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Zoia Ovsii, a Ukrainian Paralympic athlete, has overcome physical challenges from a young age to become a dominant force in para-athletics. With exceptional talent and determination, Ovsii has earned numerous accolades, including gold medals at the 2020 Summer Paralympics and World Para Athletics Championships. Her inspiring journey showcases the power of resilience and the human spirit.
Brenda Laurel (born 1950) is an American interaction designer, video game designer, and researcher. She is an advocate for diversity and inclusiveness in video games, a “pioneer in developing virtual reality,” a public speaker, and an academic. Laurel has made significant contributions to the field of game design, particularly in the area of creating games for girls. She has also been involved in the development of virtual reality technologies and the application of augmented reality in education.
Erica Joy Baker (born 1980) is an engineer in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chief Technology Officer for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and known for her outspoken support of diversity and inclusion. She gained prominence in 2015 for starting an internal spreadsheet where Google employees reported their salary data to better understand pay disparities within the company. Baker’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion has had a resounding impact, making her a woman to watch and an inspiration for future generations of technologists.
Ulrika Knape-Lindberg, born in 1955, is a Swedish diver who has left a lasting mark in the sport. With her grace, precision, and remarkable achievements, Knape is one of the most celebrated divers in history. Her success in international competitions, including the Olympics and European Championships, as well as her contributions to women’s diving, solidify her enduring legacy.
Kelly McCormick, born on February 13, 1960, in Anaheim, California, had diving in her blood. She began her journey as a gymnast but quickly fell in love with diving. She went on to become one of the greatest divers of her time, winning numerous championships and medals, including a silver medal at the 1984 Olympics. Despite facing challenges and injuries, Kelly’s determination and talent left an indelible mark on the sport.
Natalie Gibb, a prominent figure in cave exploration and underwater photography, has made significant contributions to the field of diving. Born in Orange County, California in 1980, Gibb developed a passion for adventure and exploration from an early age. Her upbringing in the natural beauty of her surroundings played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
Audrey Mestre (1974-2002) was a French world record-setting freediver. Despite her untimely death during a tragic diving accident, Mestre’s remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to the sport continue to inspire future generations of divers.
Loujain al-Hathloul is a Saudi women’s rights activist who has been at the forefront of the fight for gender equality in Saudi Arabia. Despite facing arrests and detentions, she remains resilient in her mission to defy the ban on women driving and challenge the male guardianship system. Recognized globally for her activism, al-Hathloul has received numerous awards and nominations, including the 2019 PEN America/Barbey Freedom to Write Award and being named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2019”.
Timnit Gebru is an Eritrean Ethiopian-born computer scientist known for her significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence (AI). She has conducted groundbreaking research on algorithmic bias and data mining and has been a strong advocate for diversity in technology. Gebru’s career has been marked by impactful projects and her efforts to advance women in STEM fields.
Larissa Suzuki, an accomplished University Professor and computer scientist, has dedicated her career to advancing engineering and technology while advocating for increased representation in these fields. She is known for her work at Google, as well as her contributions to smart cities and early breast cancer detection. Born in Brazil, Suzuki’s exceptional talent led her to be recognized as the best student of her class by the Brazilian Computer Society.
Archana Sardana is India’s first female BASE jumper and a pioneer in the world of extreme sports in India. She has achieved remarkable feats in skydiving and BASE jumping, showcasing her bravery and pride in her country. Sardana’s passion for adventure has inspired others to embrace their adventurous spirits and break barriers. She has been recognized for her contributions to the field of adventure sports and serves as an inspiration to women aspiring to pursue their passions.
Jennifer Kay Bellamy Chandler, a retired American diver, had a remarkable career in the sport. She achieved great success, including winning the gold medal in the women’s 3-metre springboard event at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Despite retiring at a young age due to back injuries, Chandler’s contributions to diving were recognized, and she continues to make a positive impact in the sports community through her various roles and artistic pursuits.
Irina Vladimirovna Kalinina is a former Soviet diver and Olympic champion. She achieved her greatest triumph at the 1980 Olympic Games, winning the gold medal in the Women’s 3-metre springboard event. Throughout her career, she dominated the international diving scene, becoming a three-time world champion and winning a total of five medals at the European Championships. Kalinina’s dedication and expertise in coaching have had a lasting impact on the sport of diving. She was bestowed with the title of Honoured Coach of Russia for her remarkable achievements as both an athlete and a coach.
Victoria Manalo Draves, a Filipino American competitive diver, made history at the 1948 Summer Olympics by becoming the first woman to win gold medals in both platform and springboard diving. Despite facing racial discrimination and financial challenges, she overcame obstacles with determination and hard work. Her achievements paved the way for future generations of female divers, inspiring others to break down societal barriers.
