The Climb to the Top: Athletes Who Refused to Take No for an Answer

6 December 2025

Let’s be real for a moment—success isn’t always some shiny, golden path lined with cheering fans and confetti. For a lot of athletes, the road to the top looks more like a never-ending uphill battle, riddled with doubt, defeat, and doors slammed in their faces. But you know what separates the legends from the rest? That stubborn, gritty determination to keep going—no matter how many times the world says, “No.”

This is a tribute to the underdogs, the dreamers, the relentless warriors who refused to give up. These are the athletes who looked rejection square in the face and said, “Watch me.”

So grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive into some of the most jaw-dropping stories of athletes who climbed to the top—even when the odds were stacked sky-high against them.

The Power of Refusing to Quit

Before we jump into their stories, let’s talk about what it means to truly refuse to accept “no” as an answer. It’s more than just a mindset—it’s a lifestyle. These athletes didn’t just wait for opportunities; they made them. They tuned out the critics, the doubters, and even their own fears.

They trained in pain. Got up after terrible losses. They didn’t just bounce back—they bounced higher.

It’s this relentless spirit that turns ordinary people into legends.

Michael Jordan – The Cut That Fueled a Legend

You’ve heard it before, but it never gets old. Michael Jordan—the man widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time—was once cut from his high school varsity basketball team.

Yup, MJ didn’t make the cut.

Most kids would’ve taken that as a sign to try something else. Not MJ. That rejection lit a fire under him. He trained like a madman, pushing himself harder than anyone else on the court. That one “no” turned into six NBA championships, five MVPs, and a legacy that shifted the entire culture of basketball.

Sometimes, a “no” is exactly what you need to become the greatest.

Serena Williams – Fighting Against All Odds

If you’re talking about determination and never taking no for an answer, you have to mention Serena Williams. Raised in Compton, California—a place not exactly known for producing tennis prodigies—Serena and her sister Venus were coached by their father on cracked courts with second-hand equipment.

But Serena didn’t care about how things looked on the outside. She had fire, talent, and a refusal to back down.

She faced racism, sexism, injuries, and critics who said she was too aggressive or too emotional. But Serena didn’t just play the game—she redefined it.

Today, she’s a 23-time Grand Slam champion, an icon, and living proof that no obstacle is too big when your drive is even bigger.

Rudy Ruettiger – The Original Underdog

Let’s take a quick detour to one of the most inspirational underdog stories in sports history—Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger.

All Rudy wanted was to play football at Notre Dame. The problem? He was too small, too slow, and let’s just say his grades weren’t exactly college-worthy. But that didn’t stop him.

He worked tirelessly, first getting into Notre Dame through a side door (a junior college), then making it onto the Fighting Irish practice squad—where he got the beating of a lifetime day in and day out.

But his story hit its epic moment in 1975, when Rudy was finally allowed to play in a real game. In the final seconds, he sacked the quarterback. It wasn’t a championship. But to Rudy, it was everything.

He proved that sometimes heart matters more than height, weight, or talent.

Bethany Hamilton – Turning Tragedy into Triumph

Imagine this: you’re a teen surf prodigy, riding waves like you were born for it. Then one day, a shark attacks you, and you lose your left arm.

Most people would call it quits. But not Bethany Hamilton.

After just one month of recovery, she was back in the water. Crazy, right? But Bethany didn’t let her injury define her. She adapted her technique, built her strength, and kept doing what she loved.

She went on to become a professional surfer, dominating competitions, and inspiring millions along the way. Her story became a movie, but to her fans, she's more than a character—she’s living proof that no wave is too big to ride.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – From Street Vendor to MVP

Born in Greece to Nigerian immigrants, Giannis Antetokounmpo grew up in poverty so deep that he and his brothers would share shoes just to play basketball. He sold CDs and sunglasses on the streets to help his family survive.

Everything about his early life screamed “no shot.” But Giannis didn’t buy it.

He practiced relentlessly, often showing up to games without eating. Scouts almost missed him. But one team—the Milwaukee Bucks—saw potential, and that was all Giannis needed.

Fast forward a few years, and he’s not just an NBA MVP—he’s one of the most dominant forces in the league. From selling trinkets to owning the court, his rise is nothing short of a fairytale for those who hustle hard.

Ronda Rousey – Breaking Down Walls, One Armbar at a Time

In a world where women weren’t even allowed to fight in the UFC, Ronda Rousey came in like a wrecking ball—armed with judo skills, an iron will, and zero chill.

Before Ronda, Dana White—the UFC president—vowed women would never compete in the octagon. "Never," he said.

Ronda made him eat every word.

She became the first female fighter signed to the UFC and went on to win multiple titles, finishing opponents in seconds. Her armbars became stuff of legend, and her impact turned MMA into a space where women could shine just as bright as the men.

She didn’t just break through the glass ceiling—she choked it out in under a minute.

Tom Brady – Pick #199 Who Became the GOAT

Let’s talk about Tom Brady—yes, that guy. The one with more Super Bowl rings than most NFL teams. What if I told you he was the 199th pick in his draft class?

That’s right—six quarterbacks were chosen before him. Scouts said he was too slow, lacked arm strength, and looked like a string bean in a combine photo.

But Brady had something else. Confidence. Resolve. A chip on his shoulder the size of a football field.

And that "no" from 198 other draft spots? He turned it into fuel. Seven Super Bowl wins later, he’s widely considered the greatest quarterback of all time. Not bad for a guy barely anyone believed in.

Simone Biles – Grace Under Pressure

When Simone Biles steps onto the mat, gravity doesn’t stand a chance. But what’s even more impressive than her flips is the way she handles pressure and setbacks.

Yes, she’s won more world medals than any gymnast in history. Yes, she performs moves so difficult they’re practically illegal. But Simone’s biggest win? Advocating for mental health on the world stage.

She’s faced criticism, pressure, and trauma—but she never lets any of that define her. She’s living proof that strength isn’t just about muscles—it’s about knowing when to step back, too.

The Common Thread: Unstoppable Mindset

So what do all these athletes have in common?

Not just talent.

Not just skill.

They have grit. Heart. That unshakable belief that they belong—even when no one else thinks so. They hear “no” and turn it into “not yet.” They turn setbacks into setups. They don’t see ceilings—only trampolines.

And that’s what makes them great.

What Can We Learn From Them?

You don’t have to be a pro athlete to relate. We all face “no” in some form—be it rejection at work, failure in school, or even personal setbacks. That moment when you want to throw in the towel? That’s your test.

The good news? You don’t need permission to keep going.

Every athlete we talked about refused to be written off. So the next time someone tells you “you can’t”—channel your inner Serena, your MJ, your Rudy.

Remember: champions aren’t built in comfort zones.

Final Thoughts

“The climb to the top” isn’t a straight ladder—it’s more like a mountain, filled with loose rocks, slippery slopes, and unexpected storms. But if you keep climbing, step by stubborn step, you just might plant your flag at the peak too.

Next time you feel like giving up, think of the athletes who didn’t. Not because it was easy—but because they had to. Because something inside of them screamed, “This is not the end.”

And maybe, that's all you need to rise.