Today’s generation often looks up to athletes as role models and in some cases even heroes. Unfortunately, many of them do not live up to the expectations that the public has of them. Doping and cheating are becoming more and more common as athletes strive for ever greater success. Many of the traditions and morals that make an athlete truly noteworthy seem to have fallen by the wayside in the competitive world of sports. What really matters is not just how an athlete performs in his chosen sport, but how he accomplishes his goals. Fortunately, not all athletes fall into this category. There are still many who deserve to be recognized and admired for their achievements both inside and outside the world of sport. Consider these examples of people who truly represent what the world of sports should be.

Lorenzo Lemeux

Lawrence Lemieux was an Olympic sailor who gave up his chance at a medal to save two fellow racers. Lawrence was competing in the Class A Finn Sailing Race during the 1988 Korean Olympics. Over the course of the race, the winds picked up significantly. As Lawrence passed a nearby corridor, he noticed two sailors from the Singapore team in the water and in obvious distress. Lawrence, who was in position to win a silver medal, turned his boat around and came to his aid. Once both sailors were aboard his boat, he waited until a Korean rescue boat arrived. He then continued his race but finished in 21st place. Although he did not get on the podium, Lawrence received the Pierre de Coubertin medal. The IOC president had this to say of Lawrence: “With your sportsmanship, sacrifice and courage, you embody all that is right with the Olympic ideal.”

Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi is another great example of a great athlete. Once considered one of the bad boys in tennis, Agassi rebuilt his career and returned as one of the greatest players of all time. Andre’s accomplishments on the court include an Olympic gold medal and eight Grand Slam singles tournaments, but many of his greatest accomplishments have been achieved off the court. Andre is considered one of the most charitable athletes of his generation. His charity, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, has raised more than $60 million to help children in Nevada. He has participated in numerous fundraising events and campaigns and has personally donated large sums of money to various charities. In 2009 Andre, along with numerous professional athletes, started Athletes for Hope. In 1995, Andre received the prestigious Arthur Hale Humanitarian Award for his work.

Lance Armstrong

One of the most inspiring athletes had to be Lance Armstrong. Lance was on his way to becoming a great cyclist when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer was already stage three and had spread to his brain, lungs and abdomen. He underwent surgical procedures to remove tumors on his brain and testicles. Lance also had to undergo chemotherapy. His last procedure was on December 13, 1996.

After his ordeal, Lance returned to the world of cycling in 1998. He went on to win an unprecedented “seven” Tour de France races and has been named athlete of the year by numerous magazines and organizations around the world. However, Lance’s achievements are not just in the world of cycling. He founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation. This charity works to help patients affected by cancer. Provides support and assistance before, during and after a patient’s treatment. His charity’s motto is “Unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything”. Lance is also one of the founding members of Athletes for Hope.

Records and medals are wonderful, but maybe before we see an athlete as a hero and role model, we should all look a little deeper. It’s not just how a player plays, but also how he lives his life that makes him truly great.