Athletes whose lives and careers were changed by 9/11

After the attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, history took a 180-degree turn. The events of 9/11 changed most people’s lives. The blank pages in the new book expand into the world of sports. Names like Michael Jordan, Tom Brady, Ian Thorpe and Lleyton Hewitt were just some of the names that stood out that day and know why.

Photo: Instagram and courtesy

Ian Thorpe: The swimming legend’s history could be radically changed. During Ian Thorpe’s career he won five gold medals at the Olympics and eleven at the World Cup. Additionally, he is the only person, along with Michael Phelps, to be named Swimmer of the Year four times.

Photo: Instagram @ian.thorpe

The Australian could say he was reborn on September 11. Thorpe was in New York at the time and was on his way to visit them at the Twin Towers. After leaving the hotel, he realized he didn’t have his camera and returned to his room to get it. About twenty minutes ultimately saved his life, because during this time the attack occurred.

Photo: Instagram @ian.thorpe

Tom Brady: Two days before that fateful date, the NFL kicked off its season. Hours later Monday night, the attacks that devastated America occurred. So we decided to postpone it for the next day. When play resumed, a chapter that would change the NFL occurred.

Photo: Instagram @tombrady

New England Patriots starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe was injured, and then-unknown Tom Brady took his place. The “12” never sat on the bench again, leading the Patriots to their first Super Bowl ring that season. The rest is history.

Photo: Instagram @tombrady

Lleyton Hewitt: The Australian became the U.S. Open champion on September 9, 2001, after defeating Pete Sampras in the final. Although the photo of the legend as a Grand Slam champion was expected to be taken on the 11th, Hewitt decided to take the photo on the 10th.

Photo: Instagram @lleytonhewitt89

Thus, the tennis player became the last one to be photographed next to the fourth major trophy of the tennis season at the Twin Towers in New York.

Photo: Instagram @lleytonhewitt89

Michael Jordan: The NBA and other major American leagues are shut down. They were in the middle of preseason, but all activities were suspended. At that time, Michael Jordan originally planned to hold a press conference to announce his return to the court.

Photo: Instagram @heirjordan13

The best basketball player of all time later officially returned and began an adventure with the Wizards after a stellar career with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan said everything he gets from his time in Washington will be donated to those affected by the attacks — about $1 million per season.

Photo: Instagram @heirjordan13

Following what happened in the United States, a historic event is the Ryder Cup, the legendary golf tournament pitting the American team against the European team that takes place every two years, always on an odd number. Since that horrific incident, the event had to be held in 2002 and has been held in even-numbered years ever since. Before that, it was only suspended due to World War II.

Photo: Instagram @rydercupeurope

On Tuesday, September 11, the new season of the Champions League begins. The continent’s top matches continue with Roma taking on Real Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital. A minute’s silence is observed before each meeting, but many feel this is an insufficient gesture given the scope of events taking place across the Atlantic.

Photo: Instagram @championsleague

Wednesday’s Champions League matches, as well as those that had to be played on Thursday (the equivalent of the UEFA Cup at the time), were suspended following the repercussions of UEFA’s ill-advised decision. This ultimately affected other national competitions, such as the Copa del Rey.

Photo: Instagram @championsleague