Champions of Adversity

Goran Ivanišević Tennis Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
Goran Ivanišević: The Wildcard Champion of Wimbledon
By 2001, Ivanišević's ranking had plummeted due to a series of injuries and inconsistent performances. Not ranked high enough to qualify directly for Wimbledon, his participation in the tournament came courtesy of a wildcard entry
Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
Seabiscuit: The Little Horse That Inspired a Nation
During the depths of the Great Depression, a small, knobby-kneed racehorse named Seabiscuit captured the heart of America. Despite his less-than-impressive physique and lineage, Seabiscuit's incredible victories against elite competition became a symbol of hope and resilience for many struggling Americans.
Athlete Heptathlon Jessica Ennis-Hill Olympian Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
Jessica Ennis-Hill: Triumph Over Adversity at the London Olympics
She was Britain's golden girl in the making. However, her ascent to the top was abruptly halted in 2008 when she suffered a major setback
Athlete Football Nick Foles Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
Nick Foles: The Underdog Who Became a Super Bowl MVP
Skepticism was widespread; many believed the Eagles' championship hopes vanished with Wentz's injury. However, Foles was about to turn a seeming misfortune into a storied chapter of NFL history.
The Unyielding Spirit of Nando Parrado: A Tale of Survival and Heroism
Athlete Nando Parrado Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
The Unyielding Spirit of Nando Parrado: A Tale of Survival and Heroism
On October 13, 1972, a charter flight carrying 45 passengers, including a Uruguayan rugby team, crashed into the Andes mountains. Amidst the harsh elements and devastating circumstances, emerged a story of indomitable will and extraordinary courage— the story of Nando Parrado.
Music The Beatles Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
The Beatles: Turning Rejection into a Global Phenomenon
On New Year’s Day, 1962, The Beatles auditioned for Decca in London. The label famously told their manager, Brian Epstein, "Guitar groups are on the way out" and "The Beatles have no future in show business." This rejection could have been the end, but it became a pivotal point instead.
Boxing James Braddock Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
James Braddock: From Hardship to Heavyweight Champion
Braddock, whose family was surviving on public assistance during the Great Depression, returned to the ring and started winning against younger, stronger opponents. His unlikely victories earned him the affection and admiration of the American public, who saw in him a symbol of their own struggles and aspirations.
Entrepreneur Jack Ma Underdog Story
Joey Stanizzi
The Remarkable Journey of Jack Ma: From Rejection to Revolution
Today, as the founder of Alibaba, one of the world's largest e-commerce platforms, Jack Ma stands as a towering figure in the global business arena, but not without a journey to get there. He famously recounts how he was the only one of 24 applicants rejected by KFC. Furthermore, he was turned down ten times from Harvard Business School.