New SBS series 'The Rising' celebrates athletes of colour contributions

A new inspiring eight-part series on SBS On Demand shines a light on athletes of colour, who have become a part of sporting history with incredible achievements both in and outside of their disciplines.

Tennis legend Serena Williams, basketball star Lebron James and boxing great Muhammad Ali. Source: Getty Images

Each episode showcases one, or multiple athletes who put the world on notice with their skills, talent and personality throughout their careers, living on today as people who changed their sport forever.

A wide range of sportspeople from those who lit up the past and some who are still making their mark in the present, the series gives a scope of how athletes of colour have influenced sporting history for multiple generations and will continue to do so into the future.

Episode 1 - Serena Williams and Jackie Robinson

The first episode of the series highlights Serena Williams, the girl from Compton who rose to become the greatest player in WTA history as well as Jackie Robinson who changed baseball, and American sport, forever.

Episode 2 - Lebron James

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Lebron James has carved out a legacy that will never be forgotten in NBA history. This episode also highlights gymnast Dominique Dawes and boxer Jack Johnson.

Episode 3 - Tiger Woods

Arguably the greatest golfer of all time, Tiger Woods is a name synonymous with sporting excellence. This episode also looks at Olympic swimmer Simone Manuel and the renowned Jamaican bobsled team.

Episode 4 - Pele

Pelé, an Afro-Brazilian, rose to become the greatest footballer in history during the 20th century.

Episode 5 - Muhammad Ali

Rising to prominence first as Cassius Clay, 'The Greatest' Muhammad Ali was one of the most powerful fighters in boxing, and one of the most powerful voices in sport.

Episode 6 - Hank Aaron

'Hammerin Hank' Aaron’s bid to break Babe Ruth’s iconic home run record laid bare the racial divisions of USA in the 1970s.

Episode 7 - Jonah Lomu

A towering presence and all-time legend of the sport, All Black Jonah Lomu turbocharged the professionalisation of rugby during his illustrious career.

Episode 8 - Usain Bolt

One of the most iconic Olympic athletes ever, Usain Bolt made sprinting look easy, even when it wasn’t.