Usain Bolt
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Usain Bolt has been the fastest runner in the world since the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Back then, the Jamaican sprinter won gold medals and set world records in three running events. In 2012, Usain set out to prove that he is still the world's fastest person during the Olympic Games in London, England. Once again, Usain took home three gold medals and set another world record. Learn more about Usain's journey from his childhood in western Jamaica to the top of the sports world.
Clayton Kershaw
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
The Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is one of Major League Baseball's best pitchers. He received the Cy Young Award in 2011 and 2013 and pitched a no-hitter in 2014. Clayton's powerful left arm brought him to the top.
Ichiro Suzuki
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has been one of Major League Baseball's (MLB) best players for more than ten years. But Ichiro was a star in Japan long before he came to the United States. When he joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001, Ichiro became one of the most famous athletes in the world. He also proved he was one of the best in the world when he notched his 2,500th MLB hit in 2012. Ichiro joined the New York Yankees during the 2012 season, and his star has never shined more brightly.
Gabby Douglas
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Although she's just 4 feet, 11 inches tall, Gabby Douglas made a larger-than-life impact on the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Gabby dominated the gymnastics all-around competition with her flawless execution and amazingly high flips, winning gold by a landslide. In early 2012, this pint-sized powerhouse was ready to quit gymnastics for good, but she kept going. Competing at the Olympics at just sixteen years old, she became the best female gymnast in the world. Read about this incredible athlete's journey from Virginia Beach to London gold.
Danica Patrick
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Danica Patrick is the most popular driver in the Indy Racing League (IRL). She has won fans with her skill, toughness, and charm. In 2008, Danica rewarded her fans by doing something that no other woman had ever done-she won an IRL race. Danica amazed her supporters again in 2009 when she announced that she would race in some NASCAR events starting in 2010. Read this book to learn more about car racing's most dynamic driver.
Venus & Serena Williams
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
The Williams sisters have been close since growing up together on the tough streets of southern California. But when Venus and Serena face each other on the tennis court, they each play to win. With their amazing talent and star power both on and off the court, the Williams sisters are among the biggest celebrities in the sports world. They're also two of the best tennis players to ever set foot on a court. Learn more about Venus and Serena's incredible journey to the top of the tennis world.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Venus & Serena Williams
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
The Williams sisters have been close since growing up together on the tough streets of southern California. But when Venus and Serena face each other on the tennis court, they each play to win. With their amazing talent and star power both on and off the court, the Williams sisters are among the biggest celebrities in the sports world. They're also two of the best tennis players to ever set foot on a court. Learn more about Venus and Serena's incredible journey to the top of the tennis world.
Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has had incredible success playing at the highest levels of football. Andrew helped Stanford University win the Orange Bowl in 2010. He could have gone to the National Football League (NFL) after the season, but Andrew returned to Stanford to get his degree. He was chosen by the Colts with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Andrew quickly made his new team a winner. Learn more about this young quarterback with a bright future.
Derek Jeter
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Derek Jeter dreamed of playing for the New York Yankees for as long as he could remember. When the team made Derek the sixth pick in the 1992 draft, his dream became a reality. With the Yankees winning the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009, Derek has become a fan favorite and one of baseball's most respected players. When he passed Lou Gehrig to become the Yankees' all-time leader in hits in 2009, Derek proved that he was a Yankees legend and one of the game's greatest players. Follow Derek's amazing journey to the top of the baseball world.
Maya Moore
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Maya Moore was a basketball star long before she joined the Minnesota Lynx. During her high school career, Maya helped her team win 125 games to only 3 losses. At the University of Connecticut (UConn), Maya led the Huskies to four amazing seasons and two national championships. Not surprisingly, she was the first pick in the 2011 Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft. In the WNBA, Maya has helped the Lynx become one of the league's most-feared teams. Maya's hard work has made her one of the best women's basketball players in the world.
David Beckham
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Soccer superstar David Beckham is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Born in Great Britain, David was playing for England's top soccer team by the age of twenty. David moved to the United States in 2007 and joined the Los Angeles Galaxy. In 2011, David led the Galaxy to victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) championship. Learn more about the life of one of sports' biggest stars.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.
