5 of The Greatest Female Athletes in History

It’s not a secret that men have dominated many sports. However, women managed to make strides when it comes to sports, and some even receive credit as some of the best athletes in the world. There are many crystallizing moments for women in sports, including the US Women’s World Cup victory. Without question, this moment and that US Women’s team managed to energize an entire nation.

In this article, we’ll list down five of the most successful female athletes across all sports. These are five women who managed to stand out and even dominate in their respective sports. Without question, these athletes have been able to cement themselves and their legacy among the pantheon of athletes.

5. Jenny Thompson

Although this athlete doesn’t have a household name, Jenny Thompson is easily one of the most decorated Olympians in history, male or female. All in all, she took credit for hauling over 12 medals, with eight of them being gold medals in over four Olympics. Today, Thompson remains as one of the greatest swimmers in history.

In addition to her Olympic glory, Thompson also managed to take home multiple NCAA championships, and eight world championships. She was also known as a team player, as many of her medals and championships came as a critical member of the relay team. Interestingly, her excellence as a sports figure and icon managed to continue after her Olympic career, as she now works as an anesthesiologist.

4. Mia Hamm

Mia Hamm is one female athlete who deserves credit for being one of the pioneers in women’s sports. As an athlete, Hamm’s resume is remarkably excellent and unbelievable. She’s won over two Olympic gold medals, one in 1996 and one in 2004. You could say that her most momentous victory came in the 1999 FIFA World Cup where she led the United States to victory.

Hamm’s accomplishments as an athlete are definitely eye-popping. Interestingly, she holds the individual international record for goals with 158 goals. As a result, it was a no-brainer for Hamm to receive an induction to the World Football Hall of Fame. Without question, her legacy as one of the most remarkable athletes in history is secure.

3. Martina Navratilova

Tennis is certainly one sport where women managed to enjoy and even excel. When it comes to the discussion of the greatest tennis athlete, Martina Navratilova is one name that immediately pops into our heads. In fact, Navratilova takes credit for her dominant streak in the sport of tennis.

From 1982 until 1986, Navratilova was able to compete in 442 singles matches. Of her 442 matches, she managed to win 428, and that’s an impressive win percentage of 96.8%. Besides this streak, Navratilova also won 109 consecutive doubles matches together with her partner Pam Shriver. By the time she retired from tennis, she had already won more than 18 Grand Slams and 41 doubles titles. She also had a knack for winning at Wimbledon, as she nabbed nine Wimbledon titles, a remarkable record that still stands to this day.

2. Annika Sorenstam

There’s no doubt that Annika Sorenstam is an athlete who’s easily considered one of the most remarkable female golfers in history. Sorenstam enjoyed a decorated 16-year career where she dominated the entire sport. She first turned pro when she was 22, and she immediately joined the LPGA back in 1994. From then on, she went on and accumulated championships and individual accolades until her retirement in 2008.

Sorenstam easily takes credit for winning eight LPGA Player of the Year honors. Moreover, she had won a total of 72 LPGA events, which ties her for the 4th most for any player since the ‘70s. Without question, Sorenstam is easily the best player of the era. She’s also won over 90 international events, and she’s easily one of the best female golfers in history.

1. Serena Williams

When it comes to dominance, Serena Williams’ dominance in the sport of tennis is one feat no sports fan should ever overlook. You could say that it’s not a stretch to credit her as the greatest tennis player in history. In fact, her dominance in the sport is incredibly impressive, that she’s considered as one of the most significant athletes to have ever competed in any sport.

Williams is so dominant in tennis that the term “Serena Slam” was created. Today, she holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles with 23, and this number puts her ahead of Steffi Graf and Navratilova. Without question, Serena is one of the most remarkable female competitors of all time, and it’s a no-brainer to call her the best female athlete in history.