Serena Williams (USA, tennis), Simone Biles (USA, gymnastics), Steffi Graf (Germany, tennis), and Jackie Joyner-Kersee (USA, track and field) are key female athletes who shaped modern sports.
This guide features athletes from various sports, like soccer, skiing, MMA, and volleyball, who have broken records and challenged expectations.
These female athletes have represented their countries on the world stage and left lasting marks on their sports.
This guide highlights their achievements, explores their influence, and ranks 20 of the most impactful female athletes ever.
Top 20 Greatest Female Athletes of All Time
Here’s a curated list of 20 iconic women who dominated their sports and became global legends.
| Rank | Name | Sport | Nationality | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Serena Williams | Tennis | USA | 23 Grand Slam titles – most in the Open Era |
| 2 | Simone Biles | Gymnastics | USA | The most decorated gymnast in history |
| 3 | Jackie Joyner-Kersee | Track & Field | USA | Olympic golds in heptathlon and long jump |
| 4 | Steffi Graf | Tennis | Germany | The only player with a Golden Slam (1988) |
| 5 | Babe Didrikson Zaharias | Multi-sport | USA | Won Olympic golds and LPGA titles |
| 6 | Wilma Rudolph | Track & Field | USA | First American woman to win 3 Olympic golds (1960) |
| 7 | Mia Hamm | Soccer | USA | 2× World Cup winner, 2× Olympic gold medalist |
| 8 | Lindsey Vonn | Skiing | USA | Most World Cup wins by an American skier |
| 9 | Nadia Comăneci | Gymnastics | Romania | First perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics (1976) |
| 10 | Ronda Rousey | MMA / Judo | USA | First UFC women’s champion, Olympic judo medalist |
| 11 | Billie Jean King | Tennis | USA | 39 Grand Slam titles and advocate for gender equality |
| 12 | Lisa Leslie | Basketball | USA | First woman to dunk in WNBA, 4× Olympic golds |
| 13 | Michelle Akers | Soccer | USA | FIFA Female Player of the Century |
| 14 | Bonnie Blair | Speed Skating | USA | 5 Olympic golds across 4 Winter Games |
| 15 | Nancy Lopez | Golf | USA | 48 LPGA Tour wins; youngest LPGA Hall of Fame inductee |
| 16 | Sonja Henie | Figure Skating | Norway | 3 Olympic golds, 10 world titles, 6 European titles |
| 17 | Tracy Caulkins | Swimming | USA | 3 Olympic golds; set 63 American records |
| 18 | Misty May & Kerri Walsh | Beach Volleyball | USA | 3 consecutive Olympic golds as a team |
| 19 | Mary Lou Retton | Gymnastics | USA | First American all-around Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics |
| 20 | Martina Navratilova | Tennis | USA (Czech-born) | The only player to hold No.1 in singles & doubles for over 200 weeks |
Serena Williams and Simone Biles top the list with record-breaking careers that transcended their sports.
From Nadia Comăneci’s perfect 10 to Mia Hamm’s soccer legacy, each athlete left an indelible mark on sports history.
Top 20 Icons In Women’s Sports
These women didn’t just compete; they created legacies that still influence their sports. Here’s a look at 20 standout athletes whose impact goes beyond the record books.
1. Serena Williams – Queen of the Court
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Tennis |
| Grand Slams | 23 (most in the Open Era) |
| Olympics | 4 gold medals |
| Turned Pro | 1995 |
| Legacy | Redefined power and longevity in women’s tennis |
Serena Williams’ dominance spanned over two decades, with 23 Grand Slam wins and unmatched mental strength that redefined tennis excellence.
Her influence extends far beyond the court, as she became a powerful voice for women, mothers, and racial equality in sports.
A true icon who transformed perceptions, she fundamentally changed how the world views female athletes and their potential for greatness.