Abby Wambach
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Right out of college, Abby Wambach shot to fame in the United States soccer scene. In 2002, she was picked second in the Women's United Soccer Association draft by the Washington Freedom. She also became a leading scorer on the US Women's National Team. After winning the 2012 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award and two Olympic gold medals, Abby is still going strong. She holds the world record for international goals. Follow Abby's story from her beginnings at University of Florida to becoming an international soccer superstar.
Aaron Rodgers
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! Many people believed NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers would quickly become a star when he joined the Green Bay Packers in 2005. But as the backup to Brett Favre, Aaron didn't get to play much during his first three seasons. When Aaron took over as starting quarterback in 2008, he showed that he belonged on the field. Aaron led his team to the playoffs in 2009. The next season, he guided the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XLV. Learn more about this amazing quarterback's journey from his childhood in California all the way to Super Bowl MVP.
Andrew McCutchen
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Pittsburgh Pirates star center fielder Andrew McCutchen didn't have much growing up. But he did have big dreams about playing for a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. In 2005, those dreams came true when the Pirates chose Andrew with the 11th pick in the MLB draft. The Pirates were a bad team. They hadn't been to the playoffs since 1992. Andrew helped change all that. In 2013, he led the Pirates to the playoffs, and he was named National League Most Valuable Player in the process.
Prince Fielder
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder was born to hit home runs. He spent his childhood at the ballpark with his dad, former Major League Baseball star Cecil Fielder. Like his father before him, Prince is one of the most-feared sluggers. In the 2007 season Prince hit 50 home runs, becoming the youngest player to ever reach that mark. In 2012, he became the second player to win the All-Star Home Run Derby twice. But Prince is more than just a big hitter. Learn more about Prince's journey to baseball stardom.
Stephen Strasburg
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg was picked first in the 2009 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, some people called him the most-hyped young pitcher ever. Stephen quickly proved that he deserved the hype by striking out 14 batters in his first game. After missing most of the 2010 and 2011 seasons with an elbow injury, Stephen is back at the top of his game. He led the Nationals to one of the best records in baseball in 2012. Learn more about this young pitcher with a rocket arm.
Mark Sanchez
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is one of the hottest young players in pro football. Chosen with the fifth pick in the 2009 NFL draft, Mark has only played two seasons in the league. But he has enjoyed amazing success in such a short time. Mark led his Jets to the conference championship game in both 2009 and 2010. With Mark leading the way, it seems like only a matter of time before the Jets reach the Super Bowl. Learn more about this talented and hard-working athlete.
Kevin Durant
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Kevin Durant faced high expectations after he was selected with the second pick in the 2007 NBA draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has gone beyond those expectations. Kevin was named the 2007-2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, and he's only gotten better from there. In 2010 Kevin was named the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, where the United States won the gold medal. During his short time in pro basketball, Kevin has proven himself to be one of the best players in the world. Learn more about this amazing athlete's journey to the top.
Clay Matthews
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has had incredible success in just a few years in the NFL. When he was named to the 2009-2010 Pro Bowl, he became the first Packers rookie since 1978 to be selected for the game. In 2010-2011, Clay led the Green Bay defense to victory in the Super Bowl over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Eli Manning
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Eli Manning joined the NFL after being chosen with the first pick in the 2004 draft, many people compared him to his older brother Peyton. After Eli led his New York Giants to victory in the 2007-2008 Super Bowl, people stopped wondering if he was as good as his brother. When Eli was named Super Bowl MVP and the Giants won the big game again in 2011-2012, people began comparing him to football's all-time great quarterbacks.
Tony Romo
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has one of the most high-profile jobs in sports. As the starting quarterback for "America's team" since 2006, Tony has amassed impressive stats and wowed fans. But it wasn't always this way. Tony spent three years as the backup quarterback and had to fight to earn the starting job. Find out more about the player who rose from the Cowboys' bench to become a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
Kevin Garnett
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Kevin Garnett was drafted in 1995 he became one of just a few players to go straight from high school to the NBA. In twelve seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he became the team's all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. He also became one of the highest paid players in basketball history. Traded to the Boston Celtics in 2007, Kevin led his new team to the NBA Championship. Follow one of basketball's biggest personalities from childhood to the top of the basketball world.
