Every year Forbes magazine lists the top 30 people under 30 years old in different professional areas. This year, two Chicagoans, Patrick Kane and Elena Delle Donne made the sports list. Forbes looks for athletes who have “a high level of endurance to push the boundaries of success despite the many facets of pressure.” These are the athletes who are game changers on and off the field.
Chicago Blackhawks player Patrick Kane had already won rookie of the year(Calder Trophy), playoff MVP(Conn Smythe) and three Stanley Cups. Then to add to his resume he became the first American born player to lead the NHL in points(Art Ross Trophy) and only the second to win the league’s MVP(Hart Memorial Trophy) last season. Kane is one of the highest profile players in the NHL and has major endorsements with Bauer and Chevrolet.
Chicago Sky player Elena Delle Donne added a Gold Medal to her already impressive resume this summer at the Rio Olympics. In four WNBA seasons she has won the rookie of the year, a scoring title, and an MVP to go along with her 3 all-star appearances. A star in the WNBA, she has endorsements with major brands Nike and Gatorade. Delle Donne also works with the Special Olympics and has The Elena Delle Donne Charitable Foundation.
Former Chicago athletes Martellus Bennett and Chris Sale made the Forbes list but these two athletes didn’t leave the best impressions on their way out of town. You can see the whole Forbes 30 under 30 list here.
