10 – Yi Jianlian
The second Asian basketball player to really matter, Yi Jianlian has been dubbed as the 2nd Yao Ming. Sure he might not be as good yet, but he definitely has potential, and he’s been very popular in China. Although his team, the New Jersey Nets were struggling, this next year should change all of that and Yi Jianlian might soon be a household name.
9 – Tiger Woods
Despite his scandal, you can’t deny that Tiger is one of the best golfers on the PGA tour. He also happens to be Asian. Tiger is actually half Asian, being one-quarter Chinese and one-quarter Thai. And while he may no longer be a role model, his professional achievements are outstanding and are worth replicating. However, in the future I imagine Tiger will have a resurgence after realizing his wrong ways and correcting them.
8 – Kristi Yamaguchi
Kristi Yamaguchi first started figure skating as a child because she had a foot disorder. Years later, she’s one of the best figure skaters of all time. She won the gold medal at the Olympics in 1992. She has inspired many young Asian women to be the best they can be and compete at high levels in sports and other areas.
7 – Daisuke Matsuzaka
Daisuke Matsuzaka is the starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. Along with many other Japanese baseball players, he has been pivotal for popularizing baseball in Japan, and for increasing the recognition of Japanese baseball players in the states.
6 – Ichiro Suzuki
Ichiro is not just one of the most famous Asian baseball players, but he is one of the most famous baseball players overall. With baseball being incredibly popular in Japan, Ichiro has become a standout along with Daisuke Matsuzaka. One of the most famous quotes from his agent states that “When you mail Ichiro something from the States, you only have to use that name on the address and he gets it [in Japan]. He’s that big.” Currently, he’s an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners.
5 – Dat Nguyen
In a sport dominated by white and black, Dat Nguyen is a rare exception. The Vietnamese linebacker played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1999 to 2005. He was the first Vietnamese to play in the NFL. Although he retired with a neck injury, Dat Nguyen continued to make an impact in the world of football, coaching at Texas A&M (his alma mater) and also for the Dallas Cowboys.
4 – Michael Chang
Michael Chang is the only Asian player to have won a major title in men’s tennis, and he did it during the 1989 French Open at the age of 17. Many will remember Michael’s historic run to the finals, including games where he was nearly forced to retire due to injury. Michael is one of the only recognizable Asian players to have played on the men’s circuit. He’s broken numerous records and is widely regarded as the best Asian player to ever play the sport of tennis.
3 – Michelle Kwan
Kwan is one of the most famous Asian American figure skaters, having two Olympic medla (1998 and 2002). Many believe she is one of the best figure skaters in history. In recent times after her figure skating days, she has become somewhat of an ambassador, dining with President George W. Bush and China’s President Hu Jintao in 2006. Amongst her other activities, she has also written an inspiring book for children entitled The Winning Attitude: What it Takes to be a Champion. Evidently, Michelle Kwan is a great role model for Asians worldwide.
2 – Manny Pacquiao
One of the best boxers in the world, Manny Pacquiao has broken numerous records in the world of boxing. The amount of his accomplishments to the boxing world is staggering. The Filipino boxer has also given popularized boxing worldwide, making it more mainstream than ever. Furthermore, his prowess in boxing has further helped to get rid of Asian stereotypes of the weak, fragile Asian man.
1 – Yao Ming
Yao Ming is THE reason that basketball in China is now at an all-time high. He was the first Chinese to actually be GOOD in the NBA. He’s also one of the biggest reasons that Asians in the United States watch and follow the NBA and especially the Rockets. The 7 foot 6 center for the Rockets has also helped to create a new image about the height of Asian people.
Written by Editorial Staff