#NoMatterWhat: 5 record-breaking athletes who inspire people all over the world

Sport offers us a very close look at the hardships athletes have to go through to be able to compete at the highest level. The ones who manage to reach the top often have stories that enable us to draw strength from and appreciate their achievements even more. The stories of such athletes invoke a multitude of emotions and aspiring athletes can learn a lot from their trials and tribulations. Here we look at 5 such athletes whose accomplishments and record-breaking careers have acted as an inspiration for millions all over the world looking to pursue athletics seriously and at the highest level.

#1 Merlene Ottey

Ottey's longevity has been a source of inspiration to every athlete in the world

Jamaican-born Slovenian athlete Merlene Joyce Ottey is arguably one of the greatest track & field athletes the world has ever witnessed. With a remarkable tally in both World Championships and the Olympics, Ottey, fondly called “Queen of the track”, continues to be an inspiration for athletes around the world.

Though she doesn’t have a Gold medal to her name, the Slovenian is still one of the most famous athletes the world over, mostly because of her desire to continue running till she can.

That Ottey hasn’t officially announced her retirement yet, even at the age of 55, tells a lot about her continued passion and dedication towards the sport. The Slovenia-based sprinter is a 9-time Olympic medallist and a very prolific athlete in the World Chamionships, with a record 14 medals.

#2 Wilson Kipketer

Kipketer's ability to turn up the style in World Championships made him very unique

The name Wison Kipketer was synonymous with running in the world for a long time. The Kenyan-born Danishsprinter is 42, but he still holds the record for being the fastest in 1000 meters in Indoors races. Kipketer is also a 2-time Olympic medallist, but the Gold medal always eluded him.

He made up for his Olympic performances with 3 gold medals in consecutive World Championships in his favourite event - the 800m. Kipketer was so good in his prime, that he remained undefeated for three years at a stretch in the 800m event, also running in record time during this period.

Despite having to miss the 1996 Atlanta Olympics due to citizenship issues, there was never a doubt regarding who the best 800m runner in the world was.

#3 Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt has re-written how athletes are perceived thanks to his performances

The fastest man on earth, Bolt has been the undisputed king of short distance running for a long time now. For someone who is just 29, his achievements are mind-boggling.

“Lightning Bolt” is the current Olympic champion with gold medals in 100m, 200m and also the 4X100m relay events. He also holds the world records for the fastest time in all these three events.

Considered to be the most decorated athlete of all time, Bolt has 11 gold medals in the World Championships, making him the one of the most successful sportsmen of all time.

Due to his remarkable records, there is little doubt about who is the favourite at the Rio 2016 Olympics, which is slated to be his last Olympics.

#4 Abebe Bikila

Bikila's achievements have always evoked great support

Here’s one athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in Marathon, running barefoot! This astounding feat from the Ethiopian came in the Rome Olympics in 1960. He went on repeat the feat in the 1964 Tokyo games, thus becoming the first athlete in the world to win a Marathon gold medal twice.

The Olympic hero unfortunately missed out on a record third straight gold medal in Mexico City Games in 1968, when he was injured mid-way through the race.

However, his legacy in long distance running continues to inspire fellow athletes from Africa, who have largely achieved success in long-distance running.

#5 Tommie Smith

Tommie Smith's career has been an example for all future athletes

Famous for his black power salute, Smith was the first athlete in the world to finish the 200m race in under 20 seconds.

He achieved the feat at the 1968 Olympic games in Mexico City, winning Gold in the process. During his epic career, Smith broke as many as seven world records in track & field events.

Apart from his great success in athletics, Smith also excelled in other sports such as basketball and football as a college student. He also featured in the NFL’s team out of Los Angeles briefly. The highly talented individual later worked as an athletic coach as well as a lecturer.