2. Simone Biles – The Gymnast GOAT
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Gymnastics |
| Olympic Medals | 7 (4 gold) |
| World Championships | 25 |
| Known For | High-difficulty skills |
| Legacy | The most decorated gymnast in history |
Biles changed gymnastics with her unmatched power, precision, and bravery. She pushed the sport to new heights.
She owns the most medals in gymnastics history while continuing to advocate courageously for mental health awareness.
Simone’s exceptional bravery and otherworldly talent have made her a beloved hero both on and off the mat.
3. Jackie Joyner-Kersee – Track Legend
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Track & Field |
| Olympic Medals | 6 (3 gold) |
| Specialty | Heptathlon, Long Jump |
| Era | 1980s–1990s |
| Legacy | Greatest female multi-event athlete |
Jackie’s remarkable blend of strength and grace made her virtually unbeatable in the demanding heptathlon events.
She broke significant barriers for African-American women in athletics and later became a dedicated philanthropist.
Her profound impact extends far beyond the medals; she inspired an entire generation to pursue athletic excellence with dignity and determination.
4. Steffi Graf – Golden Slam Queen
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Tennis |
| Grand Slams | 22 |
| Olympics | 1 gold |
| Unique Feat | Golden Slam in 1988 |
| Legacy | Blended finesse and power in a golden era |
Graf remains the only player to win all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold in a single remarkable year.
Her elegant style on court, combined with a relentless competitive drive, placed her firmly among tennis royalty.
Steffi’s groundbreaking achievements opened doors and set new standards for future stars, including Serena Williams.
5. Babe Didrikson Zaharias – All Around Wonder
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Track, Golf, Basketball |
| Olympic Medals | 2 gold, 1 silver (1932) |
| Golf Career | 10 LPGA majors |
| Legacy | First female superstar in American sports |
Babe conquered nearly every sport she attempted with natural talent and fierce determination.
She broke social norms and stunned the world with her Olympic victories, then went on to completely dominate professional golf in the 1940s.
Her pioneering story laid the crucial foundation for future generations of women athletes to follow.
6. Wilma Rudolph – The Fastest Woman on Earth
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Track & Field (Sprinting) |
| Olympic Golds | 3 (100m, 200m, 4×100m relay – 1960 Rome) |
| World Records | Set multiple world records in 100m and 200m |
| Turned Pro | Amateur career (1950s-1960s) |
| Legacy | Overcame polio to become the fastest woman alive |
Wilma Rudolph’s incredible journey from childhood polio to Olympic glory represents one of sports’ most inspiring triumph stories.
Her three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics made her the fastest woman alive and a global sensation.
She broke racial barriers during the Civil Rights era while proving that determination can overcome any physical obstacle.
7. Mia Hamm – Soccer’s Golden Pioneer
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Soccer (Football) |
| World Cups | 2 wins (1991, 1999) |
| Olympic Medals | 2 gold (1996, 2004), 1 silver (2000) |
| International Goals | 158 goals in 276 appearances |
| Legacy | Popularised women’s soccer in America and globally |
Mia Hamm transformed women’s soccer from a niche sport into a global phenomenon through her exceptional skill and marketable personality.
Her clutch performances in World Cups and Olympics captivated audiences worldwide, while her scoring records stood for over a decade.
She became the face of American women’s soccer and inspired millions of girls to pursue the beautiful game.
8. Lindsey Vonn – Alpine Speed Demon
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Alpine Skiing |
| World Cup Wins | 82 victories (most by an American skier) |
| Olympic Medals | 1 gold, 2 bronze |
| World Championships | 2 gold medals |
| Legacy | Dominated downhill and super-G for over a decade |
Lindsey Vonn redefined American skiing with her fearless approach to the world’s most dangerous downhill courses.
Her 82 World Cup victories shattered American records while her aggressive racing style thrilled fans globally.
Despite numerous injuries, she competed at the highest level for over a decade, proving that American skiers could dominate Alpine racing.
