In a landmark moment for one of America’s fastest-growing sports, the United States has announced plans to unveil a **life-sized statue of pickleball icon Ben Johns** at the **National Sports Centre in San Diego, California**. The statue, set to be revealed later this year, will pay tribute to Johns’ extraordinary achievements and his role in elevating pickleball from a backyard pastime to a nationally celebrated sport.
At just 26 years old, Ben Johns has already become a household name among sports fans. Widely regarded as the greatest pickleball player of all time, his dominance across both singles and doubles formats has earned him a level of acclaim and admiration rarely seen in the sport’s history.
The official announcement came this morning from the U.S. Sports Commission, with Commissioner Elaine McCaffrey stating:
> “Ben Johns is not just a champion — he’s a pioneer. His skill, humility, and relentless dedication to pickleball have inspired millions across the nation. This statue is not just a tribute to his victories, but to the movement he helped spark.”
### A Career Carved in Gold
Since turning pro in 2016, Johns has collected over **100 career titles**, including a historic undefeated streak in 2022 and a record number of Triple Crown wins — where he claimed singles, doubles, and mixed doubles championships in the same tournament. His consistency, on-court intelligence, and innovative playing style revolutionized how the game is played.
Beyond the statistics, what sets Johns apart is his impact off the court. As co-founder of the pickleball gear company **JOOLA**, a social media ambassador, and a relentless promoter of the sport, Johns has helped reshape pickleball’s public image. No longer confined to retirement communities, the game now attracts elite athletes, major sponsors, and international viewership — thanks in large part to Johns’ star power.
### A Monument of Meaning
The statue will be installed at the newly renovated Pickleball Pavilion at the National Sports Centre in San Diego — a hub for national tournaments, training camps, and youth outreach programs. The bronze sculpture, created by renowned sports sculptor Rachel Cummings, will depict Johns mid-action: paddle in hand, eyes locked in focus, symbolizing both precision and passion.
Cummings, who has previously sculpted tributes for icons like Serena Williams and Michael Phelps, shared her thoughts on the project:
> “Ben Johns represents a new generation of athletes — fiercely competitive, deeply respectful, and wildly inspirational. Capturing his movement and intensity was both a challenge and a privilege.”
### Fan Reactions and National Pride
News of the statue has sparked excitement across the pickleball world. Social media lit up within minutes of the announcement, with hashtags like #BenJohnsStatue and #PickleballGOAT trending nationwide. Fans called the tribute “long overdue,” and many praised the choice of San Diego, where Johns has trained and competed extensively.
“I’ve watched Ben Johns grow from a promising teen to the face of a sport,” said longtime coach and analyst Mike Andrews. “This statue is more than deserved — it’s historic.”
### A Humble Reaction
In his typical humble style, Johns responded to the honor with gratitude rather than grandiosity.
> “I never set out to get a statue,” he said during a press conference in Austin, Texas. “I just wanted to play the game I love and keep growing it. I’m incredibly honored — but more than anything, I hope this inspires young players to chase their dreams and believe that anything is possible.”
As pickleball prepares to make its debut as an exhibition sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, this statue is more than a monument — it’s a milestone. A recognition of how far the sport has come, and of the man who helped lead it there.
For Ben Johns, the journey continues. But now, win or lose, a piece of him will stand forever in the heart of American sport — paddle in hand, ready to play.