Women have not always been allowed to participate in sports. Sports have been around for centuries, evolving into the ones we know now. However (and thankfully), times have changed. Since women have become involved in sports, they have changed the landscape on a global level. Here are 10 of the most influential women that have helped shape the modern sports era.

1. Serena Williams

   1. Serena Williams is best known for her magnificent tennis performances. With a whopping 23 Grand Slam single titles, Williams is one of the most successful tennis players of all time. She has also been a life-long advocate for gender and racial equality while also aiming to promote body positivity and self-confidence.

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2. Simone Biles

   1. Simone Biles is the single most decorated gymnast of all time. She has compiled a total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. Outside of gymnastics, Biles has advocated for mental health awareness in the world of sports.

3. Babe Didrikson Zaharias

   1. In 1950, Babe Didrikson Zaharias helped found the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Prior to this, she dominated the track and field world, winning two Olympic gold medals in 1932.

4. Billie Jean King

   1. Best known for her victory against Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973, King has been an advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ rights. She is also known for founding the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), an organization that aims to create a better future for women’s tennis.

5. Megan Rapinoe

   1. Also known for her advocacy in LGBTQ+ rights as well as gender pay equity, Rapinoe is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist in soccer.

6. Ronda Rousey

   1. One of my personal favorites, Rousey has changed the face of women’s wrestling for the better. Becoming the first woman to be inducted into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Hall of Fame, Rousey has made a lasting impact on the sport.

7. Martina Navratilova

   1. Another great trailblazer for LGBTQ+ athletes, Navratilova has paved the way for equality in sports for all. Navratilova has also earned herself a total of 18 Grand Slam single titles in tennis.

8. Althea Gibson

   1. Gibson was one of the first black women to participate in professional golf. Her success on the golf course also translated to the tennis courts, winning a Grand Slam title in 1956. During Gibson’s athletic career, she broke numerous racial barriers that tried to hold her back.

9. Danica Patrick

   1. Patrick is known as one of the most successful women in the history of open-wheel racing, becoming the first woman to win an IndyCar race. Patrick has gone on to break numerous gender barriers in the motorsports world, becoming the first woman to lead a lap at the Indianapolis 500 in 2005 and the first woman to win the pole position for the Daytona 500.

10.  Lindsey Vonn

    1. With four World Cup Championships and one Olympic gold medal in skiing, Vonn is one of the most decorated alpine skiers of all time. Vonn has also served as an advocate for women’s empowerment and sports injury prevention.