9. Nadia Comăneci – Perfect 10 Pioneer
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Artistic Gymnastics |
| Olympic Medals | 5 golds, 3 silvers, 1 bronze |
| Perfect 10s | First gymnast to score 10.0 at the Olympics (1976) |
| Age at First Olympics | 14 years old |
| Legacy | Revolutionised gymnastics scoring and technique standards |
Nadia Comăneci made history with the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics, forever changing how the sport was perceived and judged.
Her flawless routines at just 14 years old captivated the world and set new standards for technical excellence.
She revolutionised gymnastics expectations and inspired countless young athletes to pursue perfection in their craft.
10. Ronda Rousey – MMA Trailblazer
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Mixed Martial Arts / Judo |
| UFC Title Defences | 6 consecutive defences |
| Olympic Achievement | Bronze medal in judo (2008 Beijing) |
| Signature Move | Armbar submission |
| Legacy | Pioneered women’s MMA and mainstream crossover success |
Ronda Rousey single-handedly brought women’s mixed martial arts into the mainstream with her dominant fighting style and charismatic personality.
Her lightning-fast armbar submissions and undefeated streak made her the UFC’s first major female star.
She proved that women’s MMA could draw massive audiences while transitioning successfully into entertainment and inspiring a new generation of female fighters.
11. Billie Jean King – Tennis Revolutionary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Tennis |
| Grand Slams | 39 titles (12 singles, 16 doubles, 11 mixed doubles) |
| Olympics | Not available during her prime (tennis not in the Olympics 1924-1984) |
| Turned Pro | 1959 |
| Legacy | Champion of gender equality and equal prize money in tennis |
Billie Jean King revolutionised tennis both on and off the court with her exceptional play and tireless advocacy for equality.
Her historic “Battle of the Sexes” victory over Bobby Riggs in 1973 became a defining moment for women’s sports worldwide.
She fought relentlessly for equal prize money and founded the Women’s Tennis Association, with her 39 Grand Slam titles showcasing versatility, while her greatest legacy remains advancing gender equality in athletics.
12. Lisa Leslie – Basketball Pioneer
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Basketball |
| WNBA Championships | 2 titles with the Los Angeles Sparks |
| Olympic Medals | 4 gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008) |
| Historic Achievement | First woman to dunk in WNBA game (2002) |
| Legacy | Elevated women’s basketball profile and inspired the next generation |
Lisa Leslie transformed women’s basketball from a niche sport into mainstream entertainment with her dominant play and charismatic presence.
Standing 6’5″, she dominated the paint while displaying finesse rarely seen in tall players of her era.
Her historic dunk in 2002 captivated audiences and proved women could bring excitement and athleticism to basketball, becoming the face of women’s professional basketball during its crucial formative years.
13. Michelle Akers – Soccer Legend
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Soccer (Football) |
| World Cup | 1991 winner, 1999 winner |
| FIFA Recognition | FIFA Female Player of the Century (co-winner) |
| International Goals | 105 goals in 153 appearances |
| Legacy | Pioneered a physical, powerful style of women’s soccer |
Michelle Akers redefined what a female soccer player could be with her revolutionary physical, and powerful style of play.
As both a striker and a midfielder, she dominated opponents with exceptional strength, speed, and tactical intelligence that was ahead of her time.
Her legendary performances in the 1991 World Cup, including 5 goals in one semifinal, remain unmatched, with FIFA’s recognition as Female Player of the Century cementing her status as soccer’s greatest pioneer.
14. Bonnie Blair – Speed Skating Speedster
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Speed Skating |
| Olympic Medals | 6 total (5 gold, 1 bronze) |
| Olympics Competed | 4 Winter Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 1994) |
| Specialty Events | 500m and 1000m sprints |
| Legacy | The most decorated American Winter Olympian at the time |
Bonnie Blair dominated speed skating’s sprint events with unmatched consistency and flawless technique across four Winter Olympics.
