Who: International Basketball Player
Where: United States
Why: He’s been named the AP Male Athlete of the year, James gave us one of the most magnificent comebacks in the history of sports’ comebacks. Aside from the fact that he was a no-show at one of his recent games, it was his victory dance routine that had people talking about him this year.
25. Karun Nair
Who: Indian Cricketer
Where: India
Why: The young Indian cricketer shot to fame after his debut in Test Cricket in November, this year, when he scored his maiden Test century, in the final match against England. The match ended with Karun at 303, not out. It took him three innings to hit the triple century; thus, becoming the quickest batsman to hit a maiden triple century in test cricket in the history of cricket. He also became the second Indian batsman to hit a triple-hundred in Tests after Virender Sehwag and the third player – after Bob Simpson and Sir Garfield Sobers.
26. Virat Kohli
Who: Indian Cricketer
Where: India
Why: The young Indian Cricket Team Captain is on a roll this year. He’s been on one for a while now, actually; but this year, seems to be his in every way possible. He was recently even named Australia’s ODI Captain of The Year, trumping Smith to the title. He’s been one of the youngest and most successful Indian cricket team captains and the media is calling it his breakaways year. To add to that, he’s back with his former girlfriend and actress Anushka Sharma and they seem to be going as strong as ever. It is his time, indeed.
27. Usain Bolt
Who: Olympic Athlete
Where: Jamaica
Why: He won the medal and the world with his Olympic Sprint at Rio this year which had him trending on the internet, for days to come. Bolt has also been named one of the greatest athletes on Earth this year and the Caribbean Sports Personality of the year. He’s broken records and ribbons, alike.