The 50 Most Interesting Athletes
@the50athletes.bsky.social
Sharing stories of courage, change, achievement, triumph over doubt and the relentless pursuit of athletic perfection. Read our stories at the50athletes.com.
When Josh Gessner signed his MLB contract, it should have been the happiest day of his life. Instead, he was riddled with anxiety and fear. Read our September '24 profile and discover how Gessner overcame the dreaded yips: www.the50athletes.com/josh-gessner...
#baseball #mlb #sports
#baseball #mlb #sports
Josh Gessner on contracts, injuries and the YIPS
Signing to play professional baseball should have been the happiest day of his life. Instead, he was met with existential dread.
www.the50athletes.com
May 29, 2025 at 12:48 PM
When Josh Gessner signed his MLB contract, it should have been the happiest day of his life. Instead, he was riddled with anxiety and fear. Read our September '24 profile and discover how Gessner overcame the dreaded yips: www.the50athletes.com/josh-gessner...
#baseball #mlb #sports
#baseball #mlb #sports
For Dénis Bouanga, one thing remains true throughout his life: “Soccer remains soccer.” Whether that’s playing in his home country in France or leading LAFC to an MLS championship, expect to see an electrifying scorer with bewildering speed and touch. www.the50athletes.com/denis-bouang... #soccer
Dénis Bouanga is already LA's next big thing
The road to stardom hasn't been easy. But this Golden Boot winner has remembered his humble beginnings as he ascends to new heights.
www.the50athletes.com
May 28, 2025 at 8:13 PM
For Dénis Bouanga, one thing remains true throughout his life: “Soccer remains soccer.” Whether that’s playing in his home country in France or leading LAFC to an MLS championship, expect to see an electrifying scorer with bewildering speed and touch. www.the50athletes.com/denis-bouang... #soccer
Get to know Rajah Caruth, the emerging @nascar.com talent, who tells us the physicality of racing is something most people don’t appreciate.
#nascar #racing #sports
#nascar #racing #sports
Rajah Caruth is in the driver's seat
As a teen, he didn't have a driver's license. Just a few years later, he's an emerging talent in NASCAR. His plan? Make it pay off on Sundays.
www.the50athletes.com
May 20, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Get to know Rajah Caruth, the emerging @nascar.com talent, who tells us the physicality of racing is something most people don’t appreciate.
#nascar #racing #sports
#nascar #racing #sports
AJ Ginnis has cracked helmets, broken bones, and blown out his knees — all in the name of seeking greatness in alpine skiing. But it’s a small price to pay to lift his home country, Greece, onto the world stage.
🔗 www.the50athletes.com/aj-ginnis/
#skiing #greski #sports
🔗 www.the50athletes.com/aj-ginnis/
#skiing #greski #sports
AJ Ginnis is making history, and he isn't done yet
Born in a country known more for its beaches, he’s here to prove that a Greek skier can compete with the world’s best.
www.the50athletes.com
May 15, 2025 at 7:39 PM
AJ Ginnis has cracked helmets, broken bones, and blown out his knees — all in the name of seeking greatness in alpine skiing. But it’s a small price to pay to lift his home country, Greece, onto the world stage.
🔗 www.the50athletes.com/aj-ginnis/
#skiing #greski #sports
🔗 www.the50athletes.com/aj-ginnis/
#skiing #greski #sports
There was once a time that Lenny Dykstra saw his net worth rise to $58 million — and with it came the cars and jets, the exclusive memberships and the successful businesses. All until it came crumbling down when he set his eyes on an even bigger prize.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/lenny-dykstra/ #mlb
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/lenny-dykstra/ #mlb
Lenny Dykstra - From the penthouse to the poor house
Once at the pinnacle of wealth and fame, Lenny Dykstra now grapples with health issues and financial ruin in Scranton, Pa.
www.the50athletes.com
May 14, 2025 at 5:18 PM
There was once a time that Lenny Dykstra saw his net worth rise to $58 million — and with it came the cars and jets, the exclusive memberships and the successful businesses. All until it came crumbling down when he set his eyes on an even bigger prize.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/lenny-dykstra/ #mlb
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/lenny-dykstra/ #mlb
Breezy Johnson has seen ski racing at its best and worst. She’s reached world podiums. She’s faced injury, heartbreak, and a 14-month suspension.
But she’s back—stronger and more determined—with her eyes set on the 2026 Olympics.
Read her journey: www.the50athletes.com/breezy-johns... #sports
But she’s back—stronger and more determined—with her eyes set on the 2026 Olympics.
