Meet 10-year-old Honor Smoke. This Akron 5th grader just made history as the youngest athlete ever to appear on a Sports Illustrated promotional cover.
Honor is on the cover of the first-ever Sports Re Illustrated. SI partnered with the beauty brand Dove to create a special online edition of the publication that celebrates young female athletes breaking barriers.
“I was like, well we don’t have a lot to do in the winter, so I tried out wrestling since that’s what we normally do around the house,” Honor said. “When my mom told me [I’d be in Sports Illustrated], I was like ‘What!?’”
Honor is a young difference maker, at just 10 years old and competing in a male-dominated sport, there are not many girls for her to wrestle in the area.
“Most matches she competes against boys,” Honor’s mom Brittany Smoke said. “What makes me most proud is that she is persistent and doesn’t give up.”
“It feels good to beat the boys,” Honor said.
Honor has become a bit of a school celebrity and hopes her stardom can inspire more girls like her to try out her favorite sport.
In a remarkable milestone, a fifth-grade student from Akron, Ohio, has captured national attention by appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s special edition. This young star is breaking barriers and showing the world that age is no obstacle when it comes to making an impact. His appearance on the iconic magazine cover marks a momentous achievement that highlights his talents, hard work, and the incredible potential of young athletes.
Who is the Young Star?
The 10-year-old Akron student, whose name is making waves in the sports world, is known for his outstanding abilities in a variety of athletic endeavors. Though still early in his athletic career, he has already proven to be a force to be reckoned with in his field. Whether it’s through his skills in basketball, football, or another sport, his performances have left both coaches and spectators in awe of his raw talent and determination.
This special edition cover, which typically features established athletes and sports icons, marks a historic moment as it showcases the rising star from Akron, emphasizing the future of sports and the next generation of athletes. His story, which is also highlighted in the edition, focuses on his journey, his perseverance, and his ability to inspire others through his passion for sports.
A National Spotlight
Appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated is a rare and prestigious honor, usually reserved for professional athletes or major sports figures. The decision to feature a young, amateur athlete is a testament to the growing interest in youth sports and the incredible talent that is emerging at earlier ages.
This move also aligns with the magazine’s mission to spotlight athletes who represent more than just their sport but also serve as role models, showcasing dedication, work ethic, and the spirit of competition. The young athlete from Akron embodies these qualities and has already built a following for his exceptional skills and positive attitude.
The Impact of This Achievement
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For the Akron community and young athletes everywhere, this moment is nothing short of inspiring. It sends a powerful message to children everywhere that dreams are achievable, no matter how big they seem. This historic moment serves as a reminder that dedication, talent, and perseverance can lead to extraordinary opportunities, even at a young age.
The cover also highlights the growing importance of youth sports, not just as a platform for competition, but also as a place where young people can develop essential life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. As sports continue to shape the lives of young individuals, this feature encourages a deeper appreciation for the athletes who are still in the early stages of their journeys.
While this achievement is a significant moment in the young athlete’s life, it’s only the beginning. His appearance on the cover of Sports Illustrated has garnered the attention of fans, coaches, and scouts, all eager to follow his career as he continues to grow and develop as an athlete. For now, the spotlight shines brightly on Akron’s young star, but there’s little doubt that this is only the beginning of a long and successful journey ahead.
As more young athletes rise to prominence, this Sports Illustrated cover will stand as a symbol of the new era in sports, one where talent, determination, and heart can take you to places once thought unreachable—no matter your age.
Q: “Why do you think more girls should wrestle?”
Honor: “It’s a good sport to do because it builds confidence in things, and you get a lot of strength from it.”
The special edition is available to SI subscribers online right now.
It will also run as a special section within the magazine’s printed March issue. That will not be available in stores, copies will only be mailed out to people who are subscribed starting February 13.
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Akron’s Young Star Makes History with Sports Illustrated Special Edition Cover