In sports, winning is the easy path to power. But the most influential athletes do more with the platform of success. They change the paradigm: of what’s possible, of what’s fair, of what should expect from our stars. They build from local hero to global phenomenon. They break barriers and blaze new trails. And they have staying power, even when their paths to greatness aren’t straightforward. Power, prestige and purpose: those are the marks of the most influential athletes in sports.