The 50 Greatest Athletes To Ever Walk The Planet

42. Jackie Robinson

Image Source: Hulton Archive/Getty Images

It’s only fitting to have Jackie Robinson at #42 on this list. Robinson was a transformative figure in terms of breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. The six-time All-Star was also a standout football, basketball, and track athlete during his college years at UCLA. More than anything, Robinson acted as a role model for so many who had previously felt disenfranchised. His desire to be great — coupled with his determination — truly led to Robinson being an iconic figure.