2018 PCAs Game Changers: See LeBron James, Adam Rippon, Aly Raisman and More Fierce Athletes!

By Stephanie Wenger Sep 08, 2018 1:00 PMTags
Colin KaepernickThearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The People's Choice Awards are celebrating the athletes who are doing more than just playing a sport. These competitors have become role models who are breaking barriers, speaking out against abuses and supporting their communities.

Colin Kaepernick and Serena Williams are just a few of the professional athletes who have supported Black Lives Matter, a movement that fights against racial injustice and police brutality in the United States.

Aly Raisman and Simone Biles have used their voices to shed light on the sexual abuse they endured while raising to the top of gymnastics. Aly gave an empowered speech at the hearing of U.S.A. Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar.

Chloe Kim and Danica Patrick are both evolving their sports. Chloe is the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding medal while Danica is the only woman to win an IndyCar Series race.

Check out the gallery below to see more inspiring athletes and don't miss the 2018 People's Choice Awards, airing live on E! on Sunday, Nov. 11.

photos
2018 PCAs Nominees: Best Celeb Reactions
Colin Kaepernick

In one single action, Colin Kaepernick became more than a football player. The former 49ers quarterback kneeled during the national anthem as a protest to the racial injustices and police brutality in America. The controversial athlete has continued his fight off the field and is currently the face of a Nike campaign which has set the internet on fire.

Serena Williams

On and off the court, Serena Williams is considered to be a role model. The acclaimed tennis player's 23 Grand Slam singles titles marks the record for the most Grand Slam wins in the Open Era. She also played in the Australian Open while pregnant. She welcomed her daughter with husband, Alexis Ohanian, in September 2017. The Florida native uses her social media to promote causes that matter most to her including Black Lives Matter specifically sharing her concern about her nephew being in danger from police due to his skin color.  

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is considered to be one of the best soccer players in the world. The athlete has a record-tying five Ballon d'Or awards, the most for a European player, and is the first player to win four European Golden Shoes. His philanthropic efforts include working with Save the Children to aid the fight against child hungry and obesity. In 2016, he launched an app with the organization that allowed fans to take a selfie with him several outfits and poses.

Aly Raisman

Aly Raisman was the captain of both the 2012 "Fierce Five" and 2016 "Final Five" U.S. women's Olympics gymnastics teams. Since retiring from the sport, the gymnast has spoken out against the sexual abuse of USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar. She filed lawsuit against USA Gymnastics and continues to fight for justice for sexual abuse victims.

Nia Jax

Nia Jax became a fan favorite after she was insulted by her former best friend, Raw Women's Champion, Alexa Bliss. The two went on to have a title match at WrestleMania 34, where she won the match to capture the Raw Women's Championship. Since the fight, the Total Divas fighter and WWE Superstar has used her social media to promote body positivity.

Latest News