Lawrence Lemieux
Lawrence Lemieux was an Olympic sailor who gave up his chance to win a medal in order to save two fellow racers. Lawrence was competing in the Finn Class A sailing race during the Olympic Games in Korea in 1988. In the course of the race winds picked up significantly. As Lawrence passed close to a nearby racer, he noticed two sailors from the Singapore team in the water and in obvious distress. Lawrence who was in position to win a silver medal turned his boat and went to their aid. Once both sailors were aboard his boat he waited until a Korean rescue boat arrived. He then continued his race but finished in 21st. Although he did not make the podium, Lawrence was awarded the Pierre de Coubertin medal. President of the IOC had this to say of Lawrence, “By your sportsmanship, self-sacrifice and courage you embody all that is right with the Olympic ideal.”
Andre Agassi
Andre Agassi is another great example of a truly great athlete. Once considered one of the bad boys of tennis, Agassi remade his career and came back as one of the greatest players of all time. Andre’s achievements on the court include an Olympic gold medal and eight Grand Slam singles tournaments, but many of his greatest accomplishments were achieved off the court. Andre is considered one of the most charitable athletes of his generation. His charity, entitled the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, has raised over $60 million to help children in Nevada. He has participated in numerous events and fund raising campaigns and has personally donated large sums of money to various charities. In 2009, Andre, along with numerous professional athletes, started the Athletes for Hope. In 1995, Andre was given the prestigious Arthur Hale Humanitarian Award for his work.
Lance Armstrong
One of the most inspiring athletes had to be Lance Armstrong. Lance was on his way to becoming a truly great cyclist when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer was already in stage three and had spread to his brain, lungs and abdomen. He underwent surgical procedures to remove the tumours in his brain and testicles. Lance also had to undergo chemotherapy. His last procedure was on the 13th of December 1996.