If You Can't Match The Athlete To The Sport, You're Not A Real Fan
- by Piyush Jain
- – on
- in Sports
In the world’s dazzling array of sports, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. There’s the frenzied pace of basketball, the adrenaline rush of hockey, and the rough and tumble gladiator type thrill of football. Then there’s the elegance of figure skating, the excitement of tennis, and the powerful suspense of golf. Boxing. Wrestling. Bowling. Baseball. Volleyball. Swimming. Track. The list goes on. To possess knowledge of sports and the athletes who excel at them is to always have something to contribute to conversations at bars, parties, barbecues, and dates.
Particularly in the United States, there is avid interest in sports of all types. With sports-themed bars and restaurants in most American cities, the topic of sports remains at the top of the list for social conversation. Knowing the difference between a quarterback and a running back can make or break a person’s social status. There are the revered historical sports stars such as Babe Ruth and Roger Staubach and then there are the stars of the 21st century: luminaries such as Leo Santa Cruz and Aaron Rodgers. With that in mind, try to complete this quiz without consulting Google. Get all the answers correct and congratulations! You’re the star of bar trivia night!
Which sport does Stephen Curry play?
Wardell Stephen Curry II was born in Akron, Ohio on March 14, 1988. He grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina where his father, Dell Curry, spent most of his career as a professional athlete. Under his father’s influence, Curry played competitively as a child and teenager. At Davidson College, Curry shone bright as an athlete. Curry’s professional athletic career began in 2009. One of the most successful players in his field, Curry has become an international celebrity, in no small part due to his charisma and good looks.
Which sport does Roger Federer play?
Roger Federer was born in Basel, Switzerland on August 8, 1981. He grew up with his parents and older sister near the French and German borders. Federer speaks fluent Swiss German, Standard German, English, and French. As a child, Federer played a wide range of sports, including badminton and basketball. Federer’s athletic career began in 1998. He's won numerous victories since then. Federer is married to a fellow athlete. They have two sets of twins, identical daughters, and identical sons.
Which sport does Lionel Messi play?
Lionel Messi was born in central Argentina on June 24, 1987. Widely regarded as the greatest player of his sport of all time, Messi moved to Spain at the age of thirteen to begin playing this sport. He was seventeen when he made his competitive debut. Messi immediately proceeded to break records. A survivor of a serious childhood illness, Messi has done extensive charity work for children with similar struggles. Messi’s honors and achievements are staggering. It would be difficult to find a more accomplished athlete.
Which sport does Odell Beckham Jr. play?
Odell Cornelious Beckham Jr. was born on November 5, 1992. Athleticism is in Odell’s blood as both of his parents were athletes in their youth. His father, Odell Beckham Sr., played football in both high school and college, while his mother, Heather Van Norman, ran track during college and currently coaches track and field at Nicholls State University. Odell was began making waves in the world of sport in high school. He played basketball and football, while also running track and field. He cites David Beckham as his childhood idol.
Which sport does Miguel Cabrera play?
Jose Miguel Cabrera Torres was born on April 18, 1983 in Maracay, Venezuela. Miguel’s career began in 2003 when he was signed to his first major team. In 2008 he was part of a trade with Dontrelle Willis in exchange for six other players. In his personal life Miguel has recently been the subject of some controversy after police were called to his home after reports he was having an altercation with his wife. He has since battled alcohol abuse and reportedly spent three months in rehab in 2010.
Which sport does Cam Newton play?
Cameron Jerrell Newton was born in Atlanta, Georgia on May 11, 1989. He has been breaking records since 2011. Signed to a $103 million dollar contract, Newton is a Twitter luminary with over a million followers. Famous for his good looks and unique style as much as he is for his athleticism, Newton has shone in various commercials and he has graced the pages of GQ and Vogue. Newton has been dating model Kia Proctor since 2013. Their son, Chosen, was born on Christmas Eve 2015.
Which sport does Zack Greinke play?
Donald Zack Greinke was born on October 21, 1983 in Orlando, Florida. His parents, Marsha and Donald are both teachers. Zach worked to hone his skill in this sport from a young age, while simultaneously playing tennis and golf. He is married to Emily Kuchar, whom he met in high school, and their first child was born in 2015. His career started to really take off in 2004 when he was picked up at just twenty years old. He has since played for five different teams.
Which sport does Connor McDavid play?
