Michael Jordan, considered by many to be basketball's greatest player, has been enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Jordan thanked those who who fuelled his competitive fire, including the coach who didn't select him when he tried out for the team at High School.
The 46 year old has won six National Basketball Association titles, five NBA Most Valuable Player Awards and two Olympic gold medals.
He has also supplied enduring images that raised the NBA's profile around the world.
Shoes bearing his nickname, "Air", helped Jordan make more than 100 million dollars US a year from endorsements and salaries above 30 million.
Children all over the world sported replicas of his jersey number 23 as
they tried to be like Mike.
