LISTICLE/03/06/2024
45

Female athletes who change the world for the better

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These 45 female athletes inspire us: they fight for the climate, for the rights of female athletes, for gender equality and show with their daring adventures that they are in no way inferior to men. From B for gymnast Simones Biles to Y for swimmer Fu Yuanhui.

Here comes Part 1 of 3 on female athletes who are changing the world.

01

Simone Biles, gymnast (born 1997)

Simone Biles does gymnastics like no other, is a multiple world champion and Olympic champion. The US-American uses her fame to inspire young people to work towards their goals. As a brand ambassador for the "University of the People", among other things, she is committed to facilitating access to education for children from foster families. In 2018, as part of #metoo, she made it public that she had been sexually abused by Larry Nassar, the former doctor of the US gymnastics team.

02

Gretchen Bleiler, snowboarder (born 1981)

The former snowboarder has been committed to sustainability issues for years. She is particularly concerned with climate change and the future of outdoor recreation. She is not only a member of the POW (Protect Our Winters) initiative, but is also the co-founder of Alex (Always Live Extraordinarily), a company that produces reusable bottles and vacuum-insulated cups, among other things.

03

Nienke Brinkman, runner (born 1993)

It's a modern-day fairytale: an amateur runner became a world-class athlete within two years. Nienke Brinkman put together an impressive running streak (including first place at the 2021 Zermatt Marathon, bronze medal at the 2022 European Athletics Championships in the marathon, victory in the 2022 Golden Trail World Series). The Dutchwoman also holds the national record in the marathon. It remains exciting to see what else the doctoral student, who lives in Switzerland, will achieve, as she can well imagine a professional career in running.

Nienke Brinkman at the 2021 Golden Trail World Series finals in La Frontera.
Image credit:
Lars Gebraad/Wikimedia Commons
04

Kim Bui, gymnast (born 1989)

Until now, few top athletes have dared to do this: the German gymnast speaks openly about her eating disorder and the pressure of competitive sport. She has taken up the topic after the end of her career: In the current Bayerischer Rundfunk documentary "Hungern für Gold" (available in the ARD media library), she addresses the topic with former biathlete and cross-country skier Miriam Neureuther. The gymnast wants to raise public awareness and help young people and athletes to avoid starving for gold in the first place.

05

Misty Copeland, dancer (born 1982)

In 2015, the American Ballet Theatre named her prima ballerina, making her the first African-American to receive this title. For Misty Copeland, however, dancing not only offers physical benefits, but in her eyes can change children's mindsets and change their lives for the better. This is why she supports dance initiatives for young people at risk.

06

Courtney Dauwalter, ultra runner (born 1985)

She runs, and runs, and runs. In 2020, the US American received the George Mallory Award. This prize is awarded to people who have pushed the boundaries of human experience and redefined what we think is possible. She was also named UltraRunner of the Year for the fourth time in a row in 2022. And she continues to run, in oversized shirts and baggy shorts - true to the motto: "Let's keep seeing what's possible when we put one foot in front of the other, with a backpack full of snacks and a brain full of power (plus jokes)."

07

Minda Dentler, para-athlete (born 1978)

"With every turn of the wheels of my racing wheelchair, I made progress for the many polio sufferers who would never get this chance." The Indian is the first wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship. As a speaker, she inspires people around the world with her life story and motivates them to "tackle their own personal Ironman".

08

Ann Meyers Drysdale, basketball player (born 1955)

According to Forbes, the California native has spent her entire life confronting the misconceptions behind the phrase "You'll let a girl beat you?". In 1979, she landed her first job in the NBA, which didn't lead to a spot on the team, but the basketball player boldly opened the door for future female professional athletes. She is currently Vice President of the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and the Phoenix Suns in the NBA.

09

Cathy Freeman, track and field athlete (born 1973)

In 2000, she won the Olympic Games in the 400 m race in Sydney, making a clear statement. Just a few days earlier, she was the first Aboriginal woman to light the Olympic flame. As an ambassador for the indigenous people of Australia, Cathy Freeman drew attention to their situation. With the foundation she set up in 2007, she continues to support indigenous children in particular and is still considered an icon of the Aborigines today.

10

Sally Fitzgibbons, surfer (born 1990)

Sally won the ASP Pro Junior Open, an U21 competition, when she was just 14 years old. After her victory at the Rio Pro 2019, Sally Fitzgibbons was finally number 1 in the women's surfing world rankings. "Being a professional surfer is the greatest job in the world. The ocean is my office, nature is my business partner, and the industry is the best it's ever been."

11

Janja Garnbet, climber (born 1999)

At the 2023 World Championships in Bern, top climber Janja Garnbret won two gold medals, taking her collection of titles to eight world titles. Her intention to defend her 2021 gold medal in Paris is testament to her tireless passion and desire to continue to shine despite her numerous successes. Garnbret loves the competitive spirit, the pressure and the energy. Alongside her sporting career, Janja is also committed to protecting the environment, as demonstrated by her partnership with a Slovenian manufacturer of energy-saving houses. Despite a busy schedule, including international tours and photo shoots, she remains true to her passion for sport and her commitment to the planet.

12

Eileen Gu, freeskier (born 2003)

She brings the USA and China together - at least in sporting terms. Eileen Gu's decision to compete for China as a US native has inspired millions of young fans. "The opportunity to help inspire millions of young people during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, my mother's birthplace, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to promote the sport I love," said Gu, explaining her decision. Time agrees, naming her one of the 100 Most Influential People in 2022.

13

Bethany Hamilton, surfer (born 1990)

In 2003, a tiger shark bit off the surfer's left arm, and just four weeks later, the then 13-year-old was back on the board. She won the 2014 Women's Pipeline Championship, among others, with her custom-made board. As a speaker, inclusion is a top priority for her and she organizes retreats for people with disabilities.

14

Kristin Harila, mountaineer (born 1986)

She is a role model for equality and that women can achieve the same as men. Even though the Norwegian woman had to abandon her attempt to climb all 14 eight-thousanders within six months in 2022, she set a new record in 2023 by conquering all of them in 92 days. eight-thousanders within 92 days climb them all.

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