5 Most Inspirational Sports Stars Of All Time

On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers made history. Being fielding by the Dodgers, Robinson became the first black baseball player to appear in the major leagues.

He had to endure racial abuse from fans, opposition players and coaches, and even divisions among his own teammates over his presence there, but continued nonetheless. And he wasn't just an inspiring black athlete, he was also a great one, being named the MLB MVP in 1949, and helping the Dodgers win the World Series in 1955.

Robinson served in the military before his baseball career, and was arrested at one point for refusing to sit at the back of a bus. He broke down barriers in and out of the game, paving the way for all the African-American athletes who have followed in his footsteps. Now regarded as an all-time great, the MLB also has a Jackie Robinson Day each season, where every player wears the number 42 (his shirt number) in his honour.