These 44 famous female athletes are redefining what’s possible — in sport and beyond. They advocate for gender equality, challenge outdated norms, and push boundaries in every discipline. Whether fighting for climate justice, breaking records, or inspiring change through their stories, these women are proving that sport drives progress. From gymnastics legend Simone Biles to fearless swimmer Fu Yuanhui — discover the women shaping the future of sport.
All our picked athletes at a glance:
- Simone Biles, gymnast (born 1997)
- Gretchen Bleiler, snowboarder (born 1981)
- Nienke Brinkman, runner (born 1993)
- Nasim Eshqi, climber (born 1982)
- Misty Copeland, dancer (born 1982)
- Courtney Dauwalter, ultra runner (born 1985)
- Minda Dentler, para-athlete (born 1978)
- Ann Meyers Drysdale, basketball player (born 1955)
- Cathy Freeman, track and field athlete (born 1973)
- Sally Fitzgibbons, surfer (born 1990)
- Janja Garnbret, climber (born 1999)
- Eileen Gu, freeskier (born 2003)
- Kristin Harila, mountaineer (born 1986)
- Anne Haug, triathlete (born 1983)
- Margo Hayes, sport climber (born 1998)
- Sarah Hunter, rugby player (born 1986)
- Ana Ivanovic, tennis player (born 1987)
- Piper Kelly, climber (born 1999)
- Billie Jean King, tennis player (born 1943)
- Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, mountain climber (born 1984)
- Amazin LeThi, bodybuilder
- Tegla Loroupe, marathon runner (born 1979)
- Manuela Mandl, snowboarder (born 1988)
- Sarah McNair-Landry, adventurer
- Martina Navratilova, tennis player (born 1956)
- Nouria Newman, kayaker (born 1991)
- Naomi Osaka, tennis player (born 1997)
- Asisat Oshoala, footballer (born 1994)
- Laura Philipp, triathlete (born 1987)
- Milly Pickles, runner (born 1997)
- Megan Rapinoe, soccer player (born 1985)
- Elnaz Rekabi, climber (born 1989)
- Alica Schmidt, track and field athlete (born 1998)
- Kimi Schreiber, trail runner (born 1995)
- Caster Semenya, track and field athlete (born 1991)
- Mikaela Shiffrin, skier (born 1995)
- Santhi Soundarajan, track and field athlete (born 1981)
- Kathrine Switzer, marathon runner (born 1947)
- Lia Thomas, swimmer (born approx. 1999)
- Maria Toorpakai, squash player (born 1990)
- Lindsey Vonn, skier (born 1984)
- Serena Williams, tennis player (born 1981)
- Venus Williams, tennis player (born 1980)
- Fu Yuanhui, swimmer (born 1996)
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