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Message: [QUOTE="RuffRuff, post: 5324643, member: 1268"] Determining the most influential U.S. athletes of the last 25 years draws on both their on-field achievements and their broader cultural, social, and philanthropic impact. Based on expert rankings and notable accomplishments, here’s a thoughtfully curated Top 5 list of influential American athletes from roughly 2000–2025: [HEADING=1]Top 5 Most Influential U.S. Athletes (2000–2025)[/HEADING] [HEADING=2]1. Serena Williams[/HEADING] Why she stands out: [LIST] [*]Amassed 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era, plus multiple Olympic golds and doubles accolades.[URL='https://www.si.com/sports-illustrated/power-list-2024?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] SI+2The Score+2[/URL][URL='https://time.com/6208915/serena-williams-retirement-interview/?utm_source=chatgpt.com']TIME [/URL] [*]Transformed women’s tennis with her power, dominance, and style, and became a role model for resilience, confidence, and overcoming adversity.[URL='https://time.com/6208915/serena-williams-retirement-interview/?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] TIME [/URL] [*]A powerful businesswoman and icon, paving the way for athletes of color and women in sport. [/LIST] [HEADING=2]2. Michael Phelps[/HEADING] Why he stands out: [LIST] [*]Holds the record as the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals (23 golds).[URL='https://www.businessinsider.com/iconic-female-athletes-women-sports-2019-7?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] Talksport+15Business Insider+15GQ+15[/URL][URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps?utm_source=chatgpt.com']Wikipedia+2Talksport+2 [/URL] [*]His success elevated visibility for Olympic sports and sparked a generation of young swimmers. [/LIST] [HEADING=2]3. Simone Biles[/HEADING] Why she stands out: [LIST] [*]Most decorated gymnast in history with over 30 World Championship medals, including 23 golds, plus multiple Olympic titles.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Biles?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] Wikipedia [/URL] [*]Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and widely recognized for advocating athlete mental health and excellence.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simone_Biles?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] Wikipedia+14Wikipedia+14Reddit+14 [/URL] [/LIST] [HEADING=2]4. LeBron James[/HEADING] Why he stands out: [LIST] [*]NBA legend with numerous MVPs, championships, and record-breaking performances—including becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeBron_James?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] Wikipedia [/URL] [*]A cultural and social influencer, blending elite athletic performance with business, media, and activism roles. [/LIST] [HEADING=2]5. Megan Rapinoe[/HEADING] Why she stands out: [LIST] [*]Key figure in U.S. Women’s Soccer success (World Cups, Olympics) with standout performances and awards.[URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megan_Rapinoe?utm_source=chatgpt.com'] Wikipedia[/URL][URL='https://time.com/6293102/megan-rapinoe-world-cup-2023-interview-retirement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com']TIME [/URL] [/LIST] A fierce advocate for equal pay, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice; awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom [/QUOTE]

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