magazine named him one of the top 100 most influential people worldwide in 2011 and he was crowned Laureus World Sportsman of the Decade 2020. His career earnings are over $1 billion. As a 13-year-old, Messi began his career at a Barcelona youth center. Since then, he has won six La Liga titles.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps has been the most decorated Olympic-level athlete of this decade. He is one of the most decorated Olympic athletes, with 22 medals including eight golds at 2008 Beijing Games. He also has more national titles and World Championships wins than any other swimmer.
His Olympic victories made him synonymous for swimming. Michael Phelps has not slowed down despite his absence from competition. He established a foundation to teach children how to swim and promote the sport. He also devotes more time and effort to his foundation. It funds swim training programs, and teaches the basics. He still receives texts from his old friends asking him when he'll compete again.