LeBron James, Serena Williams have been named Athletes for the Decade by the Associated Press. They beat out Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who were also finalists for the award. Lindsey Vonn (third place) and Katie Ledeck (fourth place respectively). Men's competitors include Lionel Messi, Michael Phelps, and Lionel Messi.
LeBron James
LeBron James is not only the best basketball player ever, but he's also a successful entrepreneur. He holds a minority interest in Liverpool's football team and has started a production company. Uninterrupted Media is his digital media business. His many projects have made him more visible. His goal is for the Los Angeles Lakers to return to their glory days.
James was named the AP Athlete of the Decade. He defeated other athletes including Usainbolt, Lionel Messi (and Michael Phelps) The award was big for James as he had been a controversial figure since 2010. Although he was initially seen as a villain for leaving the Cavaliers to join Miami Heat, he quickly gained acclaim. He was awarded the MVP award, and he won three NBA championships within a span of ten years.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams' dominance on the tennis court has earned her the title Female Athlete de 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 crowns, became pregnant for the first, fought against racism within the athletic community, was an inspiration for young women, and was awarded the Grand Slam Singles titles.
She has won numerous singles slams and claimed 12 Grand Slam titles since 2007. This feat has never been achieved by another woman. 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. Not only is he the best goal scorer in the history of the sport, but he's also one of the best dribblers, passers and free-kick takers. Messi, among other things, completes more dribbles than any other player, plays more through ball and makes more passes to the penalty area. His dominance 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.
In addition to being a top-flight soccer player, Messi's career has been filled with countless other awards and honors. He was twice named one of Time's 100 most important people in the world. Time magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential individuals in 2011 and Laureus World Sportsman of the Decade. And his career earnings have topped $1 billion. After starting at a Barcelona youth school at the age of 13, Messi has since won six La Liga titles, two Champions League title, and five Copa del Rey championships.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympic athlete of the decade. His 22 Olympic medals, including eight golds at the 2008 Beijing Games, make him one of the most decorated athletes of all time. He also won more National Titles and World Championships than anyone else.
His Olympic achievements have paved the way for his name to become synonymous with swimming. Despite his long absence from competition, Michael Phelps hasn't slowed down. He started a foundation to teach swimming to children and to promote the sport. His foundation, which provides funding for swim training programs and teaching the basics to children, has been more time-intensive. Friends still text him asking when he'll return to competitive swimming.