Tiger Woods

With the exception of Olympic swimmer Amy Van Dyken, who was paralyzed by a spinal cord injury after an accident with an all-terrain vehicle, I can't think of a more devastating accident affecting a sports icon than golfer Tiger Woods' car crash yesterday,  Woods had lived recklessly and with abandon in his early days, but problems in his personal life brought him back down to earth.  He turned his life around after his divorce and the various marital infidelities that led to it and became a devoted father to his two children.  His comeback from his personal problems and numerous back surgeries reminded everyone what a great athlete and what an accomplished golfer he is. 

Woods' accident has all but made it impossible for him to compete in this year's Masters, and it remains to be seen whether he can play again at all.  But he's lucky to be alive, and I am certain he will come out of this with a renewed appreciation of life.  Amy Van Dyken, now an advocate for her fellow disabled Americans, certainly did.  Athletes like that are an inspiration to us all.