In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’d like to take a look at women, past and present, who have made and undeniable impact in the world of sports.
Billie Jean King
A tennis icon and trailblazer, Billie Jean King took her passion and drive beyond the tennis court and into the world of activism and social justice, dedicating her life to the fight for change and equality, and to secure opportunities for women in sports.
King is the first female athlete to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles is the most decorated and dominating gymnast of all time with 32 gold medals to her name!
Biles’s bravery allowed her to come forward regarding the Larry Nassar scandal and instead of letting that derail her love of the sport, she used that trauma to advocate for other victims of abuse and continue to add more accolades to her already stellar career.
Ronda Rousey
Rousey knocked down the walls for women in the world of MMA.
She is the first woman to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in judo, and the first woman to headline WrestleMania.
Rousey’s trailblazing career has cemented her spot as the baddest woman on the planet.
Maria Sharapova
Sharapova dominated the world of tennis and was one of only 10 women in history to hold the “Career Grand Slam” – winning all four tennis championships, and is the only Russian player, male or female, to achieve this goal.
Florence Griffith Joyner
‘Flo-Jo’ ran like no woman had ever run before and she did it with style.
Her performance at the ’88 Olympics in Seoul made her a household name, and she held records that would stand the test of time.
Griffith was a fashion icon of her time, bucking the norm of downplaying her style and showcasing long, painted nails and flashy running attire.
Griffith was also the designer for the Indiana Pacer’s ’89 uniforms which were referred to as the “Flo-Jo’s”.
Naomi Osaka
Amazing tennis player, outspoken activist and successful business woman, Naomi Osaka is showing young girls everywhere that it possible to control your own narrative.
With four Grand Slams under her belt and even her own Barbie doll, Naomi Osaka’s influence beyond the tennis court.
Alex Morgan
Morgan was one of TIME magazine’s “Most Influential People” in 2019, and with two World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal and her ongoing activism for equal pay for women, it’s easy to see why Alex Morgan makes the list!
Serena Williams
The Queen of the Court.
Serena Williams makes the list with an iconic career featuring 23 Grand Slam titles.
She not only dominates the tennis court, but she’s a well known, established pop culture figure.
Williams puts in work off the court, advocating for equal pay for women as well as mental health awareness among other issues.