Read her journey: www.the50athletes.com/breezy-johns... #sports
Breezy Johnson on the art of determination
World Cup ski racing isn't for the weak. How this Idaho native has turned misfortune into podiums and potential into a World Champion.
www.the50athletes.com
May 13, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Breezy Johnson has seen ski racing at its best and worst. She’s reached world podiums. She’s faced injury, heartbreak, and a 14-month suspension.
But she’s back—stronger and more determined—with her eyes set on the 2026 Olympics.
Read her journey: www.the50athletes.com/breezy-johns... #sports
But she’s back—stronger and more determined—with her eyes set on the 2026 Olympics.
Read her journey: www.the50athletes.com/breezy-johns... #sports
As a young boy, Omari Jones watched endless videos of Mohammad Ali fighting — studying his speed, his movements, his footwork. Decades later that dedication is paying off with Omari representing a bright future for USA Boxing.
Get to know "The Banger": www.the50athletes.com/omari-jones/
#boxing
Get to know "The Banger": www.the50athletes.com/omari-jones/
#boxing
Omari Jones eyes the future prize
After falling in love with the sport at a young age, this Florida native has a keen eye on his future after securing a bronze medal in Paris.
www.the50athletes.com
May 8, 2025 at 8:33 PM
As a young boy, Omari Jones watched endless videos of Mohammad Ali fighting — studying his speed, his movements, his footwork. Decades later that dedication is paying off with Omari representing a bright future for USA Boxing.
Get to know "The Banger": www.the50athletes.com/omari-jones/
#boxing
Get to know "The Banger": www.the50athletes.com/omari-jones/
#boxing
Hannah Kearney once spent her summers jumping into a pool a thousand times to straighten her backflip and perfect her ski jumps. Her dedication to greatness knows no bounds.
🥇 Read about one of the most dominant skiers in history: www.the50athletes.com/hannah-kearn...
#sports #skiing
🥇 Read about one of the most dominant skiers in history: www.the50athletes.com/hannah-kearn...
#sports #skiing
Hannah Kearney still searching for the perfect run
One of the most dominant skiers in history looks back on the subtleties of perfection, and a hall of fame career.
www.the50athletes.com
May 7, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Hannah Kearney once spent her summers jumping into a pool a thousand times to straighten her backflip and perfect her ski jumps. Her dedication to greatness knows no bounds.
🥇 Read about one of the most dominant skiers in history: www.the50athletes.com/hannah-kearn...
#sports #skiing
🥇 Read about one of the most dominant skiers in history: www.the50athletes.com/hannah-kearn...
#sports #skiing
Tom de Dorlodot has flown over Machu Picchu, paraglided across Africa, and sailed the Atlantic. He’s broken his back. Lost a finger. Nearly lost a leg. Now older — and wiser — Tom still chases adventure, but he now counts the cost before the leap.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/tom-de-dorlo...
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/tom-de-dorlo...
Tom de Dorlodot keeps sending it
A curious mind has spawned the adventures of a lifetime. Now he must measure the risk before reaping the reward.
www.the50athletes.com
May 6, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Tom de Dorlodot has flown over Machu Picchu, paraglided across Africa, and sailed the Atlantic. He’s broken his back. Lost a finger. Nearly lost a leg. Now older — and wiser — Tom still chases adventure, but he now counts the cost before the leap.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/tom-de-dorlo...
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/tom-de-dorlo...
In a moment, Courtney Ryan’s career took a tragic twist when a blood clot ruptured in her spine and burst. She lost her ability to walk. She'd never play soccer again. Instead, she reinvented herself and found a new calling with basketball.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/courtney-ryan/
#sports
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/courtney-ryan/
#sports
Courtney Ryan turned potential into a two-time Paralympian
A decorated collegiate soccer player faced a crossroads following the unthinkable. Her resilience put her on the podium. Twice.
www.the50athletes.com
May 1, 2025 at 8:02 PM
In a moment, Courtney Ryan’s career took a tragic twist when a blood clot ruptured in her spine and burst. She lost her ability to walk. She'd never play soccer again. Instead, she reinvented herself and found a new calling with basketball.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/courtney-ryan/
#sports
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/courtney-ryan/
#sports
Nicole Hensley’s hockey journey was built on rejection. Too small. Not good enough. Not starter material. Not USA Hockey ready.
But she kept believing—even when few others did—all the way to two Olympic medals. And proving why no doesn’t have to mean never.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/nicole-hensl...