Her five Olympic gold medals made her America’s most successful Winter Olympian for years while setting multiple world records.
Known for powerful starts and perfect form, her friendly demeanor and accessibility made her beloved nationwide, bringing speed skating into the American mainstream consciousness.
15. Nancy Lopez – Golf Sensation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Golf |
| LPGA Tour Wins | 48 victories |
| Major Championships | 3 major titles |
| Hall of Fame | Youngest LPGA Hall of Fame inductee (age 30) |
| Legacy | Popularised women’s golf and inspired Hispanic athletes |
Nancy Lopez burst onto the golf scene with infectious enthusiasm and natural talent that captivated audiences nationwide.
Her remarkable rookie season included five consecutive victories, unprecedented in LPGA history and showcasing immediate dominance.
With her distinctive swing and charismatic personality, she brought new fans to women’s golf while inspiring countless Hispanic athletes to pursue professional sports careers.
16. Sonja Henie – Figure Skating Icon
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Figure Skating |
| Olympic Medals | 3 consecutive gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936) |
| World Championships | 10 consecutive titles (1927-1936) |
| European Championships | 6 titles |
| Legacy | Revolutionised figure skating and became a Hollywood star |
Sonja Henie transformed figure skating from a rigid technical sport into artistic entertainment that captivated global audiences.
Her innovative choreography, incorporating dance elements and theatrical flair, revolutionised competitive skating standards forever.
After dominating amateur competition with three Olympic golds and ten world titles, she became a Hollywood star and created professional ice shows, making figure skating a popular spectator sport.
17. Tracy Caulkins – Swimming Phenom
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Swimming |
| Olympic Medals | 3 gold medals (1984 Los Angeles) |
| American Records | Set 63 American records |
| Versatility | Competed in all four strokes competitively |
| Legacy | The most versatile swimmer in American history |
Tracy Caulkins displayed unprecedented versatility in swimming, excelling in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle events at elite levels.
Her ability to compete across all strokes was completely unmatched in swimming history, showcasing remarkable adaptability.
Despite missing the 1980 Olympics due to the boycott, she dominated the 1984 Games with three gold medals, while her 63 American records across multiple events demonstrate extraordinary technical mastery.
18. Misty May-Treanor & Kerri Walsh Jennings – Beach Volleyball Dynasty
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Beach Volleyball |
| Olympic Medals | 3 consecutive gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012) |
| Tournament Wins | 112 consecutive match victories |
| Partnership Duration | 2001-2012 |
| Legacy | Greatest beach volleyball team in history |
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings created the most dominant partnership in beach volleyball history through perfect chemistry and complementary skills.
Their three consecutive Olympic gold medals and incredible 112-match winning streak redefined excellence in the sport completely.
May-Treanor’s defensive wizardry perfectly complemented Walsh Jennings’ powerful attacks and blocks, elevating beach volleyball’s profile while inspiring generations of players with their seemingly unbeatable teamwork.
19. Mary Lou Retton – America’s Gymnastics Sweetheart
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Artistic Gymnastics |
| Olympic Medals | 5 total (1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze) in 1984 |
| Historic Achievement | First American all-around Olympic champion |
| Signature Event | Vault (perfect 10s) |
| Legacy | Launched gymnastics popularity in America |
Mary Lou Retton captured America’s heart with her powerful gymnastics and infectious smile at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Her historic all-around gold medal, won with perfect 10s on vault, marked the first time an American claimed gymnastics’ most prestigious title.
Her energetic performances and relatable personality made gymnastics mainstream in America, inspiring countless young athletes and establishing the foundation for future American gymnastics dominance.
