Tel Aviv, Israel – On Friday, an Iranian-made drone sent by Yemen’s Houthi rebels struck Tel Aviv, resulting in one death and at least 10 injuries. This marks the group’s first lethal strike on Israel.
The drone strike occurred in the center of Tel Aviv, close to the U.S. Embassy, causing significant damage and panic. Shards of glass rained down across a large area as the drone hit. The attack was startling due to the drone’s ability to evade Israel’s advanced multilayered air defenses, which have successfully intercepted most drones and rockets launched by the Houthis since the Gaza war began. Prior to this incident, such attacks rarely reached as far as Eilat, 270 kilometers (160 miles) south of Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military is conducting a thorough investigation to determine why the air defenses failed to intercept the drone. Chief spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “The drone was detected by air defenses, but an error occurred and there was no interception.” Another military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested human error might be involved.
Yahya Sare’e, the spokesman for the Houthis, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement on the social media platform X. He indicated that the drone was targeting the Israeli-Hamas war and had struck one of their primary targets. The Israeli military identified the drone as an Iranian Samad-3, upgraded for long-range travel, and confirmed it was launched from Yemen.
The drone struck around 3:10 a.m., shattering windows and damaging cars in the coastal neighborhood of Tel Aviv. The impact caused a loud explosion heard as far as nearby cities. Authorities are still determining if the drone exploded in the air or directly upon impact.
Israel has been under increased threat from drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have ramped up their efforts in solidarity with Hamas. The ongoing Gaza war has intensified these threats, with Israel’s air defense systems being put to the test repeatedly. This incident underscores the evolving threat landscape and the need for constant vigilance.
The drone strike in Tel Aviv signifies a significant escalation in the threats posed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and highlights the vulnerabilities in Israel’s air defense systems. As investigations continue, the incident raises critical questions about defense readiness and the strategic responses required to counter such threats in the future. The impact of this event will likely influence both military tactics and international diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflicts in the region.
Washington, D.C. – Multiple U.S. airlines have announced the resumption of operations on Friday following a major worldwide computer systems outage that grounded or delayed thousands of flights across the country. The IT issue caused global chaos, affecting airports in Europe and the United States, derailing television broadcasts in the UK, and impacting telecommunications in Australia.
The computer systems outage brought significant disruption to international travel and communications. In the U.S., flights were grounded, causing widespread delays and cancellations. Similar disruptions were reported at airports across Europe, creating a ripple effect that extended to various industries, including media and telecommunications.
At Dulles International Airport near Washington, Evyn Garson shared her frustration with AFP. Garson and her family had been trying to travel to Florida for a wedding but found themselves stuck at the airport. “We definitely considered just driving down there. But now it looks like they are checking bags so we might stay,” Garson said, reflecting the uncertainty many travelers faced.
Resumption of Services
As airlines began to recover from the outage, they reported gradual normalization of operations. Affected airlines have been working diligently to manage the backlog and accommodate stranded passengers. By Friday, major U.S. airlines indicated that flight operations were resuming, with ground stops lifted and schedules being adjusted to mitigate delays.
The outage underscored the vulnerabilities in the global aviation and communication infrastructure. It not only disrupted flight schedules but also had significant effects on television and telecommunications services, highlighting the interconnectivity of modern technological systems and the wide-ranging consequences of such failures.
Airlines have been coordinating with IT teams to ensure the issue is fully resolved and to prevent future occurrences. Frontier Airlines reported that its operations were “gradually normalizing” and that it was “in the process of resuming flight operations,” with ground stops now lifted.
Bali, Indonesia – In a remarkable turn of events, two Australian and three Indonesian nationals survived a harrowing helicopter crash in Bali on Friday. The accident occurred when the tourist helicopter became entangled in a kite string, according to official reports.
The helicopter, a Bell 505 Jet Ranger X owned by PT. Whitesky Aviation, went down in Pecatu village, located in the coastal area on the southern side of Bali. Indonesia’s transportation ministry issued a statement confirming the incident and detailing the circumstances leading to the crash.
Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency released photos showing the downed helicopter on a limestone cliff, with all five occupants — including both crew and passengers — on board. “All victims could be evacuated safely,” the agency reported in a statement. Three of the survivors were transported to a hospital for further medical treatment.