But she kept believing—even when few others did—all the way to two Olympic medals. And proving why no doesn’t have to mean never.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/nicole-hensl...
Nicole Hensley and the hard road to gold
A cinderella story with more than a few twists, how one western kid proved them all wrong.
www.the50athletes.com
April 30, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Nicole Hensley’s hockey journey was built on rejection. Too small. Not good enough. Not starter material. Not USA Hockey ready.
But she kept believing—even when few others did—all the way to two Olympic medals. And proving why no doesn’t have to mean never.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/nicole-hensl...
But she kept believing—even when few others did—all the way to two Olympic medals. And proving why no doesn’t have to mean never.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/nicole-hensl...
Adrienne Bunn was told she’d never read, ride a bike, or graduate high school.
She has autism, a condition that shapes how she sees, hears, and feels the world.
Today, she’s the youngest known female finisher of the Ironman World Championship — and the first athlete with autism to do it.
#sports
She has autism, a condition that shapes how she sees, hears, and feels the world.
Today, she’s the youngest known female finisher of the Ironman World Championship — and the first athlete with autism to do it.
#sports
Adrienne Bunn lets her actions speak
She’s the youngest female finisher of the Ironman World Championships. She’s a college athlete, a gifted artist, and she has autism. She’s proving the doctors and doubters wrong.
www.the50athletes.com
April 29, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Adrienne Bunn was told she’d never read, ride a bike, or graduate high school.
She has autism, a condition that shapes how she sees, hears, and feels the world.
Today, she’s the youngest known female finisher of the Ironman World Championship — and the first athlete with autism to do it.
#sports
She has autism, a condition that shapes how she sees, hears, and feels the world.
Today, she’s the youngest known female finisher of the Ironman World Championship — and the first athlete with autism to do it.
#sports
Ben Ritchie grew up losing to his older brother — at everything. But those Ls lit a fire. Now he’s a rising star on the US Ski Team, coming off his best season yet—and he's just getting started.
Read how failure forged his drive to win: www.the50athletes.com/ben-ritchie/
#skiing #slalom
Read how failure forged his drive to win: www.the50athletes.com/ben-ritchie/
#skiing #slalom
Ben Ritchie embraces the details of his craft
A lifetime of trying to best his brother made him competitive. Can the Vermont native harness his need for speed?
www.the50athletes.com
April 22, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Ben Ritchie grew up losing to his older brother — at everything. But those Ls lit a fire. Now he’s a rising star on the US Ski Team, coming off his best season yet—and he's just getting started.
Read how failure forged his drive to win: www.the50athletes.com/ben-ritchie/
#skiing #slalom
Read how failure forged his drive to win: www.the50athletes.com/ben-ritchie/
#skiing #slalom
Michael Zheng grew up learning how to break down opponents—like a chess player in tennis shoes. That early discipline paid off: In 2024, the Columbia College junior won the NCAA men’s singles title. 🏆
Read his story of quiet grit and high performance: www.the50athletes.com/michael-zheng/
Read his story of quiet grit and high performance: www.the50athletes.com/michael-zheng/
Michael Zheng, sitting at No. 1, turned losses into wins
How one athlete's path to the top of college tennis was forged by self-discipline and shaped by harsh rebukes.
www.the50athletes.com
April 15, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Michael Zheng grew up learning how to break down opponents—like a chess player in tennis shoes. That early discipline paid off: In 2024, the Columbia College junior won the NCAA men’s singles title. 🏆
Read his story of quiet grit and high performance: www.the50athletes.com/michael-zheng/
Read his story of quiet grit and high performance: www.the50athletes.com/michael-zheng/
Alan Cleland Jr. can still feel the rush of his first wave—how it engulfed his body, how he felt such a connection to the ocean. Today, he's surfing in WSL Championship Tour and—most proudly—representing Mexico on the world stage.
🔗 the50athletes.com/alan-cleland...
#surfing #sports
🔗 the50athletes.com/alan-cleland...
#surfing #sports
April 9, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Alan Cleland Jr. can still feel the rush of his first wave—how it engulfed his body, how he felt such a connection to the ocean. Today, he's surfing in WSL Championship Tour and—most proudly—representing Mexico on the world stage.
🔗 the50athletes.com/alan-cleland...
#surfing #sports
🔗 the50athletes.com/alan-cleland...
#surfing #sports
The bull thrashes. John Crimber locks in. Riding is second nature—he’s been doing it since childhood.
