Tim Lincecum
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
At 5'11" and 165 pounds, San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is much smaller than the usual Major League Baseball player. Growing up in Renton, Washington, Tim was told he was too small to be a star athlete. He proved people wrong by winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2008 as the league's best pitcher. Then he won the award again in 2009. Tim secured his place as one of baseball's greatest pitchers by helping the Giants win the World Series in 2010. Learn more about Tim's amazing life and career.
Mikaela Shiffrin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin won her first world championship in slalom in 2013, then won a gold medal in the same event at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Learn more about this bright young star.
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.
Andrew McCutchen
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Growing up, Andrew McCutchen dreamed of playing Major League Baseball. In 2005, those dreams came true, he became the Pittsburgh Pirates' center fielder. In 2013, he led the Pirates to the playoffs and was named National League Most Valuable Player.
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.
Maria Sharapova
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Maria Sharapova won the Wimbledon tennis championship when she was just 17 years old. When she won the French Open eight years later, Maria became the tenth woman in history to complete a career Grand Slam by winning all four major tennis tournaments. She also won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Maria's movie-star looks have helped make her one of the most popular sports figures in the world. But she's proven time after time that she's more than just a pretty face. Learn more about this stylish star at the top of her game.
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.
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.
Alex Ovechkin
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin entered the NHL for the 2005-2006 season, he didn't waste any time. He immediately became one of the game's best players. Alex scored 52 goals during his rookie season, and he hasn't slowed down since. In 2007-2008 Alex scored 65 goals, the most in the NHL in more than a decade. But Alex and his teammates have an even bigger goal in mind-winning the Stanley Cup. Learn more about Alex's amazing journey from his birthplace in Moscow, Russia, to the top of the NHL.
Dirk Nowitzki
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki didn't grow up with a basketball in his hands. Dirk was born in Wurzburg, Germany, where soccer is the most popular sport. But as a teenager, Dirk discovered that he was a natural basketball player. After being selected in the 1998 NBA draft, the powerful 7'0" forward quickly proved that he is more than just a tall player. In 2011 Dirk was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA Finals as Dallas beat the Miami Heat to become world champions. Learn more about Dirk's unusual journey to the top of the basketball world.
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.
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.
Robert Griffin III
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Robert Griffin III is one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL). Few quarterbacks in the world have Robert's remarkable combination of running speed and strong throwing arm. In Robert's first NFL season in 2012, he led the Washington Redskins to a 10-6 record. The team made the playoffs for the first time in five years. Follow Robert's journey from his childhood living on U.S. Army bases to the top of the football world.
Michael Vick
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Michael Vick quickly established himself as one of the National Football League's most exciting quarterbacks after the Atlanta Falcons drafted him first overall in 2001. His powerful arm and blazing speed set him apart. But at the peak of his career in 2007, Michael wound up in prison. After serving a two-year sentence, he returned to the NFL, determined to show he had learned from his mistakes. In 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles' star quarterback proved he still has the skills and leadership to make his team Super Bowl contenders. Follow Michael's story from his childhood through his amazing comeback.
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.
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.
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.
Roy Halladay
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Roy Halladay is one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball. He won 148 games in ten seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. Roy also won the 2003 Cy Young Award as the best pitcher in the American League. After the 2009 season, Roy was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. He didn't take long to adjust to his new league. Roy won 20 games for the Phillies in 2010 and led the team to the playoffs. Learn more about one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.
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.
Dustin Pedroia
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia has had a big baseball career. Named the American League's Rookie of the Year in 2007 and Most Valuable Player in 2008, he helped the Sox win the World Series in 2007 and 2013.
Derrick Rose
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Derrick Rose is one of the NBA's most explosive players. Chosen first overall in the 2008 National Basketball Association (NBA) draft, Derrick brought his high-flying game to the Chicago Bulls. Learn all about Chicago's biggest sports star.
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.
Aaron Rodgers
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
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.
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.
Kobe Bryant
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Kobe Bryant went straight from high school to join the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1996, he was the youngest player in the league. That same year, Kobe became the youngest player to ever start an All-Star Game, and he hasn't slowed down since. With four NBA championships and the league Most Valuable Player award for the 2007-2008 season, Kobe is one of the game's best. Learn more about the player who is quickly becoming one of basketball's all-time greats.
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.
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.
Calvin Johnson
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was chosen by the Detroit Lions with the second pick in the 2007 National Football League (NFL) draft. In 2011, Calvin set an NFL record by scoring two touchdowns in each of his team's first four games. Even better, the big wide receiver from Georgia helped lead the Lions to the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tiger Woods
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Tiger Woods is not just the best golfer in the world. He is also one of the biggest celebrities on the planet. But Tiger has not let success go to his head. He is still one of the hardest-working golfers on the PGA tour. Follow Tigers career from when he first picked up a golf club at nine months old to his most recent major golf championship.
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.
Tim Tebow
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
When Tim Tebow left the University of Florida in 2010, many people didn't think he would be good enough to play quarterback in the NFL. Tim had helped the Florida Gators become national champions in 2006 and 2008, and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 as college football's most outstanding player. But Tim was a better runner than a passer in college, and some experts thought his style would not work in the pros. He quickly proved the doubters wrong by leading the Denver Broncos to the playoffs in 2011. Traded to the New York Jets in the 2012 offseason, Tim continues to be one of the most popular athletes in any sport.
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.
Ronda Rousey
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
MMA star Ronda Rousey is known for her incredible record of twelve wins and one loss and has been ranked the world's top fighter in her weight class. Learn more about her journey to success.
Serena Williams
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Tennis superstar Serena Williams won the Wimbledon singles title in 2015-her fourth Grand Slam tournament victory in a row-completing her second "Serena Slam." Learn all about one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Mariano Rivera
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! 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.
Andrew Luck
Part of the Amazing Athletes series
Audisee® eBooks with Audio combine professional narration and text highlighting to engage reluctant readers! 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.