Women in sports have been breaking barriers and setting extraordinary records across various disciplines. From track and field to football, tennis to combat sports, women athletes are rewriting the rulebook and challenging societal expectations. Their achievements are not only reshaping their respective sports but also paving the way for future generations. Here are some of the remarkable women who have broken records and shattered barriers, inspiring millions across the globe.
Track and Field: Florence Griffith-Joyner (USA)
Florence Griffith-Joyner, also known as “Flo Jo,” remains one of the most iconic athletes in track and field. At the 1988 Seoul Olympics, she set world records in both the 100 metres and 200 metres, with a time of 10.49 seconds in the 100m, a record that still stands to this day. Her 200m world record of 21.34 seconds also remains unbeaten.
Flo Jo wasn’t just fast — she brought flair to the track with her signature one-legged racing suits and bold personal style. Her achievements not only pushed the boundaries of sprinting but also opened doors for women in athletics to embrace their individuality while competing at the highest levels. Florence Griffith-Joyner’s records and unique presence on the track inspired countless athletes, proving that women could break records and challenge norms.
Football: Megan Rapinoe (USA)
Megan Rapinoe has become a trailblazer both on the pitch and off it. As a member of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), she played a key role in leading the team to victory in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she won the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer. Her stunning performances helped cement her place as one of the world’s best female footballers.
However, Rapinoe is not only known for her athleticism. She is a powerful advocate for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, as well as an outspoken campaigner for equal pay in sports. Her vocal stand against the gender pay gap in football has sparked global conversations about women’s rights and equal opportunities in sport. Megan Rapinoe’s legacy is one of excellence on the field and activism off it, inspiring women athletes to use their platforms for social change.
Tennis: Serena Williams (USA)
Serena Williams is often regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she holds the record for the most in the Open Era, surpassing many tennis legends, male and female. Williams’ aggressive, powerful style of play, combined with her mental toughness, revolutionised women’s tennis.
Her rivalry with other tennis icons, including her sister Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova, has produced some of the most memorable matches in the sport. Beyond her on-court success, Serena has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, racial equality, and fighting against sexism in sport. Through her triumphs and activism, she has demonstrated that women can achieve greatness while challenging the long-standing barriers of race and gender inequality in tennis.
Basketball: Lauren Jackson (Australia)
Lauren Jackson is a name synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball. The Australian basketball legend dominated the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and led her national team, the Opals, to multiple international medals. Jackson won the WNBA MVP three times and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Her leadership and incredible skill on the court helped to elevate the global profile of women’s basketball. Jackson’s career inspired many female athletes in basketball, particularly in Australia, where she is celebrated as one of the nation’s most influential sports figures. Her success has helped prove that women can excel in basketball, a sport traditionally dominated by men, and paved the way for future female basketball stars.
Swimming: Katie Ledecky (USA)
Katie Ledecky has been one of the most dominant forces in swimming for over a decade. Specialising in long-distance freestyle, Ledecky broke records at the 2012 London Olympics at the age of 15, and she has continued to set new standards in the sport ever since. With seven Olympic gold medals and three silver medals, along with numerous world records, Ledecky has redefined the possibilities of endurance swimming.
Her performances at the World Championships and the Olympics have cemented her as one of the greatest swimmers in history, male or female. Ledecky’s relentless pursuit of excellence and her ability to maintain peak performance in one of the most physically demanding sports is an inspiration to young swimmers everywhere. She has shown that women can not only compete in swimming but dominate, setting records that many thought were unattainable.
Cricket: Mithali Raj (India)
Mithali Raj is one of the most respected figures in women’s cricket and has played a significant role in popularising the sport in India. As the captain of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team for many years, Raj led her team to numerous victories, including the final of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup. She is the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket and has been a consistent performer over her 20-year career.
Raj’s calm leadership, combined with her ability to anchor the innings, has made her one of the greatest cricketers in the world. Through her success, she has challenged the notion that cricket is a male-dominated sport, helping pave the way for the growth of women’s cricket in India and globally. Mithali Raj’s achievements have shown that women can reach the pinnacle of cricket and inspire future generations to pursue the sport.
Winter Sports: Clara Hughes (Canada)
Clara Hughes is one of Canada’s most accomplished athletes, having won medals in both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games. She is the only athlete in history to have earned multiple Olympic medals in both cycling and speed skating. Hughes won a total of six Olympic medals, including two golds in speed skating at the Winter Olympics.
Clara Hughes is not only celebrated for her athletic achievements but also for her advocacy work surrounding mental health. She has spoken openly about her struggles with depression, aiming to break the stigma around mental health issues. Hughes’ courage to talk about her own mental health challenges has had a profound impact on many, inspiring athletes to seek help and support.
Mixed Martial Arts: Amanda Nunes (Brazil)
Amanda Nunes, known as “The Lioness,” is a Brazilian MMA fighter who has made history by becoming the first woman to hold two UFC titles simultaneously, in both the bantamweight and featherweight divisions. Nunes’ technical skill, powerful striking, and ability to dominate opponents have made her one of the most respected fighters in mixed martial arts.
Her reign as a two-division champion has shattered preconceived notions about women in combat sports. Nunes has become a symbol of excellence and strength, breaking down barriers in a sport that has long been male-dominated. Her achievements have not only elevated women’s MMA but also demonstrated the physical and mental toughness that women bring to the sport.
Cycling: Marianne Vos (Netherlands)
Marianne Vos is considered one of the greatest female cyclists in history, with an impressive career that spans road racing, track cycling, and cyclocross. Vos has won multiple World Championships in road racing and track cycling, as well as numerous prestigious one-day races, including the Tour of Flanders.
Her ability to perform across different cycling disciplines has made her one of the most versatile athletes in the sport. Vos’ dominance has inspired countless female cyclists to pursue the sport at the highest level, and she has played a key role in elevating women’s cycling to new heights of visibility and recognition.
Football (Soccer): Sam Kerr (Australia)
Sam Kerr is a global football superstar, known for her incredible goal-scoring ability and leadership on the pitch. As the captain of the Australian national team, the Matildas, Kerr has been instrumental in driving the team to success at both regional and international tournaments. She currently plays for Chelsea FC in the FA Women’s Super League, where she has made a significant impact with her performances and leadership.
Kerr’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including the PFA Women’s Player of the Year. As one of the best goal scorers in women’s football, she continues to break records and raise the profile of the sport, particularly in Australia, where women’s football is growing rapidly.
A New Era for Women in Sports
Women in sports are rewriting history, breaking records, and challenging expectations. From Serena Williams’ dominance in tennis to Megan Rapinoe’s advocacy for equality, female athletes are not only excelling in their respective sports but also shaping the future of women’s participation in athletics worldwide. Their achievements prove that women can excel in any sport, and their stories inspire generations of young girls to follow their dreams, push boundaries, and never give up.
As more female athletes rise to the top in various sports, the fight for equality continues. These incredible women are not just athletes; they are pioneers, pushing for a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