“I guess I liked to ride about anything I saw—dogs, couches, whatever.”
Now, the North Texas cowboy is poised to be the future of professional bull riding.
#bullriding #PBR #sports
“I guess I liked to ride about anything I saw—dogs, couches, whatever.”
Now, the North Texas cowboy is poised to be the future of professional bull riding.
#bullriding #PBR #sports
John Crimber is on the ride of his life
This Texas teen might just be the future of his sport. He's currently the biggest draw, and sees no limit to what he can accomplish.
www.the50athletes.com
April 3, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The bull thrashes. John Crimber locks in. Riding is second nature—he’s been doing it since childhood.
“I guess I liked to ride about anything I saw—dogs, couches, whatever.”
Now, the North Texas cowboy is poised to be the future of professional bull riding.
#bullriding #PBR #sports
“I guess I liked to ride about anything I saw—dogs, couches, whatever.”
Now, the North Texas cowboy is poised to be the future of professional bull riding.
#bullriding #PBR #sports
Stop us if you’ve heard this one: A World Series champ walks into a barn, gives a struggling horse a pep talk—nearly word-for-word the one he once got—and that horse goes on to win the Belmont Stakes.
Jayson Werth ➡️ Dornoch ➡️ A modern sports fairytale.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/jayson-werth/
Jayson Werth ➡️ Dornoch ➡️ A modern sports fairytale.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/jayson-werth/
Jayson Werth on diamonds and roses
A kid from Illinois followed the family tree to the majors. Then he met a horse who changed his life. From the World Series to the Belmont, it's a modern sports fairytale.
www.the50athletes.com
April 1, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Stop us if you’ve heard this one: A World Series champ walks into a barn, gives a struggling horse a pep talk—nearly word-for-word the one he once got—and that horse goes on to win the Belmont Stakes.
Jayson Werth ➡️ Dornoch ➡️ A modern sports fairytale.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/jayson-werth/
Jayson Werth ➡️ Dornoch ➡️ A modern sports fairytale.
🔗: www.the50athletes.com/jayson-werth/
Chris Koch doesn’t shy away from the elephant in the room: Yes, one ear is bigger than the other. Born without fully developed arms or legs, Chris shares his story—filled with grit, humor, and marathons. And yes, jokes too.
👇 Check it out: www.the50athletes.com/chris-koch/
#adventure #sports
👇 Check it out: www.the50athletes.com/chris-koch/
#adventure #sports
March 28, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Chris Koch doesn’t shy away from the elephant in the room: Yes, one ear is bigger than the other. Born without fully developed arms or legs, Chris shares his story—filled with grit, humor, and marathons. And yes, jokes too.
👇 Check it out: www.the50athletes.com/chris-koch/
#adventure #sports
👇 Check it out: www.the50athletes.com/chris-koch/
#adventure #sports
🏅 Nominate an Athlete for The FIFTY
Which athlete inspires you? Who’s faced doubt, chased greatness, sparked change? We’re looking for the best stories of:
🧗 Courage
🏋 Triumph over adversity
🏄 The relentless pursuit of athletic perfection
📩 Nominate: www.the50athletes.com/nominate
#sports
Which athlete inspires you? Who’s faced doubt, chased greatness, sparked change? We’re looking for the best stories of:
🧗 Courage
🏋 Triumph over adversity
🏄 The relentless pursuit of athletic perfection
📩 Nominate: www.the50athletes.com/nominate
#sports
March 27, 2025 at 5:20 PM
🏅 Nominate an Athlete for The FIFTY
Which athlete inspires you? Who’s faced doubt, chased greatness, sparked change? We’re looking for the best stories of:
🧗 Courage
🏋 Triumph over adversity
🏄 The relentless pursuit of athletic perfection
📩 Nominate: www.the50athletes.com/nominate
#sports
Which athlete inspires you? Who’s faced doubt, chased greatness, sparked change? We’re looking for the best stories of:
🧗 Courage
🏋 Triumph over adversity
🏄 The relentless pursuit of athletic perfection
📩 Nominate: www.the50athletes.com/nominate
#sports
Football QB Blake Horvath has a lot of stories. One of our favorites? Around age 6, he stuck a toy barrel up his nose. It got stuck. He told no one. Seven years later, during a pool brawl with his sister: bam, it popped out. Read his story: www.the50athletes.com/blake-horvath/ #football #sports
Blake Horvath wound up exactly where he should have
He didn't see it until he did. How Navy's dynamic QB has made some noise while securing his future.
www.the50athletes.com
March 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Football QB Blake Horvath has a lot of stories. One of our favorites? Around age 6, he stuck a toy barrel up his nose. It got stuck. He told no one. Seven years later, during a pool brawl with his sister: bam, it popped out. Read his story: www.the50athletes.com/blake-horvath/ #football #sports
Amanda Cruz is a snowboarder, yogi, and proud voice for
#Indigenous and #BIPOC communities. Her Pueblo-Cherokee roots shaped her identity — and her willingness to challenge systems from a young age.