Indonesia, an archipelago nation with a population of approximately 270 million people, has experienced several transportation-related accidents in recent years, including plane crashes and ferry sinkings. The helicopter crash in Bali adds to the list of transportation safety concerns in the region.
Authorities have dispatched a team to the crash site to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that the entanglement with the kite string was a significant factor, but a full investigation will provide more comprehensive details.
The successful rescue of the five individuals from the helicopter crash site is a testament to the prompt and effective response by Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the ongoing challenges and risks associated with transportation safety in Indonesia. The survivors’ fortunate escape serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols and swift emergency responses in mitigating the impact of such accidents.
Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a dramatic escalation of unrest, police and security officials in Bangladesh fired bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades at protesters on Friday, banning all gatherings in the capital. This comes after days of violent clashes over the allocation of government jobs, which have seen the nation’s internet and mobile services cut off to control the situation.
The protests, which began weeks ago, surged sharply on Monday and now represent the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since her fourth consecutive term victory in a January election, boycotted by the main opposition parties. The demonstrators, primarily students and recent graduates, have voiced their frustration over the lack of good job opportunities and alleged corruption in government job allocations.
The government has responded by deploying police and paramilitary forces across Dhaka to lock down campuses and disperse protesters. On Wednesday, universities, including the country’s largest institutions, suspended classes and closed dormitories. By Friday, police had banned all gatherings and demonstrations in the city.
In a significant crackdown, security forces targeted a large group of over 1,000 protesters gathered outside the head office of state-run Bangladesh Television, which had been attacked and set on fire by protesters the previous day.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the government struggles to contain the protests and address the underlying economic and social issues driving the unrest. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, urging for restraint and dialogue to resolve the crisis peacefully. The protests have not only challenged the stability of Sheikh Hasina’s government but also highlighted the urgent need for reforms to address the grievances of Bangladesh’s youth.
The ongoing chaos has highlighted deep cracks in Bangladesh’s governance and economy. The growing frustration among young graduates, facing a bleak job market, has fueled the protests. The government’s heavy-handed approach, including shutting down internet and mobile services, has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and the international community.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who stands trial on spying charges, is seen inside an enclosure for defendants before a court hearing in Yekaterinburg, Russia June 26, 2024. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina
Moscow, Russia – In a high-profile case that has drawn international attention, a Russian court has found U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich guilty of espionage charges, sentencing him to 16 years in prison. The Wall Street Journal, his employer, has strongly condemned the verdict, calling it unjust.
Evan Gershkovich, a 32-year-old American journalist, was arrested on March 29, 2023, in Yekaterinburg, approximately 900 miles east of Moscow. The arrest was carried out by officers of the Federal Security Service (FSB). He was accused of spying on behalf of the United States, a charge he has vehemently denied. Gershkovich is the first U.S. journalist to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since the Cold War.
Russian prosecutors claimed that Gershkovich had gathered classified information regarding the Russian military-industrial complex, specifically about a factory producing tanks for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. They alleged that this information was collected under orders from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Gershkovich and his legal team have consistently refuted these claims, maintaining his innocence.
Gershkovich’s trial, which began last month, was notable for its speed and secrecy. Espionage cases in Russia typically take months to process, but this trial was expedited, with Friday’s hearing marking only the third session held behind closed doors. The rapid proceedings have fueled speculation about the possibility of a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, potentially involving Gershkovich and other Americans currently detained in Russia.
When asked by Reuters about the potential for such an exchange, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment, stating, “I’ll leave your question unanswered.” This has done little to quell the rumors of a negotiation between the two countries.
The court’s decision to convict Gershkovich came swiftly, with the ruling announced just hours after state prosecutors demanded a lengthy prison sentence. Gershkovich was handed a 16-year sentence, a stark penalty for the crimes he is accused of, which carry a maximum of 20 years.
Following the verdict, Gershkovich was transported to Lefortovo prison, a facility in Moscow notorious for holding political prisoners and those accused of espionage. His family, colleagues, and various international human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over his welfare and the fairness of the trial.
