There are many women in sports who are influential. You may have heard of Serena Williams, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, FloJo, and Nita Ambani. These women are making an impact in sports and beyond. These women are changing the face of sport and changing the way we look at the game.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is a powerful icon who has transcended the sport of tennis into the mainstream. In addition to her success on the court, she has also made a name for herself as an entrepreneur and pop culture icon. Throughout her life, Serena has occupied many roles: mother, entrepreneur, executive producer, and more. Her impact on society, her career, and her family can never be underestimated.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is one of the most influential women in sport. She is the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the long jump and the first woman to score more than 7,000 points in the heptathlon. In addition to her athletic achievements, she is also the first African-American woman to win an Olympic medal in the long jump. In addition to her sporting accomplishments, Joyner-Kersee is a philanthropist and has devoted her life to social causes, including promoting education and racial equality.
FloJo
Florence Joyner was born on December 21, 1959, and was known as “Flo Jo.” She began running when she was seven years old and won the Jesse Owens National Youth Games at age 14. FloJo went on to compete for Jordan High School, serving as an anchor for the relay team. She also raced at the collegiate level and eventually became an Olympic medalist.
Nita Ambani
Nita Ambani has made a significant contribution to sports in India. She has been the driving force behind the development of the sport infrastructure in the country. She has been recognized by several publications for her contributions in sport and women empowerment. Forbes has also cited her as one of the most influential women in the sports industry in Asia. Nita has also been a sports player herself, having played basketball, tennis, and football.
Erin Andrews
Erin Andrews, who is a native of Lewiston, Maine, has risen to fame as a sportscaster. She began her career in 2004 for the ESPN channel and has since branched out into film roles. Her coverage of major sports events has garnered her massive fan base. She has also appeared on a variety of talk shows.
Lydia Nsekera
As a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and FIFA Council, Lydia Nsekera has a strong voice on gender equality in sport. She has also led efforts to expand women’s football in Africa through grassroots development programmes and professional leagues.
Didrikson Zaharias
Didrikson Zaharias is a well-known track and field athlete. She began competing in the sport at a young age. She won six individual events in a three-hour span and won the team championship. Her total of thirty points was much higher than the second-place team’s total of twenty-two. Her success in track and field helped her earn two gold and one silver medal at the 1932 Olympics.
Alice Coachman
Alice Coachman is one of the most influential women in sport, and she has influenced generations of athletes. A world-renowned high jumper, she received numerous honors and awards for her athletic achievements. She was named to five All-American teams, including the 100-meter, 50-yard dash, and high jump, and was also a member of the national relay team. She has also been inducted into eight halls of fame. Additionally, she was made an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the oldest Greek-lettered organization for African-American college-educated women.
