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Describe a Sportsperson That You Admire – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

By upGrad Abroad Team

Updated on Apr 18, 2025 | 0.1k views

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In the IELTS Speaking test, the cue card round may ask you to describe a sportsperson that you admire. To answer effectively, you should choose an athlete—either a famous player or someone you personally know—and highlight their achievements, qualities, and impact. Focus on aspects like their dedication, sportsmanship, and how they inspire others.

In this guide, we will discuss how to approach this cue card topic, provide two detailed sample answers, and cover follow-up questions to help you structure your response confidently.

How to Approach This Cue Card Topic?

To deliver a well-structured and impactful answer in the IELTS Speaking test, follow these key steps:

  • Choose a Sportsperson You Truly Admire – Select a renowned athlete, a rising star, or even someone from your personal life. Make sure you have enough details to discuss their background and achievements.
  • Provide Basic Information – Start by mentioning their name, the sport they play, their nationality, and a brief introduction about their career.
  • Highlight Their Achievements – Talk about their major victories, records, awards, and significant contributions to the sport.
  • Discuss Their Personality and Traits – Focus on qualities like determination, perseverance, leadership, discipline, or humility that make them stand out.
  • Explain Their Influence on You and Society – Describe how they inspire you, how they have influenced young athletes, and their role in promoting sports culture.
  • Make Your Answer Engaging – Use examples or personal anecdotes to make your response more natural and relatable.

Now, let’s explore two sample answers to help you craft your response effectively.

Sample Answer 1: Describe a Sportsperson That You Admire

Introduction

One sportsperson I truly admire is Virat Kohli, one of India's greatest cricketers. His passion, aggression, and remarkable batting skills have earned him global recognition. Over the years, he has set numerous records, captained the Indian cricket team, and redefined fitness standards in cricket. His relentless hard work and leadership qualities make him an inspiration for millions.

Why I Admire Him

Virat Kohli stands out not just for his cricketing achievements but also for his work ethic and strong personality:

  • Exceptional Batting Skills – Kohli is one of the most consistent batsmen in cricket history, with numerous centuries across Test, ODI, and T20 formats. His ability to chase down targets under pressure is unmatched.
  • Strong Leadership – As the captain of the Indian team, he led with confidence and determination, guiding the team to major victories. His aggressive approach and team-first attitude made him a respected leader.
  • Unwavering Dedication to Fitness – Kohli’s transformation into one of the fittest athletes in the world has set new benchmarks for fitness in cricket. His disciplined lifestyle emphasizes the importance of training and nutrition.
  • Resilience and Hard Work – Despite facing criticism and setbacks, he has always bounced back stronger, proving that perseverance leads to success.
  • Inspiration to Young Athletes – His journey from a young cricketer with dreams to an international sports icon motivates aspiring players to work hard and stay committed.

How He Represents India

Virat Kohli is not just a cricketer; he is a symbol of India’s sports culture, determination, and excellence. His performances on the global stage have brought immense pride to the nation. Beyond cricket, he promotes fitness awareness, philanthropy, and youth development, making him a role model both on and off the field.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s achievements, discipline, and leadership make him one of the most inspiring sportspersons in the world. His journey proves that hard work and perseverance lead to success, which is why I deeply admire him.

You can also check this guide out: IELTS Cue Cards Samples with Answers 2024 (LATEST)

Sample Answer 2: Describe a Sportsperson That You Admire

Introduction

A sportsperson I greatly admire is P. V. Sindhu, India’s star badminton player. She has won multiple international titles and continues to dominate the sport with her relentless dedication, discipline, and humility. Her journey from a young aspiring player to an Olympic medalist is truly inspiring and serves as a motivation for many.

Why I Admire Her

P. V. Sindhu’s remarkable achievements and unwavering determination make her an athlete worth admiring:

  • Historic Achievements – She won a silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic badminton final. In 2019, she created history by winning gold at the BWF World Championships, making her the first Indian to achieve this feat.
  • Unmatched Determination and Hard Work – Sindhu follows a rigorous training routine and continuously works on improving her game, displaying an extraordinary level of commitment.
  • Grace Under Pressure – Despite facing some of the world’s toughest opponents, she remains calm, focused, and determined, showing true sportsmanship.
  • Inspiring Women in Sports – As one of India's most successful female athletes, she has encouraged young girls to pursue careers in sports, breaking societal stereotypes.
  • Contribution to Indian Badminton – Her success has placed Indian badminton on the global map and inspired a new generation of players to take up the sport.

How She Represents India

P. V. Sindhu’s achievements symbolize India’s rising presence in international badminton. She has broken barriers, challenged norms, and paved the way for more Indian women in sports. Her discipline, perseverance, and humility reflect India’s spirit of hard work and determination, making her a national icon.

Conclusion

P. V. Sindhu is a true inspiration for sports enthusiasts. Her achievements, resilience, and dedication have made her one of India's most admired athletes. Her journey proves that with determination and perseverance, success is within reach.

For a more detailed guide, read this: IELTS Speaking test: What all you should know

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Here are some follow-up questions often asked in IELTS Speaking Part 3 for this topic:

1. Why do people admire sportspersons?

People admire sportspersons for their hard work, dedication, and ability to overcome challenges. Athletes inspire others with their achievements and discipline, making them role models for perseverance and success.

2. Do you think athletes are good role models for children?

Yes, athletes teach valuable life lessons such as hard work, discipline, teamwork, and resilience. They inspire children to lead healthy lifestyles and pursue their passions with dedication.

3. What qualities make a sportsperson successful?

A successful sportsperson needs talent, dedication, discipline, mental toughness, and a strong work ethic. The ability to handle pressure, continuously improve, and stay motivated also plays a crucial role in achieving success.

4. How has technology changed sports training?

Technology has improved sports training with advanced analytics, fitness trackers, and AI-driven performance analysis. Athletes now use video analysis, virtual reality, and biomechanics to enhance their skills and reduce injuries.

5. Why is sports important for a country’s development?

Sports promote national pride, unity, and international recognition. It boosts the economy through tourism and sports-related industries. Additionally, sports encourage a healthy lifestyle and provide career opportunities for young athletes.

Conclusion

Describing a sportsperson that you admire in the IELTS Speaking test allows you to showcase your vocabulary, storytelling skills, and ability to express admiration. Whether you choose a cricketer, badminton player, or any other athlete, structuring your response well can help you score higher. Keep practicing, and you’ll confidently tackle this cue card topic!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I structure my answer for the IELTS cue card "Describe a sportsperson that you admire"?

Can I talk about a local athlete instead of a famous one in the IELTS Speaking test?

What kind of sportsperson should I choose for this cue card?

How can I make my answer more impressive for the IELTS Speaking test?

Can I talk about a retired sportsperson in my answer?

How long should my response be for this cue card?

How can I describe a sportsperson’s qualities effectively?

Do I need to mention statistics and records in my answer?

What if I don’t know much about sports or any famous athletes?

Can I use personal anecdotes in my answer?

How can I improve my fluency while answering this cue card?

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2694 articles published

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