5 prominent athletes who have played more than one professional sport

Most athletes dream of making it big in one particular sport. Then, there are other athletes who try to achieve success in more than one professional sport. Many athletes after ending their career in one sport, move to another adventure in search of a new challenge.

One of the greatest athletes of all time, Usain Bolt wanted to be a professional football player since he was young, and after retiring from athletics, he joined an Australian club to fulfill his dream of playing football at the professional level.

“I always say that anything is possible,” said Bolt after the announcement of him signing with the Central Coast Mariners.“Don’t think limits. I look forward to the challenge.”

Not only Bolt, here are some other notable athletes who have played multiple professional sports.

#5 Andrew Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff v Richard Dawson - Special Attraction International Heavyweight Contest

England's Ashes hero and one of the best all-rounder to play the game in the last decade, Andrew Flintoff decided to join professional boxing in 2012 after retiring from cricket in 2010. He prepared for his debut boxing bout for more than 6 months in which he shed more than 10 kilos of weight.

On his debut, Flintoff met America's Richard Dawson in Manchester. He went on to win the match on a points decision. However, his first professional bout turned out to be his last fight as well. After the bout, Flintoff decided to retire from professional boxing to take up a different challenge.

“I know that I gave it everything I have and it has worked out well for me when it might not have done,” Flintoff said. “You have to work at anything in life. This has given me the drive and determination to apply to whatever I do next. Whatever that is, I know now I can push on and when it gets tough I can plow through.”

Flintoff played 79 tests and 141 ODI games for England. One of the most prominent all-rounders of his time, Flintoff also captained England for a short period of time.

After retiring from boxing, Flintoff went on to design his own fashion range. He is currently a Television host for a channel in the United Kingdom

#4 Yuzvendra Chahal

Chahal came into limelight for his performances in the IPL

One of the best spinner in the world at the moment, Yuzvendra Chahal started making his mark on the bigger stage with his consistent performances for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chahal went from being a bench warmer for Mumbai Indians in the early years of his career to being the mainstay bowler for RCB in a very short period of time.

His consistent performances earned him a very well deserved call up to the Indian national team. With time, Yuzvendra Chahal has not only become one of India's best spinner, but also one of the best bowlers in the world at the moment.

However, many people are unaware that Chahal has represented India in the game of chess as well. Chahal gives a lot of credit for his success to playing chess in his younger days. Playing chess sharpened his mind and helped him to think quickly in tough conditions, which is useful in the game of cricket as well. His name is also listed on the All India Chess Federation website.

#3 Jonty Rhodes

One of the greatest ever fielder to have played the game, Jonty Rhodes represented South Africa in hockey as well. He was chosen to be a part of the South African Hockey team for the 1992 Olympics, but the team failed to qualify. Later, he was also included in the hockey team for the 1996 Olympic games, but Rhodes suffered a hamstring injury and hence, had to pull out of the games

Rhodes played 52 Tests and 245 ODIs for South Africa with an average of 35 in both the formats. He was known for his energy on the field and the highlight of his career will always be the diving runout in the 1992 world cup that dismissed Inzamam Ul Haque.

Jonty Rhodes has been an inspiration for many budding cricketers around the globe. His fielding standards changed the level of fielding altogether at the International level. He has also been part of the IPL as a fielding coach for the Mumbai Indians.

#2 Gary Neville

One of the greatest defenders to have played for Manchester United and part of the 'class of 92', Gary Neville used to be professional cricket player in his early years. He has represented Lancashire's under-14 cricket team as well as Greenmount Cricket Club in the Bolton Cricket League.

Recently in an interview, Neville said: "My dad played cricket every Saturday at Greenmount CC, which was an institution in our lives. It was a constant. I’d say cricket toughened me up in my early years a lot more than football because I was playing in the third, second and first team until the age of 15. We were playing with men, some professionals of that time, fast bowlers, with your helmet on".

Neville eventually decided to take up football at the age of 16 and went on to represent Manchester United along with his brother. Currently, Neville is working as a football pundit for Sky Sports.

#1 Usain Bolt

Central Coast Mariners v Macarthur South West Utd

Arguably the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain bolt wanted to be a professional football player since he was a child. Bolt decided to take athletics as his career and went on to become one of the greatest Olympian of all time. Bolt made the record of winning the 100m and 200m gold medal in world record time at the Olympic games.

After retiring from Athletics, Bolt decided to try his hands in professional football. Earlier, German club Borussia Dortmund allowed Bolt to train with the first team and also gave him a trial to play for the club.

Bolt, finally got his first chance to play football at the professional level when Australian League side Central Coast Mariners gave a professional contract to Bolt. Playing as a striker, Bolt even scored a goal for the Australian side. However, his professional football career did not last for long and he decided to retire just after one season at the club.

Edited by Kingshuk Kusari