Reliefify Traders
The Olympic Games have always provided a platform for athletes to exhibit their talent, hard work, and determination. We have seen many women athletes throughout history make history and leave their mark in the Olympic books of history. Such women have paved the way by breaking stereotypes, shattering barriers, and inspiring millions of people with their extraordinary feats. In this article, we will see some of the amazing women who have made an unforgettable impact on Olympic history.
Althea Gibson: First Black Woman to Take Wimbledon
It all started in 1956 when Althea Gibson was the first black woman to participate at Wimbledon. As a kid, she had grown up playing tennis with older children in her neighborhood in Harlem, so she was more than ready to pull this off.
Gibson was not only a great tennis player, but also a sport multi-athletic. In 1956 and 1957, she was the first black female golfer in the history of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). She also won four titles on the Women’s International Tennis Hall of Fame circuit and participated in two Olympics, Melbourne 1956 and Rome 1960 where she took home a gold medal in mixed doubles.
Gibson overcame stereotypes that accompanied being a black female athlete during the 1950s in America and paved the way for generations of women to excel at the Olympics. Her legacy exists today as an inspiration to what women can do when offered the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Wilma Rudolph: The Fastest Woman in the World
Wilma Rudolph was a source of inspiration and an icon for all athletes worldwide. Having overcome infantile paralysis, she became the world’s fastest woman and won three gold medals at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
The life of Wilma Rudolph has been inspiring and motivating many generations of athletes around the world. She taught them that if they work hard and are dedicated enough, anything is possible.
She competed in track events when she was sixteen years old, going on to become the first American woman to earn three gold medals at the same Olympic Games. She earned four gold medals, a silver medal, and a bronze medal during her career. Her achievements pushed boundaries for female athletes and opened a path for other women to tread in her footsteps.
She was “The Tornado” and showed the world that by working hard, not giving up, and keeping your mind set on the goal you could be great. Her record-breaking feats were inspiring not just to athletes, but to anyone working for success.
Nadia Comăneci: The First Perfect 10 in Gymnastics
Nadia Comăneci was a memorable female Olympic winner. She was a 14 year old Romanian gymnast who became a legend at the 1976 Olympics when she became the first woman to achieve a perfect 10 in an Olympic competition.
Nadia’s flawless routine on the uneven bars was so spectacular, it didn’t even register on the scoreboard, initially reading 1.00 instead of 10.00. But no matter what the revolutionary scoring system of the period was, her breathtaking routine garnered her five flawless tens during the games and earned her three gold medals for her nation Romania creating worldwide headlines and making her one of the most recognizable faces of the Olympic Games!
Her Dominance in different events
Apart from taking home gold in Uneven Bars, Nadia Comăneci also took home two gold medals in Balance Beam and Floor Exercise, and two silver medals for Vault and Team Competition. To this, she also became the first female athlete ever to earn three individual gold medals in a single Olympics Games.
Her legacy
In addition to having left a legacy of outstanding ability and perseverance, Nadia Comăneci also paved the way for other future gymnasts across the globe. She is an inspiration to those around her today: go for your goals, no matter how unattainable they may be!
Jackie Joyner-Kersee: The Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century
If you want a woman who created Olympic history, Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the greatest female athletes in the twentieth century. She participated in four Olympics 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996 and took away an incredible six medals in four events: long jump, heptathlon, 100m hurdles and 200m.
Here are her highlights of her career:
Being the first ever female heptathlete to surpass the 7,000 point mark.
Breaking her own world record in the long jump four times during the course of her career
Achieving the gold medal in the heptathlon at three successive Olympics (1988; 1992; 1996)
Establishing a world record for winning her second gold medal in the Heptathlon at Seoul 1988 (7,291 points)
Jackie Joyner-Kersee was not only an incredible athlete, but she also employed her platform for promoting women’s athletics. The International Association of Athletics Federations declared her to be the “Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century” quite an honor! Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a memory that will never be forgotten in Olympic history.
Lindsey Vonn: The Most Successful Female Skier of All Time
One of the greatest female skiers of all time is Lindsey Vonn. In 2010, she became the first American woman to win an Olympic downhill gold medal, and the first American skier male or female to win four World Cup titles. And if that wasn’t achievement enough, Vonn broke another record when she became the oldest female skier in history to take home an Olympic medal at age 33.
Here’s how great a competitor Vonn is:
She has won more World Cup races than any other women’s ski racer 83 total.
She is currently tied with Ingemar Stenmark for the most career wins by any World Cup ski racer (male or female) with 86 total as of April 2021.
She was the first woman to have won World Cup races in all five events (downhill, super G, giant slalom, slalom and combined).
She was awarded Laureus Sportswoman of the Year in 2015 for her achievements on and off the slopes.
Following a crash while racing downhill in February 2013, Vonn came back to competition only six months later and took second place in her first comeback race an unprecedented achievement.
It’s obvious that Lindsey Vonn is someone to be watched. Her success demonstrates that hard work and perseverance pay off, regardless of whatever challenges might be placed before you.
Simone Biles: The Most Decorated American Gymnast
Simone Biles has been a true role model in the realm of sports. She is the most decorated American female gymnast and four-time Olympian.
So why is Simone so exceptional?
A Record Breaking Four Consecutive All-Around Titles
Biles is the first woman to take four straight all around titles at world championships, and in doing so, win 14 gold medals. She is the first female gymnast to have won a medal in each event throughout her career.
First Gymnast To Land Two Triple Double Combinations On Floor Exercise
In 2019, Biles was the first woman ever to attempt and stick two triple double combinations on floor exercise in an individual event final. This skill was so massive that even her own coach was amazed at what she had accomplished! This just goes to prove how talented and amazing Simone is as a gymnast.
Not only that, but her skill has also brought her onto television shows like Saturday Night Live, Good Morning America and more! In addition, her book Courage To Soar was released in 2016 which tells more of her story and journey as a world class athlete.
Simone has totally made history with all of her achievements both on and off the gymnastics field! Her motivational personality, perseverance and bravery have truly made her an inspiring legend to many who are aiming for greatness.
Conclusion
In summary, the ladies that have cemented their names on Olympic history have not only brought glory to their respective countries but have also motivated millions of people throughout the globe. Their success has broken down barriers and opened doors for generations of female athletes to come. These women have shown that through hard work, determination, and perseverance, nothing is impossible. Their legacy will forever be a source of inspiration and motivation for athletes for many years to come, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance.