Milena Duchková was a renowned Czech diver born on April 25, 1952, in Prague. She became Czechoslovakia’s first-ever Olympic medalist in any aquatic sport when she won a gold medal in platform diving at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Duchková’s exceptional skills and determination led her to win numerous accolades, including a silver medal in the 1972 Olympics and a gold medal in the European Championships in 1970. Outside of diving, Duchková pursued a medical degree and later became a coach and consultant to diving teams in both Czechoslovakia and Canada. Her legacy as one of the greatest divers of her generation remains an inspiration to aspiring divers around the world.
Zoe Ann Olsen-Jensen, an American diver, became a prominent figure in aquatic sports. Her early exposure to swimming and diving through her mother’s influence sparked a passion within her at a young age. She achieved remarkable success in the Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 3 m springboard event in 1948 and a bronze medal in the same event in 1952. Olsen-Jensen’s dedication and consistency solidified her reputation as one of the premier divers of her time. She is remembered as an icon in the world of diving and an inspiration to generations of athletes.
Maxine Joyce “Micki” King, born in 1944 in Pontiac, Michigan, is an American former competitive diver and diving coach who had a remarkable career in the world of diving and made significant contributions to women’s athletics. King’s journey to becoming a dominant figure in women’s diving in the United States was marked by triumphs, setbacks, and an unwavering dedication to her sport.
Michele Anne Mitchell, a former diver from the United States, is a two-time Olympic medalist on the 10-meter platform. Her dedication and talent in diving have made her a legendary figure in American diving history.
Ingrid Gulbin (née Krämer then Engel-Krämer, born 29 July 1943) is a diver from East Germany, and a multiple Olympic champion who won Olympic gold medals in both springboard and platform diving. She was recognized as the first non-American woman in forty years to win an Olympic diving gold medal. Her remarkable talent and undeniable dedication led her to receive numerous accolades, including being elected sportspersonality of the year in East Germany from 1960 to 1964.
Lao Lishi, born in 1987 in Zhanjiang, Guangdong, is a female diver from China. Her exceptional talent and determination propelled her to become one of the most celebrated divers in Chinese history. Lishi’s journey exemplifies her unmatched talent and perseverance, serving as an inspiration to athletes worldwide. She has achieved remarkable success, including Olympic gold and silver medals, and has left an indelible mark on the sport of diving.
Mary Bonnin, born in Baraboo, Wisconsin, made history as the first woman Master Diver in the United States Navy. Her exceptional skills and dedication in air and gas surface-supplied diving broke barriers and opened doors for women in the traditionally male-dominated field. Bonnin’s expertise as a diver safety authority and her role in training over one thousand divers earned her the respect of colleagues. In 2000, she was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame, solidifying her lasting legacy in the field.
Hadiyah-Nicole Green is an American medical physicist known for her groundbreaking research using laser-activated nanoparticles as a potential cancer treatment. She has not only excelled in her field but has also become a strong advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and increasing diversity in STEM fields. Green’s dedication to her work and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others make her a true trailblazer in women’s history.
Elizabeth Anna Becker-Pinkston, an influential American diver, overcame illness and setbacks to become an Olympic champion and trailblazer for female athletes. Her love for swimming and diving started at a young age, and she went on to win gold and silver medals at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Her legacy is further amplified by being one half of the first husband-wife team inducted into the Swimming Hall of Fame.
Dorothy Poynton-Hill was an American diver who competed at the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Summer Olympics. Known for her exceptional diving skills, she left a lasting impact on the sport and became an inspiration to future generations of female divers. She won a silver medal in the 3 m springboard event at the age of 12 and went on to become the first woman to win the 10 m platform diving gold medal in Olympic history. Dorothy Poynton-Hill’s contributions to women’s history and her role as a trailblazer in the sport of diving cannot be overstated.
Irina Lashko, born on January 25, 1973, in Samara, Russia, is a former Russian diver known for her successful diving career. Competing in four Summer Olympics under different countries, Lashko won three Olympic medals, including two silvers and one bronze. Her achievements and impact on the sport of diving have made her a legend in women’s diving history.
Helen Meany (later Gravis) was an American diver who competed in the 1920, 1924, and 1928 Summer Olympics. She won the gold medal in the 3-meter springboard event at the 1928 Olympics, becoming the first American female diver to achieve this feat. Her dominance in American diving, with 17 AAU titles, cemented her legacy as a pioneering female diver and an inspiration to future generations. In 1971, she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Patricia Joan Keller McCormick was an American competitive diver known for her exceptional talent and groundbreaking achievements. She became one of the most accomplished divers in history and left an indelible mark on women’s history through her numerous accolades and unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Her fearless execution of daring dives, her gold medal victories at the Olympics, and her trailblazing spirit continue to inspire generations of athletes.