The Wall Street Journal has condemned the trial and sentencing, calling it a blatant attempt to suppress independent journalism. They have called for Gershkovich’s immediate release, asserting that the charges are baseless and politically motivated.
The U.S. State Department has also criticized the verdict, reiterating calls for Gershkovich’s release and accusing Russia of violating international norms. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated, “This conviction is a mockery of justice and a disturbing escalation in the Russian government’s attack on press freedom.”
The conviction of Evan Gershkovich marks a troubling development in U.S.-Russia relations and raises significant concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists. As calls for his release continue, the international community watches closely, emphasizing the need for justice and transparency in such high-stakes cases.
San Francisco, CA – CrowdStrike (CRWD.O), a leading cybersecurity firm, has announced the deployment of a fix to address a significant issue that triggered a major global technology outage. The disruption, which impacted various industries including aviation, banking, and healthcare, was resolved following intensive efforts by CrowdStrike and Microsoft (MSFT.O), as stated by their respective CEOs on Friday.
Details of the Outage
The underlying cause of the outage was identified as a defect in a single component update for Microsoft Windows hosts, which was part of CrowdStrike’s “Falcon Sensor” software. This defect led to widespread system crashes, manifesting as the infamous “Blue Screen of Death.” The problem primarily affected Windows hosts, while Mac and Linux systems remained unaffected, as clarified by CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz.
Airlines: Major airlines, including Delta (DAL.N) and United (UAL.O), experienced significant operational disruptions. Flights were delayed, and ground stops were enforced as airline systems faced technical difficulties.
Banking and Financial Services: Banks and financial institutions reported system outages, affecting their operations and customer services. South African banks, in particular, alerted clients about potential delays and disruptions.
Healthcare: Healthcare providers faced challenges in managing their systems, leading to delays in patient care and administrative processes.
Media and Broadcasting: Several broadcasters went off-air, highlighting the extent of the outage across different sectors.
Root Cause Analysis
The defect in the Microsoft Windows update, distributed via CrowdStrike’s Falcon Sensor software, was pinpointed as the catalyst for the global tech failure. The issue disrupted operations across multiple industries, underlining the critical role of cybersecurity and system integrity in maintaining smooth operations.
Detailed Breakdown
CrowdStrike, a prominent cybersecurity company with over 20,000 subscription customers worldwide, responded swiftly to the crisis. The defect in the component update caused Windows systems to crash, leading to the “Blue Screen of Death.” This prompted a coordinated response from both CrowdStrike and Microsoft to mitigate the impact and restore normalcy.
Immediate Response and Resolution
Upon identifying the defect, CrowdStrike deployed a fix to address the issue. The company’s CEO, George Kurtz, communicated the resolution efforts via a post on the social media platform X, ensuring transparency and providing updates to affected clients. Microsoft also confirmed that it had fixed the underlying cause of the outage affecting its 365 apps and services, including Teams and OneDrive, although some residual impacts were still being addressed.
Broader Implications and Industry Response
The outage underscored the vulnerabilities within the global technology ecosystem, sparking discussions on the need for robust backup systems and improved contingency planning. The incident highlighted the interdependence of various sectors on reliable technology infrastructure and the critical role of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike in safeguarding these systems.
The recent global technology outage has brought to the forefront the critical importance of secure and resilient software systems. CrowdStrike’s prompt and effective response, coupled with Microsoft’s efforts, highlights the necessity for vigilant cybersecurity practices and the ability to swiftly address and resolve technical failures. As industries continue to rely heavily on interconnected technologies, the role of cybersecurity firms in maintaining operational stability and protecting against disruptions remains paramount.
San Francisco, CA – In response to a significant global technology outage, cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike (CRWD.O) is taking proactive measures to assist its customers. The disruption, linked to a defect in a component update for Microsoft (MSFT.O) Windows hosts, has been a key focus for the company’s CEO, George Kurtz, who provided detailed insights and reassurances on Friday.
Nature of the Outage
George Kurtz clarified the situation through a statement on the social media platform X, emphasizing that the incident was neither a security breach nor a cyberattack. “This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated, and a fix has been deployed,” Kurtz assured. He highlighted that Mac and Linux hosts remained unaffected by this problem, allowing many systems to continue operations without interruption.
