For a project I'm working on, I'm wondering who are some of the most famous high school athletes? Specifically, I'm looking for athletes who were already famous while in high school—not ones who became famous afterward in college or the pros. Does anyone have any names I could start looking into?
Sure, there are a number of athletes who gained considerable attention while they were still in high school. Here are a few to start your research on:
1. LeBron James: Known globally now for his NBA career, LeBron first garnered attention in high school basketball. His games at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio were often televised nationally, creating a buzz around him even before he joined the NBA.
2. Zion Williamson: Legendary for his physicality and dunking skills, Zion went viral in high school. His games at Spartanburg Day School in South Carolina were highly attended, often by celebrities, and his highlights were a constant source of social media chatter.
3. Bryce Harper: As a baseball player, Bryce Harper appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16, dubbed the "Chosen One." He graduated high school early and went to junior college in order to be eligible for the Major League Baseball draft earlier.
4. Freddie Adu: This soccer player turned professional at 14, when he was drafted by D.C. United in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, making him one of the youngest professional athletes in the United States.
5. Missy Franklin: A competitive swimmer, Missy Franklin qualified for the U.S. Olympic Team during her junior year of high school and won four gold medals in the 2012 Olympics while she was still attending high school.
Remember, while these athletes reached great heights, it was likely a combination of talent, hard work, luck, and circumstance. Success in high school sports—or any area for that matter—does not necessarily guarantee success later in life or in the professional world.
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