My favorite athlete is Tom Wallish. (Professional freeskiier)
The list of why I not only look up to him as an athlete but also as a role model is expansive. I will keep it short. He is, unarguably, the greatest freeskiier in the world. He took a sport (which 20 years ago didn't even exist) and changed it forever. He wasn't the creator of the sport but he has constantly pushed the envelope and led the world in new tricks, new variants, and new competitions that will benefit skiiers for years to come. It is now the fastest growing sport EVER, with millions of kids catching on every year. Tom gives them, as well as me something to strive for when riding, and that's what it's all about.