📖 Read her story: www.the50athletes.com/amanda-cruz/
#snowboarding #yoga #sports
#Indigenous and #BIPOC communities. Her Pueblo-Cherokee roots shaped her identity — and her willingness to challenge systems from a young age.
📖 Read her story: www.the50athletes.com/amanda-cruz/
#snowboarding #yoga #sports
Amanda Cruz has something to say
A unique background has given her a voice. Now she seeks to connect her two passions through nature.
www.the50athletes.com
March 25, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Amanda Cruz is a snowboarder, yogi, and proud voice for
#Indigenous and #BIPOC communities. Her Pueblo-Cherokee roots shaped her identity — and her willingness to challenge systems from a young age.
📖 Read her story: www.the50athletes.com/amanda-cruz/
#snowboarding #yoga #sports
#Indigenous and #BIPOC communities. Her Pueblo-Cherokee roots shaped her identity — and her willingness to challenge systems from a young age.
📖 Read her story: www.the50athletes.com/amanda-cruz/
#snowboarding #yoga #sports
They call him the Big Cozy. But don’t get comfortable. At 7 feet, 360 pounds, Connor Williams dominates the basketball court like Shaq and drains threes like Stephen Curry 🏀 www.the50athletes.com/connor-willi... #basketball #bigcozy #sports
Connor Williams and the art of being versatile
He went viral on social media twice for plays he makes every game. How the nation fell in love with the player known as The Big Cozy.
www.the50athletes.com
March 21, 2025 at 4:13 PM
They call him the Big Cozy. But don’t get comfortable. At 7 feet, 360 pounds, Connor Williams dominates the basketball court like Shaq and drains threes like Stephen Curry 🏀 www.the50athletes.com/connor-willi... #basketball #bigcozy #sports
Physically, Emma Sticklen had everything to be an elite swimmer. But mentally? That was holding her back. She sought out a therapist — and won a national championship. the50athletes.com/emma-sticklen/ #swimming #mentalhealth #sports @utaustin.bsky.social
Emma Sticklen is just fine being an NCAA champion
A promising talent in the pool comes to terms with how success is defined, while making the most of her collegiate journey.
the50athletes.com
March 20, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Physically, Emma Sticklen had everything to be an elite swimmer. But mentally? That was holding her back. She sought out a therapist — and won a national championship. the50athletes.com/emma-sticklen/ #swimming #mentalhealth #sports @utaustin.bsky.social
Olivia Hsu once turned down an invite to go rock climbing, figuring it wasn’t her thing. Now, she’s a pro climber who’s been featured on magazine covers, traveled the world scaling crags, and found passion in a sport she once wrote off. www.the50athletes.com/olivia-hsu #rockclimbing #sports
March 20, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Olivia Hsu once turned down an invite to go rock climbing, figuring it wasn’t her thing. Now, she’s a pro climber who’s been featured on magazine covers, traveled the world scaling crags, and found passion in a sport she once wrote off. www.the50athletes.com/olivia-hsu #rockclimbing #sports
Chris Kluwe made headlines after video captured his protest over a proposed MAGA plaque being considered by his local city council. We wanted to know more about the former
#NFL player & found he’s as gifted telling a story as he is kicking a football the50athletes.com/chris-kluwe/ #football #sports
#NFL player & found he’s as gifted telling a story as he is kicking a football the50athletes.com/chris-kluwe/ #football #sports
Chris Kluwe may have outkicked his coverage
He’s best known for his ability to kick a football, but take the time to get to know him and you’ll find he’s much more than a jock in pads.
the50athletes.com
March 19, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Chris Kluwe made headlines after video captured his protest over a proposed MAGA plaque being considered by his local city council. We wanted to know more about the former
#NFL player & found he’s as gifted telling a story as he is kicking a football the50athletes.com/chris-kluwe/ #football #sports
#NFL player & found he’s as gifted telling a story as he is kicking a football the50athletes.com/chris-kluwe/ #football #sports