Laura Ann Wilkinson, born in 1977 in Houston, Texas, is an American diver, three-time Olympian, and Olympic gold medalist. She was the first woman to win the three major diving world titles. Despite setbacks and challenges, Wilkinson’s determination and passion for diving have made her a true role model and inspiration for aspiring athletes.
Lesley Bush, born in 1947 in Princeton, New Jersey, was an American diver who made a lasting impact in the world of diving. She achieved remarkable success by winning a gold medal in Platform Diving at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Lesley’s dedication and resilience allowed her to overcome challenges and inspire aspiring athletes. Her achievements earned her a place in the International Swimming Hall of Fame and recognition from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Lesley’s remarkable career and ability to overcome obstacles make her an influential figure in women’s history.
Zhou Jihong, born in Wuhan in 1965, is a Chinese diver who won the first gold medal for Chinese diving. Her most notable achievement came in 1984 during the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she became the first Chinese diver to win a gold medal. Zhou’s influence extended beyond the pool, as she guided and inspired a new generation of divers as the team leader and played a crucial role in the Chinese diving team’s outstanding performance in multiple Olympics.
Patty Elsner, an American diver, made significant contributions to the sport during the mid-20th century. Her talent and determination were showcased at the 1948 Summer Olympics, where she earned a silver medal in the 10-meter platform and a bronze in the 3-meter springboard. Elsner’s dedication to her craft and pioneering spirit helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
Sylvie Bernier, an accomplished Olympic athlete, was born in 1964 in Sainte-Foy, Quebec, Canada. She made her mark in the world of diving, winning the gold medal in the Women’s 3m Springboard Diving at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Bernier’s achievements, including holding the Canadian record on the 3m springboard, solidified her position as one of the best divers of her time. Despite her retirement, she continued to contribute to Canadian sports and inspire athletes around the world.
Sue Gossick, born Susanne Gossick on November 12, 1947, is a retired American diver who made significant contributions to the sport. She became a prominent figure in the 1960s and 1970s, achieving numerous accomplishments and leaving a lasting impact on women’s diving.
Marjorie Gestring made history at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin when, at just 13 years and 268 days old, she became the youngest person ever to win an Olympic gold medal in 3-meter springboard diving. Despite the cancellation of the 1940 Summer Olympics due to World War II, she was awarded a second Olympic gold medal by the United States Olympic Committee. Gestring’s achievements and resilience have left a lasting impact on the sport of diving.
Gao Min, the renowned female Chinese diver, started her journey in aquatics at the young age of four and went on to become one of the most dominant divers in history. With a string of victories in major international competitions and an Olympic gold medalist title, Gao’s remarkable career and dedication to inspiring others have firmly established her as an icon in the diving community.
Guo Jingjing, a retired Chinese diver, is a multi-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion. Known as “The Princess of Diving,” she achieved remarkable success in the 3-meter springboard event, winning five consecutive World Championships. Despite setbacks and a ban from the national team, Guo’s dedication and talent solidified her place in diving history and made her an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.
Fu Mingxia is a retired Chinese diver known for her incredible achievements in the sport. She became the youngest diving champion in history at the age of 12 when she won the platform-diving world championship. Fu went on to win multiple Olympic gold medals and dominate the sport in the 1990s. Her talent, determination, and resilience broke barriers for women in diving and continue to inspire young athletes today.
Megan Neyer was an American former competition springboard and platform diver. She was a member of the ill-fated 1980 U.S. Olympic team, the 1982 world champion springboard diver, a fifteen-time U.S. national diving champion, and an eight-time NCAA champion. Neyer’s dedication and determination have inspired aspiring divers around the world, making her an icon in the annals of diving history.
Paula Jean Myers Pope was an American diver and Olympic medalist. She made her debut at the 1952 Summer Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 10-meter tower event. Throughout her career, she earned a total of four Olympic medals, solidifying her place among the greatest divers of her time. Myers Pope’s impact on the sport was recognized, and she was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Potter (born August 27, 1950) is an American former Olympic diver and diving color commentator. She had an illustrious career in diving, earning numerous accolades and representing the United States in multiple Olympic Games.
Greta Johansson Brandsten, born Anna Teresa Margareta Johansson on January 9, 1895, was a Swedish diver and swimmer who made history as the first Olympic diving champion in 1912. She was born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden, where she developed a passion for swimming and diving at an early age.