Connor McDavid was born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada on January 13, 1997. McDavid began skating at the incredibly young age of three. McDavid’s illustrious athletic career began early on in 2011. His motivated and competent performance ensured McDavid an early entry into the top tier of his chosen athletic vocation. On Twitter McDavid’s feed is all about his beloved sport and his many friends. Humble, down to earth, and hardworking, McDavid’s bright star is guaranteed to continue to rise.
Which sport does Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin play?
His name, Gennady Gennadyevich Golovkin, is a mouthful. Nicknames include “GGG” and “Triple G.” Born in the Soviet Union on April 8, 1982, Golovkin has been ranked at the top of his profession as recently as September 2017. His beginnings were humble. He was encouraged by his brothers at an early age to start working on his athletic prowess. Golovkin moved from his native Kazakhstan to Germany in 2006. He relocated to Santa Monica, California in 2014 and currently resides there with his wife and son.
Which sport does Kathleen Genevieve "Katie" Ledecky play?
Kathleen Genevieve "Katie" Ledecky was born in Washington, D.C. on March 17, 1997. Katie’s athletic career began at the age of six. She has already racked up numerous honors and awards at the age of twenty. When she isn’t competing, and winning, Katie is contributing to such charities as Bikes For The World and Wounded Warriors. Like any accomplished athlete, Katie works hard. She trains six days a week! Katie insists that there is no magic formula to her phenomenal success. She claims she has always just created goals for herself.
Which sport does Carson Palmer play?
Carson Hilton Palmer was born on December 27, 1989 in Fresno, California. Like many other athletes, Carson began showing promise in his chosen sport at a young age. He injured his foot while in high school, and still managed to earn accolades. For college, Carson chose The University of Southern California where he played his chosen sport for all four years. In his personal life, Carson considers himself to be very devout in his Christian faith. He married his wife Shaelynn in 2003 and they welcomed twins in 2009.
Which sport does Gabrielle Reece play?
Gabrielle Allyse Reece was born in La Jolla, San Diego, California on January 6, 1970. She attended Florida State University on a scholarship and set records there in her sport. Reece moved to New York City in 1989. Since that time, besides working as an athlete, Reece has worked as a fashion model. She has also worked as a sports announcer and as an actress. Reece has been married to surfer Laird Hamilton since November 30, 1997. They have two children and split their time between Hawaii and California.
Which sport does Clint Dempsey play?
Clinton Drew Dempsey was born on March 9, 1983 in Nacogdoches, Texas. Growing up in a poor family, Dempsey relied on the kindness of others to help cover the expenses for his childhood training in this sport. Tragically, he lost his sister to a brain aneurysm when she was only sixteen, which he has said motivated him to be the best he could be at his chosen sport. He went to college and Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, majoring in health and exercise science. His career really began to take off in 2004 when he was drafted to his first team. He has since played for teams in both England and the United States.
Which sport does Brock Lesnar play?
Brock Edward Lesnar was born on July 12, 1977 in Webster, South Dakota where his parents, Richard and Stephanie owned a dairy farm. Before establishing himself as a household name in his chosen sport he worked in construction and as part of the Army National Guard. He played both his chosen sport and football in high school, even putting his professional career on hold temporarily to pursue a career in the NFL. Lesnar’s professional career began in 2000 and has been going strong ever since.
Which sport does Gustav Nyquist play?
Gustav Nyquist was born in Halmstad, Sweden on September 1, 1989. He began playing his chosen sport as a child in the Swedish city of Malmo. After graduating from high school Nyquist moved to Orono, Maine, where he attended the University of Maine and played his favorite sport. Nyquist’s amateur career began in 2006 and his professional career began in 2011. His awards and achievements are considerable. Not much is known about Nyquist’s personal life. His Twitter feed is mostly focused on his enthusiasm for various sports.
Which sport does Michael Mizanin play?
Michael Gregory Mizanin was born on October 8, 1990 in Parma, Ohio. He first broke into the public consciousness during his stint on The Real World: Back to New York which aired in 2001. He also appeared on the spinoff Real World/Road Rules Challenge. Michael Mizanin won his first contract in his chosen sport during a reality competition titled Tough Enough. His professional career has been going strong since 2003, he is still competing and is expecting his first child with wife Maryse Ouellet Mizanin.
Which sport does Kawhi Leonard play?