Peyton Manning
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is one of the most successful players in NFL history. Chosen by the Indianapolis Colts with the first pick in the 1998 NFL draft, Peyton earned a reputation for being one of the league's smartest quarterbacks. He led the Colts to victory in the 2007 Super Bowl and was named Most Valuable Player of the NFL a record four times. After missing the 2011-2012 season due to an injury, Peyton left Indianapolis to join the Broncos.
Justin Verlander
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Justin Verlander has been one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball (MLB) since he joined the Detroit Tigers in 2006. In his first season, Justin was named American League (AL) Rookie of the Year. He went on to throw a no-hitter in 2007. Then he threw another no-hitter in 2011. Justin won the AL Cy Young Award in 2011 as the league's best pitcher. He was also named the league's Most Valuable Player that year, a rare honor for a pitcher. Learn more about one of the best baseball players in the world.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
In 2013, New York Yankees relief pitcher Mariano Rivera announced he would retire after playing 19 seasons in the major leagues. Recruited in 1990 at the age of twenty, Mariano racked up many astounding pitching records over the next two decades. In 2011, he closed out a game against the Minnesota Twins for the 602nd save of his career, making him the top closer in history. When the game ended, Mariano's fans stayed to cheer his career accomplishments. Follow Mariano's inspiring story from Puerto Caimito, Panama, to the mound at Yankee Stadium.
John Wall
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
John Wall's NBA dream came true when the Washington Wizards selected him as the first overall draft pick in 2010. As one of the best point guards in the game, he helped turn the Wizards into a winning team.
Dez Bryant
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Wide receiver Dez Bryant is one of the Dallas Cowboys' most exciting players, holding the team record for the most touchdowns in a single season. Find out more about this star player's life on and off the field.
American Pharoah
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
In 2015, racehorse American Pharoah won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, and finally the Belmont Stakes to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978. The three-year-old horse with the misspelled name thrilled racing fans with his powerful and graceful running. As the 12th Triple Crown winner in history and the first in 37 years, American Pharoah joined an elite group of champions. Read all about the life of a legendary racehorse.
Manny Pacquiao
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Boxer Manny Pacquiao has won multiple world championships and is the only fighter in the sport's history to win titles in eight different weight classes. When Manny fought Floyd Mayweather in 2015, many people called it the fight of the century. But Manny is much more than just a boxer. He is also a musician and an actor, and he has even played professional basketball. In 2010, Manny became a congressman in the Philippines. Learn more about the Filipino fighter who has taken the boxing world by storm.
James Harden
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Houston Rockets guard James Harden lit up scoreboards with more than 25 points per game in 2014-2015, making him one of the best scorers in the league. Read all about James's journey to NBA stardom.
Anthony Davis
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Voted to the 2015 NBA All-Star Game as a starter, the New Orleans Pelicans' center Anthony Davis is on top of the basketball world. Follow his journey from his childhood in Chicago all the way to the NBA.
Stephen Curry
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry has racked up impressive stats as he has led his team to the best record in the NBA midway through the 2014-2015 season.
LeSean McCoy
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
LeSean "Shady" McCoy of the Buffalo Bills is one of the brightest stars in the NFL. In 2013, the fleet-footed running back led the league in rushing yards, and he finished third in 2014. Learn more about this elusive player.
Russell Wilson
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Russell Wilson played for the University of Wisconsin, many people thought he was too short to be a starting quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). But he proved these doubters wrong. This Seattle Seahawks quarterback led his team to victory in his very first season, winning the 2014 Super Bowl. Football fans cheer his passing power and leadership skills. Find out more about Russell's journey to the top.
J. J. Watt
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Houston Texans defensive lineman J. J. Watt is one of the biggest players in the National Football League (NFL). But he wasn't always on track for stardom. J. J. started his college career playing tight end at Central Michigan University. A career in the pros seemed out of reach. But after a transfer to the University of Wisconsin and a switch to the defensive line, J.J.'s hard-hitting talents began to shine. In 2012, J. J. led the NFL in sacks and cemented himself as one of the league's most-feared players. Learn how J. J. beat the odds and rose to fame.
