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5 prominent athletes who have played more than one professional sport

Bolt played football at the professional level after retiring from athletics
Bolt played football at the professional level after retiring from athletics

Most athletes dream of making it big in one particular sport. Then, there are other athletes who try to achieve success in more than one professional sport. Many athletes after ending their career in one sport, move to another adventure in search of a new challenge.

One of the greatest athletes of all time, Usain Bolt wanted to be a professional football player since he was young, and after retiring from athletics, he joined an Australian club to fulfill his dream of playing football at the professional level.

“I always say that anything is possible,” said Bolt after the announcement of him signing with the Central Coast Mariners.“Don’t think limits. I look forward to the challenge.”

Not only Bolt, here are some other notable athletes who have played multiple professional sports.


#5 Andrew Flintoff

Andrew Flintoff v Richard Dawson - Special Attraction International Heavyweight Contest
Andrew Flintoff v Richard Dawson - Special Attraction International Heavyweight Contest

England's Ashes hero and one of the best all-rounder to play the game in the last decade, Andrew Flintoff decided to join professional boxing in 2012 after retiring from cricket in 2010. He prepared for his debut boxing bout for more than 6 months in which he shed more than 10 kilos of weight.

On his debut, Flintoff met America's Richard Dawson in Manchester. He went on to win the match on a points decision. However, his first professional bout turned out to be his last fight as well. After the bout, Flintoff decided to retire from professional boxing to take up a different challenge.

“I know that I gave it everything I have and it has worked out well for me when it might not have done,” Flintoff said. “You have to work at anything in life. This has given me the drive and determination to apply to whatever I do next. Whatever that is, I know now I can push on and when it gets tough I can plow through.”

Flintoff played 79 tests and 141 ODI games for England. One of the most prominent all-rounders of his time, Flintoff also captained England for a short period of time.

After retiring from boxing, Flintoff went on to design his own fashion range. He is currently a Television host for a channel in the United Kingdom

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