Top 10 Best Women Athletes of All Time

Jackie Joyner-Kersee's heptathlon world record of 7,291 points has stood since 1988—over 35 years, making it 50% longer than Serena Williams's Grand Slam record reign. With three Olympic golds and a 1991 long jump mark of 7.49 meters (24 ft 7 in), she was named the greatest female athlete of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated. Her versatility across seven events remains an unprecedented benchmark.

Steffi Graf's 1988 Golden Slam — winning all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold in a single calendar year — remains the most dominant single-season achievement in tennis history. Her 1988 season alone saw a 72–3 win-loss record and 11 titles, a feat so extraordinary it may never be replicated, exceeding any rival's peak year by at least two majors.

Florence Griffith Joyner's 100m (10.49 seconds) and 200m (21.34 seconds) world records from the 1988 Seoul Olympics still stand nearly four decades later, making her the fastest woman who ever lived. With neon nails and one-legged bodysuits, she combined unmatched speed with undeniable style, forever changing track's image.

She ended the competition with three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze, a performance that redefined gymnastics standards. Comăneci's perfection under pressure changed the sport's understanding of what excellence looks like, inspiring a generation of gymnasts.

Mia Hamm's 158 international goals made her the face of women's soccer in America and inspired an entire generation of girls to play. Her goal tally remained the world record for 16 years, and she was named US Soccer Athlete of the Year five times — more than any other player in history. Her impact off the field was equally profound, growing the sport's visibility exponentially.

Hayley Wickenheiser is the most decorated ice hockey player in Olympic history, with seven medals including four golds for Canada. In 2003, she became the first woman to score a goal in a men's professional league, playing for HC Salamat in Finland's third division. Her 168 career points in international competition surpass the totals of male legends like Wayne Gretzky in their own Olympic careers. Her 18 World Championship goals and 46 assists further cement her as arguably the greatest hockey player, male or female, her country has produced.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is the only female sprinter to win the Olympic 100m gold in two consecutive Games, in 2008 and 2012. Remarkably, she ran multiple sub-10.7 100m times after giving birth to her son in 2017, a feat unmatched by any other female track athlete. Her consistent championship performances, including World Championship golds in 2009, 2013, and 2022, demonstrate a career resilience that challenges the legacy of Hayley Wickenheiser's multi-sport adaptability. Fraser-Pryce's 15 Olympic and World medals underline her enduring sprinting greatness.