Industry-Wide Impact
The ramifications of this outage were felt across multiple industries. Critical sectors such as airlines, banking, and media experienced substantial operational challenges. Notably, major U.S. airlines, including Delta (DAL.N) and United (UAL.O), were forced to delay flights and implement ground stops due to the technology failure. The impact on the aviation sector was significant, leading to cascading delays and disruptions for thousands of passengers.
The global technology failure that disrupted operations across various sectors on Friday was traced back to a defect in a component update for Microsoft Windows hosts. This defect resulted in widespread system crashes, commonly referred to as the “Blue Screen of Death,” which halted numerous critical operations worldwide. The outage affected a broad spectrum of services, from logistics and transportation to healthcare systems, highlighting the interconnected nature of modern technological infrastructure.
Detailed Breakdown
CrowdStrike, a premier U.S. cybersecurity company, is renowned for its advanced security solutions and services, catering to over 20,000 subscription customers globally. The defect that triggered the global outage originated from an update sent by CrowdStrike to its clients. This update inadvertently caused Microsoft’s Windows operating systems to crash, leading to extensive service disruptions.
Immediate Response and Resolution
Upon identifying the defect, CrowdStrike mobilized its resources to address the issue promptly. The company deployed a fix to rectify the problem and initiated a comprehensive support effort to assist affected customers. George Kurtz emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and customer service, ensuring that all impacted clients received the necessary support to restore normal operations swiftly.
Broader Implications and Industry Response
The outage underscored the vulnerabilities inherent in the global technology ecosystem. It prompted discussions on the necessity for robust backup systems and improved contingency planning to prevent such widespread disruptions in the future. The incident also highlighted the critical role of cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike in maintaining the integrity and stability of technological infrastructures.
Berlin, Germany – A widespread technology outage has caused significant disruptions to flight schedules at Berlin Airport, leading to delays for passengers and cargo alike. The outage, which has affected numerous airports and airlines globally, has resulted in operational challenges and inconveniences for travelers and Olympic delegations en route to Paris for the upcoming games.
Berlin Airport has experienced extensive delays, with many flights grounded or rescheduled. Passengers have reported long wait times and confusion as airport staff work to manage the disruption. The airport has issued an apology and assured travelers that every effort is being made to restore normal operations as quickly as possible.
Olympic Delegations Affected
Among those impacted by the outage are several Olympic delegations traveling to Paris. According to a statement from the Paris Olympics organizers, the technology failure has delayed the arrival of some teams, as well as the delivery of uniforms and accreditations. However, they confirmed that the issue has not affected ticketing or the torch relay. “Our teams have been fully mobilized to ensure the continuity of operations at optimum levels,” the organizers stated.
Broader Implications
The technology outage, which has hit several major airports worldwide, underscores the vulnerabilities in the global aviation infrastructure. Experts suggest that such incidents highlight the need for robust backup systems and improved contingency planning to mitigate the effects of technical failures.
Response and Resolution
Airlines and airport authorities are collaborating closely with technology providers to resolve the issue. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport and to stay informed through official channels for updates.
A massive technology outage has swept across the globe, causing significant disruptions to flights, banking services, and media outlets. This widespread issue has highlighted the world’s dependence on software from a limited number of providers and has affected companies and services in multiple countries.
The cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has stated that the issue believed to be behind the outage is not a security incident or cyberattack, alleviating some concerns about potential malicious activity. However, the exact cause of the disruption remains unclear as tech teams worldwide scramble to address the problem.
One of the most significant impacts has been felt in the aviation sector, particularly in Southeast Asia. Thai airports have reported major disruptions, with the automated border control systems at Bangkok’s two main airports experiencing issues. Kerati Kijmanawat, president of Thailand’s airport authorities, announced that the ground operations of several airlines at six major Thai airports have been affected. In response, passengers are being advised to arrive at airports at least four hours before their scheduled departure times to navigate the delays.
The impact extends beyond Thailand, with airports in Singapore and Malaysia also reporting similar issues. Long queues have formed at these airports, with passengers expressing concerns about potentially missing their flights due to extended check-in processes. The disruption has created a ripple effect throughout the region’s air travel network.
