8. Earvin Magic Johnson

NBA legend and one of the most iconic basketball players that will ever exist, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, shocked the sports world and millions of fans when he revealed that he was HIV positive.

Magic Johnson called a press conference in November 1992, during which he announced that he will be retiring from professional basketball after being diagnosed with AIDS.

Thanks to the development of medicine, Johnson is living and doing fine today. He continues to be as inspirational as he was when he revealed his diagnosis more than 20 years later, fighting the HIV stigma, raising awareness and teaching young people that they need to be careful.