10 women who changed the history of sports

2 years back Nara 10 minutes reading time

Throughout history, countless female athletes have challenged gender stereotypes, overcome obstacles, and left a lasting legacy in sport.

To the women who changed the history of sport not only did they excel in their respective sports, but they also became symbols of equality, resilience and determination.

These women rewrote the rules of their sports, inspiring future generations to fight for their dreams and a more just world.

Next, cMeet ten of these women who transformed the sport and influenced social movements around the world.

1. Serena Williams: The Queen of Tennis and Fighter for Equality

Serena Williams is widely recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 23 Grand Slam titles, the most among women or men in the Open Era.

His career is marked by physical and mental strength, as well as remarkable longevity in the sport, competing at a high level for more than two decades.

However, her impact extends beyond the tennis court. Serena has used her voice to speak out against racial and gender inequality, as well as to promote the importance of diversity in sports.

Williams faced criticism and prejudice throughout her career, often being underestimated because of her physical appearance and for being a Black woman in a historically elitist sport.

In his own words: “I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am if it weren’t for my persistence in breaking down barriers.”

Her fight for pay equity in tennis brought to light the disparity between prize money awarded to men and women, resulting in important changes in the sport's top competitions.

Year of Conquest	Grand Slam Title	Number of Titles
1999	US Open	1st
2017	Australian Open	23rd

2. Women who changed the history of sport _ Marta: The Immortal Legend of Women's Football

Marta Vieira da Silva, known worldwide as Marta, is considered by many to be the best female soccer player of all time.

Born in Dois Riachos, Alagoas, Marta overcame all the adversities that poverty and prejudice could impose on a young girl who dreamed of being a soccer player.

With six FIFA Women's Player of the Year titles, she holds the record for the highest scorer in all World Cups, surpassing both men and women.

Marta played a fundamental role in popularizing women's football, which for years was marginalized and received little attention from the media and sports federations.

Her technical skill, vision of the game and leadership on the field made her a global icon.

In addition to her sporting achievements, Marta is an advocate for gender equality and has spoken out several times against the pay gap in sports.

His famous phrase “Cry in the beginning to smile in the end” motivates young athletes to persevere in pursuit of their dreams.

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3. Billie Jean King: The Tennis Revolutionary

Billie Jean King is not only one of the greatest tennis players of all time, but also a leading activist for women's rights in the sport.

With 39 Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles and mixed doubles, King had a brilliant career.

However, it was in 1973, when she faced Bobby Riggs in the famous “Battle of the Sexes”, that she made her name in history as a staunch defender of gender equality.

Riggs, a former tennis player who championed male supremacy in the sport, lost to King in an event that symbolized the fight for equality.

In addition to her success on the court, King founded the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) and was a leading voice in the fight for equal pay in women's tennis.

His influence resulted in significant changes in prize money at major tennis tournaments.

King used her voice to demand respect and recognition for all women in sports, becoming a global feminist icon.

4. Nadia Comaneci: Perfection in Gymnastics

Nadia Comaneci made history as the first gymnast to achieve a score of 10 at the Olympics, during the Montreal Games in 1976.

At 14, she wowed the world with her precision and grace, winning three gold medals that year.

Nadia not only raised the standard of gymnastics, but also put the sport in the global spotlight.

His achievement is seen as one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history, without a doubt.

Nadia's impact goes beyond her titles and medals. She inspired millions of young people around the world to pursue gymnastics, transforming the sport into a sport of great international importance.

Even after her retirement, Nadia remains involved in sports and promoting programs for young athletes.

She also uses her visibility to support social causes, including promoting a healthy childhood.

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5. Women Who Changed the History of Sports _ Simone Biles: Redefining Modern Gymnastics

Simone Biles is widely recognized as the greatest gymnast of all time, with 32 Olympic and World Championship medals.

His technical skill is unmatched, with movements so complex that some have been named after him.

Biles is also one of the most important voices when it comes to mental health in sport, having withdrawn from some competitions to take care of her well-being during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Biles's decision to prioritize her mental health has sparked a global conversation on the topic, particularly regarding the pressure athletes face.

As she herself stated: “Sometimes it’s more important to take care of your mind than your body.”

Her courage in dealing with this issue, in addition to her technical mastery, made her one of the women who changed the history of sport, redefining the role of modern athletes.

6. Wilma Rudolph: Overcoming and Speed

Wilma Rudolph is one of the greatest examples of resilience in the world of sports. As a child, she contracted polio, which left her with motor difficulties.

However, Wilma not only overcame these difficulties, but became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympic Games, in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100 meter relay, in Rome, 1960.

Her inspiring journey proved that adversity can be overcome with willpower, and she quickly became an iconic figure in the struggle for civil rights in the United States.

In addition to her athletic career, Wilma used her fame to advocate for racial and gender equality, being a pioneer in the fight for greater inclusion in sports.

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7. Women Who Changed the History of Sports _ Megan Rapinoe: Athlete, Activist, and Leader

Megan Rapinoe is one of the most prominent figures in world football, but her influence extends far beyond the pitch.

Captain of the US national team, world champion and Olympic champion, Rapinoe is a passionate advocate for equal pay in sports and a leading voice for LGBTQ+ rights.

Her bold and authentic stance has made her a leader off the field, championing causes ranging from feminism to social justice.

Rapinoe was instrumental in the fight by U.S. women's soccer players for equal pay with men, a process that culminated in a historic legal victory in 2020.

Her impact transcends sport, influencing discussions about gender equality and human rights around the world. For Rapinoe, sport is a powerful platform for social change.

“I stand for every woman who came before me and every woman who will come after me.” – Megan Rapinoe

8. Fanny Blankers-Koen: The Flying Mother Who Broke Barriers

Fanny Blankers-Koen, known as the “Flying Mother,” won four gold medals at the 1948 London Olympics at the age of 30 and after having two children.

Her feat was a landmark not only for her athletic performance, but also for challenging the idea that women, especially mothers, could not compete at a high level.

Fanny proved that motherhood is not an obstacle to success in sport, challenging gender stereotypes of her time.

Without a doubt, her victory inspired women to continue their athletic careers even after having children, ushering in a new era for athletes who balance their athletic careers and family life.

9. Women Who Changed the History of Sports _ Alice Coachman: Black Pioneer in the Olympics

Alice Coachman made history by becoming the first black woman to win an Olympic gold medal, winning the high jump at the 1948 London Games.

His victory was a significant milestone not only for the sport but also for the civil rights movement in the United States. Coachman overcame the racial segregation and social obstacles of his time to reach the top of the Olympic podium.

Alice's journey is a clear example of resilience and strength, as she managed to stand out in a context of extreme racial discrimination.

Soon, her victory paved the way for other black athletes and helped change the perception of black women's capabilities in sports.

10. Gertrude Ederle: The First Woman to Cross the English Channel

Gertrude Ederle made history in 1926 by becoming the first woman to swim across the English Channel.

Not only did she complete the feat, she did it in record time, beating the times of all the men who had previously attempted it.

Her achievement was widely celebrated and proved that women could be as strong and resilient as men in endurance sports.

Ederle was not only a pioneer in sports, but also an advocate for women's rights.

She broke barriers at a time when women were discouraged from participating in intense physical activities, helping to change the perception of what women could achieve in sport.

Conclusion

These ten women who changed the history of sport not only won competitions, but broke cultural, social and political barriers.

They used their platforms to promote equality and inspire generations.

Ultimately, from Serena Williams to Gertrude Ederli, these extraordinary athletes have proven that sport is a field of opportunity and achievement for everyone, regardless of gender.