15 Iconic Women Who Revolutionized Sports

Sports history is filled with groundbreaking women who shattered barriers and redefined athletic excellence. Facing obstacles, breaking stereotypes, and transforming their sports, these 15 remarkable figures have set new standards for what it means to be a champion.

Serena Williams

As one of the most influential figures in tennis, she won 23 Grand Slam singles. Her relentless drive on the court has set new standards for the game. Williams’s influence extends beyond the court; she’s a strong voice fighting for social justice and gender equality.

Billie Jean King

Billie Jean King revolutionized women’s tennis with her skills and advocacy for gender equality, including her historic win against Bobby Riggs. Beyond her on-court success, King founded the Women’s Tennis Association and is an LGBTQ+ advocate.

Mia Hamm

She is a trailblazer in women’s soccer, with two World Cup titles and two Olympic gold medals. Her work in and out of the field has raised the standards of women’s soccer in the US and helped it become worldwide famous.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Considered one of the most remarkable women in sports, Jackie Joyner-Kersee excelled in the heptathlon and long jump—her performances in the 1980s and 1990s set records that still stand today.

Danica Patrick

Danica Patrick broke barriers in the male-dominated world of NASCAR and was the first woman to win a primary race in the series. Her impressive career includes a top-10 finish in the Indianapolis 500 and numerous records in American open-wheel racing.

Ronda Rousey

Transforming mixed martial arts through her UFC career, Ronda Rousey became the first woman to enter the UFC Hall of Fame, a milestone that pushed women’s MMA into the spotlight. Beyond the octagon, she has also made her mark as an actress and writer.

Flo Jo

Florence Griffith-Joyner, or Flo Jo, sped through the track with her record-breaking sprinting performances in the late 1980s. Her impressive world records in the 100m and 200m still stand today. With high speed and style, she has become a sensation among the fans.

Lisa Leslie

A leading figure in women’s basketball, Leslie has four Olympic gold medals and three iconic WNBA MVP awards. She has helped inspire countless young athletes and now works to raise awareness for women’s sports and youth programs.

Natalie Coughlin

Among the most awarded women in swimming history, she has 12 Olympic medals. At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she became the first U.S. woman to win six medals in one Olympiad and successfully defended her title in the 100-meter backstroke. 

Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a pioneering athlete who performed incrediblely in multiple sports, such as track and field, golf, and basketball. Her versatility and competitiveness led her to win two Olympic gold medals and numerous golf championships.

Cathy Freeman

She became a national hero in Australia with her stunning victory in the 400m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. During her victory lap, she famously carried both the Australian and Aboriginal flags. Freeman has since become a prominent advocate for indigenous rights.

Sheryl Swoopes

As the first-ever athlete to sign with the WNBA, she paved the way for future stars. Her three MVP awards and four championships raised the bar for the league, while her contributions to women’s basketball and LGBTQ+ advocacy have made her an influential figure in sports.

Althea Gibson

Althea Gibson broke barriers in tennis and was the first African American to be awarded a Grand Slam title. The success she achieved on the court, including multiple Wimbledon and US Open titles, paved the way for future generations.

Simone Biles

Redefining gymnastics, she has dazzled the world with her extraordinary skills and unmatched precision in executing intricate routines. Her decorated career, with many Olympic and World Championship medals, is complemented by her advocacy for mental health awareness.

Laila Ali

Throughout her boxing profession from 1999 to 2007, this athlete became a two-time Hall of Famer. She was also the first woman to provide expert commentary for NBC Sports during the Olympic Games when women’s boxing debuted in 2012.