Kawhi Anthony Leonard was born in Los Angeles, California on June 29, 1991. His athletic career began at San Diego State University and his professional athletic career took off in 2011. Notorious for being quiet and keeping to himself, Leonard isn’t a flashy, extroverted athlete. He’s a hard worker who is extremely dedicated to training and steadily improving. Leonard’s peers are impressed by his humility and perseverance. Rather than prescribing to the flashy lifestyle of a star athlete, Leonard hangs out at home with his friends and enjoys his mother’s home-cooked meals.
Which sport does Angelique Kerber play?
Angelique Kerber was born in Germany on January 18, 1988 and began playing her beloved sport at the age of three. Kerber rose to stardom in the United States in 2011. Since then she has garnered several awards and honors. Her Twitter feed is filled with both German and English and she comes across as someone who possesses an upbeat, irrepressible attitude. On Kerber’s website she mentions her likes, which include shopping and hanging out with friends. In addition to German and English Kerber also speaks Polish.
Which sport does Bryce Harper play?
Bryce Aron Max Harper was born on October 16, 1992 in Las Vegas, Nevada. His father, Ron, is an ironworker. Bryce also has an older brother who shares his love for this sport. Setting his sights on a professional career early in life, Bryce left high school after earning his GED in 2009. This freed him up to train full-time and pursue his dreams. He was drafted to his first major team in 2010. A member of the Mormon church, Bryce married his wife Kayla Varner in 2016.
Which sport does Devonta Freeman play?
Devonta Freeman was born in Baxley, Georgia on March 15, 1992. He racked up athletic achievements while attending Miami Central High School in West Little River, Florida. Freeman racked up even more athletic achievements while attending Florida State University. Freeman dropped out of college during his senior year to pursue his athletic vocation professionally. Since beginning his professional athletic career in 2014, Freeman has achieved phenomenal success. Freeman lost his aunt to a heart attack when she was 24 and he was 14. He honors his late aunt with a tattoo of her name on his left arm. a. boxing
Which sport does Michelle Wie play?
Michelle Sung Wie was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 11, 1989. She rose to prominence and broke records at the age of ten. Just before her 16th birthday in 2005 Wie turned professional. A graduate of Stanford University, Wie is also an artist. She displays her artwork on her Instagram and Twitter accounts, as well as her love for donuts and Shark Week. Wie has also generously shared candid photographs of her recent appendectomy and recovery on social media.
Which sport does Frank Ntilikina play?
Frank Ntilikina was born in Ixelles, Belgium on July 28, 1998. Ntilikina developed a passion for his favorite sport early on and dreamed of someday playing in New York City. Ntilikina’s dream is now being realized at the age of nineteen. Ntilikina speaks fluent French and English. As is so often the case with athletes who ascend to fame and fortune at an early age, Ntilikina is by all reports a diligent worker who is devoted to honing his talent and taking it as far as he can.
Which sport does Ezekiel Ansah play?
Ezekiel Nana Ansah was born in Ghana on May 29, 1989. Ezekiel’s father, Edward worked for a petroleum company, while his mother, Elizabeth was a nurse. Growing up in Ghana, he had no initial exposure to his chosen sport. Instead, his interests lay in basketball and soccer. After finishing high school in 2007, Ezekiel came to the United States to study at Brigham Young University. He tried out for the basketball team in both 2008 and 2009 but was unsuccessful. He then turned his attention to Track and Field before being persuaded to try out for the sport that would become his career.
Which sport does Gordon Hayward play?
Gordon Daniel Hayward was born on March 23, 1990 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has a twin sister named Heather with whom he played doubles tennis. He first began to show interest in his sport of choice in high school, but felt discouraged because of his less than impressive height. Thankfully for Gordon, he underwent a growth spurt that caused him to reach a height of 6 feet and 8 inches. In 2015 Gordon and his wife welcomed their first child, followed by a second in 2016.
Which sport does Caeleb Dressel play?
Caeleb Remmel Dressel was born in Green Cove Springs, Florida on August 16, 1996. Dressel has been breaking records since beginning his athletic career at the age of fifteen. He had stunning accomplishments as a freshman at the University of Florida. When he isn’t competing, and winning, Dressel enjoys riding horses, shooting guns, watching movies, and playing ping pong with his brother. Dressel is fiercely protective of his private time and doesn’t enjoy talking about his profession when he’s relaxing.
Which sport does Sloane Stephens play?
