Women athletes have long been breaking barriers and shattering expectations in sports. Over the years, countless female athletes have left their mark on the sports world, making it hard to narrow it down. So, in celebration and recognition of Women’s History Month, here are just a few of the best women athletes of all time.
Note that these aren’t ranked in any particular order, rather just a subjective selection of the five best female athletes in my humble opinion.
Serena Williams, Tennis
Serena Williams is widely considered one of the greatest tennis players, male or female. Williams has dominated the sport for over two decades, with 23 Grand Slam singles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Her powerful serve, lightning-fast reflexes, and fierce competitive spirit have made her a powerful force on the tennis court. Williams has also advocated for women’s rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about issues like equal pay and gender equality in sports.
Simone Biles, Gymnastics
Simone Biles is a gymnastics powerhouse and has been called the greatest gymnast of all time. With 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles has won more than any other gymnast in history. She is known for her stunning aerial maneuvers and ability to pull off gravity-defying stunts that no one else can match. Biles has also been vocal about her struggles with mental health and has inspired countless people worldwide with her bravery and resilience.
Marta Vieria da Silva, Soccer
Marta Vieira da Silva, referred to as just Marta, is widely considered the most outstanding female soccer player ever. With six FIFA World Player of the Year awards to her name, Marta has dominated the sport for over a decade. Her incredible skill, speed, and agility on the field have earned her comparisons to soccer legend Pelé. Marta has also advocated for gender equality in sports and has spoken out about the need for more investment in women’s soccer.
Allyson Felix, Track And Field
Allyson Felix is one of the most decorated track and field athletes ever. With nine Olympic medals and 18 World Championship medals, Felix has proven to be an incredible athlete on the track. She is known for her blazing speed and endurance and has set multiple world records in events like the 4×100-meter relay. Felix has also been a powerful advocate for maternal health and has spoken out about the need for better support for pregnant and postpartum athletes.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Track And Field
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a track and field legend and one of the greatest athletes of all time, male or female. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-time World Champion, and holds the world record in the heptathlon. Joyner-Kersee’s incredible athleticism and versatility have earned her comparisons to sports icons like Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson. She has also been a powerful advocate for education and community development, using her platform to support initiatives like the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the best women athletes of all time, but countless others have left their mark on the sports world. These women have proven they are equally talented, skilled, and competitive as their male counterparts and have inspired generations of young athletes to follow in their footsteps. In addition, a common theme amongst these talented athletes is their push for gender equality and contributions to society outside of their sport.
While this article commemorates Women’s History Month, we must continue to push for gender equality in sports throughout the year. Celebrating these trailblazing athletes’ incredible achievements is essential to give them proper recognition.
