Misty Copeland is a true example of starting from nothing and rising up to overcome challenges. Not only did she defeat odds, but she became an icon for athletes all over the world. Born in Kansas City, MO and raised in San Pedro, CA, Copeland spent her childhood living in motels and spending nights sleeping on the floor with her five siblings. It was not until age 13 when Copeland began her life-changing studies as a ballerina.

As the first athlete to win all six World Cup disciplines, as well as the youngest racer to reach 50 World Cup victories, Mikaela Shiffrin, a 23 year-old American skier from Colorado, leads the way for women across the world.