Throughout sports history, certain athletes have stood out for their ability to overcome devastating setbacks. Injuries, illnesses, and personal struggles have sidelined many sports stars, but true greatness often shines brightest in the face of adversity. The following are 15 famous athletes with comeback stories that continue to inspire fans worldwide.
Michael Jordan
After losing his father, Michael Jordan retired from basketball in 1993. Still, fans anticipated his return, and when he finally reunited with the NBA in 1995, he led the Bulls to three championships in three years—thereby rebuilding his legacy as one of the greatest players to grace the NBA.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is known for his greatness in the sport, but his career was put on hold in 1967 after he refused to join the military. When he returned in 1970, he won several matches before beating George Foreman and Joe Frazier in 1974, proving that his time away from the ring only strengthened him.
Tiger Woods
Despite years of golf success, Tiger Woods hit rock bottom both personally and professionally, battling injuries and scandals in 2017. Yet, in one of the most incredible sports comebacks, Woods clawed his way to the 2019 Masters and won his first major victory in 11 years.
Bethany Hamilton
At just 13 years old, Bethany Hamilton’s dreams of becoming a professional surfer seemed shattered when a tiger shark attack cost her an arm. However, within a month, she was back in the water, and just two years later, she won the NSSA National Championship.
Tom Brady
With multiple Super Bowl wins and countless accolades, Tom Brady’s legacy was already solid at age 30. But in 2008, a knee injury threatened to end his career. Brady not only beat this illness but also became Super Bowl LI champion for the New England Patriots, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.
Floyd Mayweather
Retirement never stuck for Floyd “Money” Mayweather, as each comeback was bigger than the last. In 2017, he beat UFC superstar Conor McGregor in a boxing match that generated worldwide hype. By defeating McGregor, Mayweather bagged his 50th win and a $300 million paycheck and solidified his place among boxing’s elite.
Niki Lauda
Niki Lauda suffered severe burns after a gruesome car accident at the 1976 German Grand Prix. For most racers, those burns would mean retirement, yet in six weeks, Lauda was back on the circuit. He finished as the fourth racer at the Italian Grand Prix, and in the following season, won the World Championship.
Adrian Peterson
After tearing his ACL and MCL in 2011, many believed Adrian Peterson’s best days as an NFL running back were behind him. But Peterson returned eight months later for the start of the 2012 season. He rushed for 2,097 yards, nearly breaking the NFL single-season rushing record, and was awarded MVP.
Dave Wottle
In the 800m final at the 1972 Munich Olympics, Dave Wottle was in last place halfway through the race, and it seemed impossible for him to win. Yet Wottle had one final burst of energy left. Over the final 300 meters, he overtook the entire field and won gold in one of the most dramatic finishes in Olympic history.
Tracy McGrady
With less than a minute left against the Spurs, the Houston Rockets were down 76-68 on December 9, 2004. That was when Tracy McGrady scored 13 points in 35 seconds, helping the Rockets win the game 81-80. It remains one of the most incredible individual efforts ever seen in NBA history.
Brian O’Driscoll
In 2005, O’Driscoll suffered a devastating shoulder injury during a match against New Zealand. The injury required surgery and led to new regulations against dangerous tackles in rugby. O’Driscoll worked tirelessly to recover, and by 2009, he was back on the field, leading Ireland to victory in the Six Nations Championship.
Paul George
Many believed George would never return to his All-Star form due to his horrific leg injury in 2014. However, after a grueling rehabilitation, George played six games before the 2015 season ended. The following season, he averaged a career-best 23.1 points per game, a sign that his career was far from over.
Sebastian Coe
Between 1982 and 1983, Coe was constantly in hospitals, making fans question if he could defend his Olympic title. Surprisingly, Coe returned for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, winning two medals—silver in the 800 meters and gold in the 1500 meters. This made him the first man to win back-to-back titles in that event.
David Rudisha
David Rudisha’s career peaked in 2012 when he set a 800 meters world record at the Olympics. However, his dominance faltered due to injuries in 2013, and Rudisha struggled to regain his form. Yet, two years later, Rudisha silenced his critics at the World Championships in Beijing by reclaiming his 800-meter world title.
Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh’s career was tragically cut short in 2016 when he was diagnosed with life-threatening blood clots in his lungs. Despite the health risks, Bosh was determined to return to the NBA. While his attempts were unsuccessful, his battle off the court helped him transition into other pursuits, like music and writing.
15 Popular Athletes Who Overcame the Most Unthinkable Challenges