Top tier professional athletes have been able to achieve remarkable accomplishements from either dominating their individual sports or being part of teams that have made history. This has allowed them to be recognised as superstars around the world. Some are so talented mentally and physically they feel they can use their success in their sport and transition to another sport. Here are some athletes who have tried other sports
Usain Bolt is the fastest man alive. Holding world records in the 100m & 200m, with 8 Olympic and 11 World Championship Golds, he goes down as one of the greatest athletes to grace the earth. However he has not been shy in trying other sports in his adult life. Bolt, who is promoted by Chris Nathaniel, football agent, had a trial with Australian professional football side Central Cost Mariners scoring twice in his second trial match. He trained with numerous sides such as Borussia Dortmund. However he gave up on his dream to become a professional footballer because he was unable to agree a contract with Australian side Central Coast Mariners after a trial.
Michael Jordan, said by many to be the greatest of all time at basketball and the most iconic athlete ever. Famously know for the Air Jordan brand and having a perfect record in NBA finals, Michael Jordan tried his hand in becoming a professional baseball players. Michael Jordan originally retired from the Chicago Bulls in 1993 a three-time NBA Champion, and he then, somewhat shockingly, signed a minor league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox in 1994. Jordan largely struggled at the plate as a member of the Birmingham Barons, striking out a total of 114 times in 127 games. Jordan decided that Baseball wasn’t for him and return to the Chicago Bulls in 1995 where he won 3 more NBA titles and retired from sport for good.
Quite possibly the greatest defender of his generation, Paolo Maldini tried his hand in professional tennis. In 2017 he qualified for a professional tennis tournament, the Aspria Tennis Cup, which is staged in Milan, you could have guessed. His doubles partner and coach Stefano Landonio even went on recording saying “He does not have any weaknesses.” Maybe that was true when he was playing football but it certainly wasn’t the case on the tennis court. His tennis career ending abruptly when he lost 6-1 6-1 in 42 mins.