Beyond air travel, other critical services have been affected. Singapore Post has reported technical disruptions to its services, impacting mail and package delivery in the country. In Malaysia, the national railway company KTM has also experienced service interruptions, further complicating transportation for many in the region.
Banks across multiple countries have been knocked offline, leaving customers unable to access their accounts or perform transactions. This has raised concerns about the vulnerability of financial systems to such widespread technological failures.
Media outlets have not been spared from the outage, with several reporting disruptions to their broadcasting capabilities. This has affected the dissemination of news and information at a time when updates about the ongoing situation are crucial.
As tech teams work to resolve the issue, questions are being raised about the resilience of global technological infrastructure and the potential need for more robust backup systems. The outage serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of modern technology and the far-reaching consequences when these systems fail.
Authorities and affected companies are urging patience as they work to restore services. Many are advising customers and users to check official channels for updates and to prepare for potential continued disruptions in the coming hours.
This ongoing situation continues to evolve, with new impacts being reported as the outage persists. The global tech community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping to not only resolve the current issues but also to learn valuable lessons to prevent similar large-scale disruptions in the future.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology for essential services, this outage underscores the critical importance of building more resilient and diverse technological ecosystems to mitigate the impact of such widespread failures.
–Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, Lionel Messi make the first three.
Who is the greatest athlete of the 21st century? That’s easy. It has to be Tom Brady, the quarterback of the greatest dynasty America’s favorite sport has ever seen, a seven-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Super Bowl MVP. Yep, Tom Brady.
Except… it has to be Lionel Messi, the best player in the world’s favorite sport, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as the footballer of the year. Yep, definitely Messi.
Except… no. LeBron James, right? Four-time NBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, four-time regular-season MVP, 20-time All-NBA, and the player with the most points scored in NBA history. No athlete has dominated the public conversation like LeBron has. He has to be No. 1.
Except… what about Serena Williams? Winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, Serena Slam (holding all four major titles at the same time), and four Olympic gold medals. And she won her final Grand Slam event while pregnant, putting her career on hold while she was at her most dominant.
Except, if you are going to pick a tennis player, what about Roger Federer? He transcended an entire sport with his artistry, his chess game on the court, and his blazing forehand. He won 20 Grand Slam titles and became the most beloved tennis player of all time. Gotta be Fed.
Except Rafael Nadal won 22 Grand Slam titles and Novak Djokovic has won 24. You have to pick one of them over Federer.
Hmm. Maybe this isn’t so easy. We didn’t even mention the Olympians: Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecky, and Simone Biles. Or Kobe. Gotta throw Kobe Bryant into the discussion. Or Lewis Hamilton. Or Peyton Manning. Or Floyd Mayweather. Or Tiger. Geez, almost forgot about Tiger Woods.
Ranking the top 100 most accomplished athletes since 2000 wasn’t quite so easy after all — but it sure was fun. Twenty-five years ago, ESPN SportsCentury ranked the top 100 North American athletes of the 20th century. Michael Jordan was No. 1 on that list, ahead of Babe Ruth, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, and Wayne Gretzky. (Jordan should have been No. 1, but hey, I’m a baseball writer.) We also ranked a horse: Secretariat.
There were so many transcendent athletes over the past 25 years, we thought it was time to do another ranking. I promise you there are no horses this time (sorry, American Pharoah). But as we close in on the first quarter of the 21st century, however, we have acknowledged our top 100 greatest athletes.
ESPN editors from around the globe contributed to the discussion and the rankings, as well as the individual sport lists that will run next week.
This isn’t just a discussion of MVP awards, but of truly transcendent performance. Since 2000, for example, Tom Brady won seven Super Bowls, only four of those came after 2000 and only three of those he was named MVP. LeBron has won four NBA titles, but only in his best season was he the MVP. If you consider 33 of his 15 majors since 2000, so he’s going to be high on the list. But overall? There are a lot of amazing performances.