20. Martina Navratilova – Tennis Perfectionist
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Sport | Tennis |
| Grand Slams | 59 total (18 singles, 31 doubles, 10 mixed doubles) |
| Weeks at No. 1 | 332 weeks in singles (record at the time) |
| Unique Achievement | Only player ranked No. 1 in singles and doubles for 200+ weeks |
| Legacy | Redefined fitness and professionalism in tennis |
Martina Navratilova revolutionised tennis with her athletic approach and aggressive serve-and-volley style that dominated the 1980s.
Her incredible fitness regimen and professional dedication set completely new standards for the sport’s approach to training.
Dominating both singles and doubles simultaneously, she proved versatility at the highest level with 59 Grand Slam titles across all categories, while breaking barriers as an openly gay athlete and inspiring authenticity in professional sports.
Honourable Mentions
While they narrowly missed the top 20 list, these phenomenal women left an indelible mark on sports history with their unmatched records and iconic presence.
1. Larisa Latynina
Soviet gymnast with 18 Olympic medals across three Games, setting the record for most Olympic medals by any athlete for decades.
Her consistency and longevity in gymnastics remain legendary achievements in Olympic history.
2. Florence Griffith Joyner
Fastest woman ever recorded, her 100m and 200m world records from the 1988 Olympics still stand today.
Her flamboyant style and blazing speed made her an unforgettable icon of track and field.
3. Katie Ledecky
Long-distance swimming legend with multiple Olympic records and world championships.
Her dominance in freestyle events from 400m to 1500m represents modern swimming excellence at its finest.
4. Danica Patrick
Pioneered women’s presence in auto racing with historic Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR achievements.
Her success opened doors for women in motorsports while proving that gender barriers could be broken.
5. Annika Sörenstam
Swedish golf legend with 10 major championships who revolutionized women’s golf with her precision and mental toughness.
Her 72 LPGA Tour victories established her as one of golf’s greatest players.
How Have These Female Athletes Impacted The Sport They Played?
Beyond medals and records, these athletes reshaped the sports world, elevating not just games but global conversations around gender, equality, and representation.
1. Trailblazing Impact
These extraordinary women broke through concrete barriers in male-dominated sports, setting powerful examples of excellence and equality that changed perceptions forever.
They proved that athletic greatness transcends gender while demanding respect through their undeniable achievements.
Their courage to compete at the highest levels opened doors for countless future generations of female athletes.
2. Cultural Influence
They weren’t just athletes—they became global role models and advocates for social change who used their platforms responsibly.
From Billie Jean King’s fight for equal pay to Simone Biles’ mental health advocacy, these women shaped conversations beyond sports.
Their influence extended into fashion, media, and social justice, proving athletes could be powerful agents of cultural transformation.
3. Legacy of Dominance
Their records, medals, and continued influence still shape today’s sports landscape while inspiring current and future athletes.
Many of their achievements remain unbroken decades later, a testament to their exceptional talent and dedication to excellence.
These legends established new standards of greatness that continue to motivate athletes worldwide to push boundaries and achieve the seemingly impossible.
Conclusion: Serena Williams is Widely Regarded As One of The Greatest Female Athletes Of All Time
Female athletes on this list have contributed more than you expect from athletes. These women are game changers who changed sports forever.
With passion, resilience, and dedication, they broke the barriers for female athletes, ensuring that greatness has no gender.
Each trailblazer opened doors for the next generation and proved that talent and determination can break any barrier.
But their impact doesn’t stop at the field. They’ve sparked social change, advanced gender equality, and redefined what women can achieve in every corner of society.
FAQs
Serena Williams is widely regarded as the greatest due to her 23 Grand Slam titles, longevity, and cultural impact that transcended tennis.
Larisa Latynina holds the overall record among women with 18 Olympic medals, while Simone Biles holds the record in gymnastics with 7 medals.
Nadia Comăneci achieved the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Not yet in playing positions, but women have served as NFL referees, coaches, and executives, gradually breaking barriers in professional football.
Pay equality remains a major issue across most sports, with many top female athletes continuing to advocate for equal compensation and sponsorship opportunities.
