Game Changers

Meet the athletes who have scored the most points, stolen the most bases, and achieved other notable firsts in their sports. Will their records ever be broken?

Watch this video to hear from Roger Bannister, the first person to run a mile in under 4 minutes.

In this video, learn about the journey of Lusia Harris, the only female basketball player who has been drafted into an NBA team.

See how the father of modern-day tennis champions Venus and Serena Williams helped push them to great achievements while growing up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in the US.

Game changers challenge what others have done in the past and change our sense of what is possible—off the field as well as on it. In this video, you'll hear from athletes Billie Jean King, Nneka Ogwumike, and Kendall Coyne Schofield as they talk about their fight for equal pay and recognition for women in sports.

Many athletes overcome challenges to become great. Even if you don't have the equipment you need for a sport you want to try, you can often find creative ways to get started.

Today, try creating your very own paper plate tennis racket. Check out this video to see how, and color it whatever color you like to make it uniquely yours! You'll need a couple of paper plates, some popsicle sticks or craft sticks to use as handles, glue or tape, markers or crayons to color in your racket, and a balloon to use as a ball.

Prior to 1947, there were no Black baseball players in Major League Baseball—until Jackie Robinson made a breakthrough. Read about the barriers he had to overcome and meet 10 other Black pioneers in sports.

Read about the odds Simone Biles overcame to be the first Black woman to win three consecutive world all-around titles at the World Championship in 2013 and the first American woman gymnast to win four gold medals at a single Games during the 2016 Olympics.

Use your homemade paper plate tennis racket to play your own game of balloon tennis! Once you've started to master it, see if you can add in some new challenges. Try playing on one foot, or try playing with your non-dominant hand. Don't have a partner? Bounce your balloon on your racket, set up some simple targets to try to knock down, or play against the wall.

What skills does it take to be a gymnast? Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles not only have strength and balance, they also have incredible flexibility. Follow along with this series of stretching exercises led by kid gymnast Karina to build your flexibility, strength and stamina.

All stretched out and warmed up? Great! Learn how to do some simple gymnastics tumbling moves at home with this tutorial. You'll want to find a carpeted spot or lay down a few blankets or cushions first.

Interested in learning more about Simone Biles' story? Check out this video from the New York Times.

Meet Kathrine Switzer, who paved the way for women to compete in marathon events as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Now in her 70's, she's still running!