Sloane Stephens was born in Plantation, Florida on March 20, 1993. Her mother was an accomplished swimmer and her father was a professional football player. Sadly, her father died in a car wreck on September 1, 2009, just before Stephens was due to compete in an event. Stephens attended her father’s funeral but did not miss the event. She began playing her sport at the age of nine. Her Twitter feed is filled with gorgeous photographs and plenty of positive, life-affirming messages.
Which sport does Dustin Johnson play?
Dustin Hunter Johnson was born in Columbia, South Carolina on June 22, 1984. He played his sport at Coastal Carolina University and has been competing professionally since late 2007. Johnson currently maintains top ranking in his field. He has been married to model and singer Paulina Gretsky since August 2013. They have two sons, Tatum and River. Johnson’s website features his numerous endorsements and a shop that sells hats and shirts. Competitive and positive, Johnson keeps his personal life mostly private.
Which sport does John Isner play?
John Robert Isner was born in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 26, 1985. Isner has consistently been breaking records since beginning his professional career in 2007. He’s engaged to his girlfriend Madison McKinley. They’ve been dating since 2011. Isner is a big wrestling fan and tweets often about the WWE. His mother is an ovarian cancer survivor so Isner donates time and money to charity events nationwide that contribute to cancer research. His net worth is a reported $28 million.
Which sport does Russell Westbrook III play?
Russell Westbrook III was born on November 12, 1988 in Long Beach, California. While it took him years to grow into his chosen sport, he was standing out by the end of his high school career. Russell began college at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2006. He stayed there for two years before being drafted to a team in 2008. Russell has earned himself a number of endorsement deals in recent years including with Kings and Jaxs, True Religion, and PepsiCo.
Which sport does Anthony Joshua play?
Anthony Oluwafemi Olaseni Joshua was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England on October 15, 1989. As of October 2017 Joshua reigns as the world’s best at his chosen sport. Joshua played other sports as a child. He didn’t start competing at his current profession until 2007 at the age of eighteen. Despite his relatively late start to the sport Joshua soon began attaining prestige. He made his professional debut on October 5, 2013. Before becoming an athlete full-time, Joshua was a bricklayer.
Which sport does D.J. Foster play?
D.J. Foster was born in Scottsdale, Arizona on November 22, 1993. He began his illustrious athletic career at Saguaro High School. Foster continued to improve his game at Arizona State University. He made his professional debut on September 18, 2016. Foster is dating the lovely and ambitious Ciera Antoinette Liguori, whom he met while attending Arizona State University. Foster’s love for his girlfriend and his career is evident on his Twitter feed. He also shows much love for his gorgeous home state.
Which sport does Yu Darvish play?
Yu Darvish was born on August 16, 1986 in Osaka, Japan. He began playing his chosen sport in grade school, even competing in national tournaments. He chose to attend high school in northern Sendai at a known feeder school for this sport. Yu’s professional career began in 2005, in Japan. He played there until 2011, becoming the highest paid professional athlete in this sport, in all of Japan. In 2012 he signed with a team in the United States, shifting his career stateside.
Which sport does Paolo Guerrero play?
José Paolo Guerrero Gonzales was born in Lima, Peru on January 1, 1984. He began his athletic career in Germany then later relocated to Brazil. Making his international debut in 2004, Guerrero has gained phenomenal acclaim in his career. His technical ability is unrivaled. Guerrero has been dating Peruvian reality television contestant Alondra Garcia Miro since January 2015. Guerrero suffers from an intense fear of flying due to the death of his famous athlete uncle in a plane crash when Guerrero was only three years old.
Which sport does Chris Paul play?
Christopher Emmanuel Paul was born on May 6, 1985 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His father, Charles Paul Sr., taught Christopher and his older brother how to play basketball and football. Their grandfather owned a gas station which the young boys spent many summers working at. Unsurprisingly Chris showed promise as a sportsman in high school, having already committed himself to his chosen sport. He attended Wake Forest University in North Carolina before announcing that he was going professional in 2005.
Which sport does Mohamed Salah play?
Mohamed Salah was born in Nagrig, Gharbia, Egypt on June 15, 1992. He began playing his favorite sport as a child in Egypt. Salah began playing competitively in 2012. He has played internationally and is now based in Liverpool. Despite his fame, fortune, and outstanding international accomplishments Salah maintains his humility on social media. His photographs on Twitter show a smiling man surrounded by family and friends. Salah tweets in Arabic as well as in English. Salah is famous for blowing kisses to his fans after a victory.