1. Michael Phelps, swimming
Key accomplishments: Record 28-time Olympic medalist, 23-time Olympic gold medalist, most gold medals at a single Olympics when he won eight at Beijing in 2008
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Phelps earned a historic eight gold medals, more than any athlete in a single Olympics, while breaking world records in seven of his eight races. Throughout the Games, fans and members of the media tried to crack the code on what made Phelps — who eventually won 23 Olympic gold medals and became the most decorated Olympian of all time — so unbeatable. His mother, Debbie Phelps, was in Beijing, and often fielded their questions. Was it his size-14 feet? His extra-long arms? His breakfast regimen? “No,” Debbie answered repeatedly. “It’s his hard work.” — Alyssa Roenigk
Key accomplishments: 23-time major champion (second most by any player all time), women’s record 365 major match wins, 73 career titles are fifth most by a woman in the Open era
There is little that Williams didn’t achieve during her record-setting career, including winning 23 major titles. But it might have been her last one that was the most improbable. She needed to win one more Grand Slam to break the tie with Steffi Graf for most in the Open era (which began in 1968) — a mark Williams said she had been “chasing for a really long time” — and remained in the 2017 Australian Open draw even after finding out she was pregnant shortly before competition began. She was in peak Serena form, never dropping a set en route to a final showdown with her sister Venus. She defeated Venus to take sole ownership of the record.
Williams played in four more major finals after her return from maternity leave and a complicated childbirth. She didn’t win another title. “The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus Grand Slams,” Williams wrote in Vogue in a 2022 essay announcing her impending retirement. “I didn’t get there … But I showed up 23 times, and that’s fine. Actually it’s extraordinary.” — D’Arcy Maine
Key accomplishments: 10-time LaLiga champion, seven-time Copa del Rey winner, four-time Champions League winner, six-time Champions League top scorer, 17-time FIFA FIFPRO World 11, World Cup winner, two-time Copa America winner, two-time FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, record goal scorer for Barcelona and Argentina
Messi winning the World Cup in Argentina in 2022 was perhaps the biggest Hollywood ending that soccer has ever seen. After losing the 2014 final, it looked like it would never happen for Messi, who had won everything else in the game for club and country, but the crowning moment of his career finally arrived at age 34. He scored twice in the final as Argentina beat France on penalties, sparking an outpouring of emotion and celebrations around the globe. “This guy transcends rivalries — even between Brazil and Argentina,” Brazil legend Ronaldo said. “I saw Brazilians and people all over the world rooting for Messi. It’s a fitting finale for a genius who has marked an era.” — Sam Marsden
Key accomplishments: NBA 75th Anniversary team, NBA’s all-time scoring leader, 20-time All-Star, 19-time All-NBA selection, six-time All-Defense, four-time MVP, four-time Finals MVP, four-time NBA champion, three-time All-Star Game MVP
The “48 special” game happened 17 years ago this spring. That’s when James scored 29 of the last 30 points for the Cleveland Cavaliers in a double-overtime upset Game 5 road win against the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals. The 48-point game was a mesmerizing performance that stands as one of the classic games of this century … and it probably doesn’t even rank in the top 10 of James’ playoff performances. It might not be one of his top three conference finals games. This is what James’ greatness rests on: No one has ever been this good for this long. That long-ago night in the Palace of Auburn Hills is merely one of 29 40-point games James has in the playoffs alone.