Abby Wambach
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Right out of college, Abby Wambach shot to fame in the United States soccer scene. In 2002, she was picked second in the Women's United Soccer Association draft by the Washington Freedom. She also became a leading scorer on the US Women's National Team. After winning the 2012 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award and two Olympic gold medals, Abby is still going strong. She holds the world record for international goals. Follow Abby's story from her beginnings at University of Florida to becoming an international soccer superstar.
Brittney Griner
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
After breaking records and winning awards in college basketball, Brittney Griner was the first pick in the 2013 WNBA draft. She joined the Phoenix Mercury. In her first game, Brittney showed the league her skills by dunking twice. Brittney's height makes her a talented center. She's a force on defense too. Fans love to watch her block shots and grab rebounds. Follow Brittney's story from her early years learning basketball in Houston, Texas, to her electrifying rookie season in the WNBA.
Bryce Harper
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Bryce Harper always wanted to play Major League Baseball (MLB). He left high school after his sophomore year to chase his dream. The move paid off when he was chosen by the Washington Nationals as the first pick in the 2010 MLB draft. In 2013, Bryce became the youngest position player in National League (NL) history to start in an All-Star Game. Bryce's swing has been compared to Babe Ruth's, so the sky is the limit for his future. Learn more about his remarkable journey.
Kevin Love
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Kevin Love knows how to win basketball games. He led the UCLA Bruins to the NCAA Final Four in 2007-2008. Then the 6'10" forward went pro, joining the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2008-2009 season. In 2010, Kevin scored 31 points and grabbed 31 rebounds in one game. No NBA player had so many points and rebounds in a single game in 30 years. Follow one of basketball's most talented players from his childhood in Oregon to NBA stardom.
Adrian Peterson
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings didn't waste any time proving that he belonged in the National Football League (NFL). During his first season in 2007, Adrian set the all-time NFL record for most rushing yards in a game with 296. He went on to be named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he hasn't slowed down since. In 2010 Adrian led the Vikings to the National Football Conference championship game. Follow this amazing runner from his humble beginnings to the top of the football world.
Shaun White
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
On snowboarder Shaun White's first run on the halfpipe at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, he set the high score and secured the gold medal. On his second run, which people called a "victory lap," Shaun set an even higher score to destroy the competition. But Shaun is more than a two-time Olympic snowboarding champion. He's also a world-class skateboarder. As the first person to compete in both the Summer and Winter X Games, Shaun is the biggest star in two sports. Learn more about his high-flying skills and unique personality.
Cam Newton
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton is one of the biggest stars of the NFL. In 2015, Cam led Carolina to the best record in the league and a place in Super Bowl 50. Learn more about Cam's journey.
Miguel Cabrera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Miguel Cabrera always knew that he wanted to be a baseball player. He grew up next to a baseball field in Venezuela, and most of his family played the game. Miguel became a star with the Florida Marlins, helping the team win the World Series in 2003. He was traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2008 and has become one of the most-feared sluggers in the game. In 2012, Miguel became the first player in 45 years to win the Triple Crown in the American League. Learn how Miguel went from a small field in Venezuela to the top of the baseball world.
Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has had incredible success playing at the highest levels of football. Andrew helped Stanford University win the Orange Bowl in 2010. He could have gone to the National Football League (NFL) after the season, but Andrew returned to Stanford to get his degree. He was chosen by the Colts with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Andrew quickly made his new team a winner. Learn more about this young quarterback with a bright future.
Dwight Howard
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
As the first player taken in the 2004 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard created high expectations. He has more than lived up to the hype. Dwight led his team to the NBA Finals in 2008-2009 and was named Defensive Player of the Year. In 2009-2010 Dwight was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team for the third time. He also became the first player ever to receive more than three million All-Star votes from fans. Follow Dwight's career all the way to the top of the NBA.
Carmelo Anthony
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Carmelo Anthony has had an incredible basketball career. As a freshman at Syracuse University in 2003, he led his team to victory in the national championship game. Next Carmelo joined the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Denver Nuggets for the 2003-2004 season. As one of the best scorers in basketball, he helped turn the Nuggets into a winning team. Carmelo loves playing in front of his hometown fans after being traded to the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season. Learn more about one of the NBA's biggest stars.