Helen Wainwright, also known as Helen Stelling, was a trailblazing competition diver and swimmer who represented the United States in the 1920 and 1924 Summer Olympics. She made history as the only woman to win Olympic silver medals in both swimming and diving. A natural talent from a young age, Wainwright became a role model for aspiring female athletes and her legacy continues to inspire determination and excellence in sports.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo, born in 1994 in Nassau, Bahamas, is a Bahamian track and field sprinter who has made her mark as one of the world’s top athletes. From a young age, Shaunae showed great potential and went on to achieve numerous accolades in her career, including two Olympic gold medals and multiple medals at the World Athletics Championships. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her place in the history of women’s athletics, inspiring future generations.
Birgit Prinz (born 25 October 1977) is a German former footballer, two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup champion, and three-time FIFA World Player of the Year. Her remarkable career spanned over two decades and she remains one of the most influential figures in women’s football.
Tanya Streeter, a British-Caymanian-American world champion freediver, made significant contributions to the sport. Her remarkable talent and dedication earned her a place in the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2000. Her achievements in freediving, particularly in the “no limits” category, solidified her status as a true pioneer in the sport. Streeter’s legacy as a trailblazer and record-breaker is a testament to her resilience, determination, and passion for pushing the boundaries of human potential.
Donna M. Tobias, a pioneering American diver, broke barriers for women in deep-sea diving with her exceptional achievements. Despite facing gender-based obstacles, Tobias became the first woman to graduate from the Navy Deep Sea Diving School, leading to a groundbreaking career in search and salvage operations. Her dedication and expertise in hyperbaric chamber treatment made her a respected figure in the diving community. Posthumously inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame, Tobias’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Cristina Zenato, an Italian-born shark diver and conservationist, has dedicated her life to studying and protecting sharks, particularly Caribbean reef sharks in The Bahamas. Her passion for these majestic creatures has led to remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of marine conservation.
Cody Unser, born in 1986, is a disability awareness advocate and adaptive scuba medical crusader. She founded the Cody Unser First Step Foundation at the age of 13 to raise awareness and develop programs for individuals with transverse myelitis. Through her foundation, she has pioneered groundbreaking medical research, including the first conventional SCUBA-medical study, to explore the therapeutic benefits of adaptive scuba diving. Cody’s relentless advocacy has inspired others and made a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Martha Herb is a trailblazing figure in the United States Navy, known for her exceptional leadership, perseverance, and pioneering achievements. With a career spanning an impressive thirty-nine years, she has left an indelible mark on the Navy and society as a whole.
Honor Frost (1917-2010) was a pioneer in underwater archaeology, known for her work in the Mediterranean, particularly in Lebanon. She developed a typology of stone anchors and was skilled in archaeological illustration. Frost’s passion for diving began when she explored a well in a friend’s backyard, and she became an avid diver and artist. Her significant discoveries include the Phoenician shipwreck at Cape Gelidonya and her survey of the Pharos site in Alexandria, Egypt. Her contributions continue to shape our understanding of maritime history and Phoenician culture.
Simone Cousteau (née Melchior; 19 January 1919 – 1 December 1990) was a French explorer and a pioneering figure in the world of underwater exploration. She was the first woman scuba diver and aquanaut, and she played a vital role as the wife and business partner of renowned undersea explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Simone’s contributions to their work were instrumental, despite her absence from the limelight in the Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau series. She acted as a mother, healer, nurse, and psychiatrist to the all-male crew for an incredible span of 40 years, earning her the affectionate nickname “La Bergère,” the Shepherdess. Simone was not merely a supportive partner, but a driving force behind the success of their endeavors.
Twila Bratcher-Critchlow was a pioneering figure in the field of diving and a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to the world of malacology.
Shirley Marshall-Lee became the first black female diver in 1965. She obtained her basic diving certification that year, making her the first certified Black female diver and the first female member of the Underwater Adventure Seekers. Over her career, she explored exotic underwater locations and logged over 1000 dives. In 2009, Marshall-Lee was inducted into the National Association of Black Scuba Divers Hall of Fame for her contributions to the diving community.
Syuri Kondo, known as Syuri, is a Japanese professional wrestler, shoot boxer, kickboxer, and mixed martial artist. With a diverse skill set and accomplishments in multiple combat sports, she has become a prominent figure in women’s fighting. From her early start in karate to her current success in World Wonder Ring Stardom, Syuri has left an indelible mark on the Japanese wrestling scene and serves as an inspiration to aspiring female athletes.
Jeyakumari Balendran is a Sri Lankan Tamil woman who has dedicated her life to finding answers and justice for the families of those who disappeared during the civil war. Despite facing personal tragedy and being detained without charges, Jeyakumari’s unwavering determination has made her a leading human rights activist, shining a spotlight on the issue of forced disappearances in Sri Lanka.