That win paved the way to his first Finals, starting a run of 10 appearances in 14 years. During that stretch he won four NBA titles, four MVPs and four Finals MVPs with three different teams, as well as two Olympic gold medals. He also won at least one road game in 29 consecutive playoff series. He has scored in double figures in 1,222 consecutive regular-season games — the last time he didn’t, his son Bronny, now his Laker teammate, was 2 years old. Volume isn’t a vogue way to measure achievement in the NBA anymore, and it lends credence to those who want to push James down all-time lists. It’s the only side of the argument to take against James, who has essentially renamed the NBA’s record book for himself. — Brian Windhorst
5. Tom Brady, football
Key accomplishments: Seven-time Super Bowl champion, five-time Super Bowl MVP, three-time NFL MVP, two-time AP Offensive POY, 15-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, NFL record for career passing yards/TDs
When Brady was asked which of his seven Super Bowl rings was his favorite, he was fond of answering: “The next one.” That sums up the player whom Bill Belichick referred to as the “ultimate winner” who often played his best when the stakes were highest. Belichick noted how Brady entered the NFL as a sixth-round pick “with little to no fanfare” and left “as the most successful player in league history.” Said Belichick: “His relentless pursuit of excellence drove him on a daily basis. His work ethic and desire to win were both motivational and inspirational to teammates and coaches alike.” — Mike Reiss
Key accomplishments: 20-time major champion, 369 majors wins, eight Wimbledon titles (most by a man all time), 103 tour singles titles (second most by man in Open era)
It’s not unusual for a professional athlete to feel emotional during their final match or game before retiring. But what is unusual is when everyone else in the competition is equally emotional about it. Such was the case for Federer during the last match of his career at the Laver Cup — an event he co-founded — in 2022. Having previously announced a doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal would be his swan song, Nadal — his fiercest of rivals for nearly 20 years — cried right alongside him when it was over, as did Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, the rest of their European teammates and even Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, their opponents from the World team. “I think we are all going to be forever grateful to be a part of the GOAT’s final match,” Sock said later. — D’Arcy Maine
7. Simone Biles, gymnastics
Key accomplishments: Seven-time Olympic medalist (tied for most by American gymnast), four Olympic gold medals (2016, tied for most by female gymnast at single Games)
Since winning her first national title in 2013, Biles has gone undefeated in all-around competition in every meet she has competed in, a staggering achievement in a sport that used to age-out athletes in their teens. Now 27, Biles punctuated her return to gymnastics after taking two years off following the Tokyo Games by winning U.S. trials by an astounding 5.5 points. In her third Olympics in Paris, Biles can become the first gymnast to win all-around gold in nonconsecutive Olympics. She also has five skills that bear her name — including a vault with the highest difficulty level in women’s gymnastics. — Alyssa Roenigk
Key accomplishments: 13 major wins (most of any player during span), 11 major wins as world No. 1 golfer (nine more than any other player all time)
Even after a record-breaking career in which Woods won 82 times on the PGA Tour, including 15 major championships, and was ranked the No. 1 golfer in the world for 281 consecutive weeks and 683 overall, golf fans are still left wondering what the Hall of Famer might have accomplished had injuries and self-inflicted problems off the course not hampered him over the past 15 years. That’s a testament to Woods’ greatness on the course, where he won 131 times around the world. He won his first major at age 21 and brought youth and energy to a sport that desperately needed it with his fist pumps and club twirls. — Mark Schlabach
9. Usain Bolt, track
Key accomplishments: Eight-time Olympic gold medalist, 100m world-record holder, only sprinter to win Olympic 100m and 200m titles at three consecutive Olympics
Their legs are a blur. What’s in focus is Bolt’s expressive mug as he surges ahead in the 100-meter semifinal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, his fourth and final Games. In the photo, the now 37-year-old Jamaican is looking back, smiling, almost taunting the three men giving chase. The race is not over — and yet it is. The image was a sensation at the time and has endured as one of the most indelible of Bolt’s career, which saw him set his first world record in the 100 at 21. His 2009 world record in the 100 (9.58 seconds) still stands today. — Alyssa Roenigk
10. Kobe Bryant, basketball
Key accomplishments: NBA 75th Anniversary team, Basketball Hall of Famer, five-time champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2007-08 MVP, 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA selection, 12-time All-Defense, four-time All-Star Game MVP
For all of the accomplishments Bryant amassed, the five championships chief among them, and all of the otherworldly scoring feats — nine straight 40-point games in 2003, four straight 50-point games in 2007, the 81-point night against Toronto, the 60-point send-off against Utah — his lasting achievement was inspiration. The Lakers legend’s self-described “Mamba mentality” has transcended basketball, and sports for that matter, a branded way of life that fans and admirers of Bryant aspire to reach. It promises that with enough drive, enough work, enough will and enough focus, you too can shape your existence the way Bryant did.
After a horrific helicopter crash in 2020 killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others, Bryant’s impact continues to be felt posthumously. His name is as relevant as ever in the NBA, with countless players paying homage to the shooting guard by wearing Nos. 8 and 24 and the league renaming the All-Star MVP trophy in his honor. “He’s like our generation’s Jordan,” Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomastold ESPN last season. “How the other guys liked Jordan, that’s how we are with Kobe.” — Dave McMenamin
