2017 SPORTSPERSON of the YEAR

Sports Illustrated

ATHLETES make their presence felt in two places. On the field, of course—that's their natural habitat, where we expect them to amaze, to thrill, to inspire. But there's also the impact they can have off the field. The emotional lift a sublime season and a championship can bring a storm-ravaged community. The way an athlete can use sports as a platform to rally support—and lots of money—to aid the rebuilding effort. On field and off, two paths lead to the same place: using the games we play to improve the world we share.