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Candace Cable, born in 1954, is a remarkable athlete and inspiration to millions. Her achievements as a Paralympian and pioneer in disability sports have solidified her place in history. Cable’s impact on society, particularly in promoting inclusivity, cannot be understated.
Madison de Rozario, OAM, is an Australian Paralympic athlete and wheelchair racer with an impressive track record of success. Overcoming the challenges of transverse myelitis, she has become a dominant force in wheelchair racing, earning numerous medals at the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships. De Rozario’s remarkable achievements and dedication have made her a role model for individuals with disabilities worldwide.
Lisa Christina Llorens, OAM, was an Australian Paralympic athlete known for her achievements in high jumping, long jumping, and sprinting. Born on January 17, 1978, in Canberra, Llorens faced unique challenges as an athlete with autism but overcame them to become one of Australia’s most outstanding female athletes with an intellectual disability.
Elena Sviridova, born in 1988, is a Paralympian athlete from Russia. Despite being diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Elena’s determination and love for sports led her to become a successful athlete. She won three gold medals at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London and continued to dominate her field at the World Championships in 2011 and 2015. Elena’s journey is a true inspiration for anyone facing challenges in life.
Ewa Janina K?obukowska, born in Poland in 1946, rose to fame in the 1960s as an exceptional sprinter. She won gold in the 4×100 m relay and bronze in the 100 m sprint at the 1964 Olympics. Despite setting a world record in the 100 m sprint, her career was marred by a controversial gender identification test. However, K?obukowska persevered, excelled in other areas of her life, and made significant contributions to women’s athletics.
Dorothy Hyman, born in Cudworth, West Riding of Yorkshire on May 9, 1941, defied expectations to become a three-time Olympic medalist and an influential figure in women’s athletics. Despite the challenges she faced, including a daily 8-mile journey to reach the nearest training facility, Hyman’s unwavering dedication and determination propelled her to success. Her dominance on the track, which included setting a new world record, solidified her status as one of England’s greatest athletes. Her lasting impact on women’s athletics can still be felt today.
Murielle Ahouré (born 23 August 1987) is an Ivorian sprinter who competes in the 60 meters, 100 m, and 200 m. Ahouré has made a significant impact in the world of athletics, winning medals at various championships and breaking records along the way.
Veronica Campbell Brown CD, born Veronica Campbell on May 15, 1982, is a retired Jamaican track and field sprinter who specialized in the 100 and 200 meters. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female sprinters of all time and has left an indelible mark on the sport.
Sanya Richards-Ross, an Olympic champion and world-class track and field athlete, began her journey in athletics at a young age. After moving to the United States for better opportunities, she excelled in high school and college, leaving a lasting impact on women’s athletics. With numerous accolades and records in the 400-meter sprint, Richards-Ross’s dominance in the sport is unparalleled. Her contributions to relay events and her continued influence as a track and field analyst have solidified her place in women’s history.
Assia El Hannouni, born in Dijon, France, in 1981, is a French track and field athlete who has achieved remarkable success in the Paralympic sports scene. Despite facing the challenges of a severe visual impairment, she has emerged as a Paralympic legend, shattering world records and capturing the hearts of sports enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond her athletic achievements, El Hannouni is also a dedicated student pursuing a degree in journalism, reflecting her commitment to making an impact on and off the track.
Marie-José Pérec, born on 9 May 1968, is a retired French track and field sprinter who made a significant impact on the world of athletics. Specializing in the 200 and 400 meters, Pérec is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and a World Champion in her respective events.
At just 18 years old, Christine Mboma made history by winning a silver medal in the 200 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Not only did she become the first Namibian woman to win a women’s Olympic medal, but she also broke the world under-20 record and African senior record in the process. Mboma’s remarkable journey from a small village in Namibia to the Olympic podium is a testament to her determination and hard work.
Johanna Benson, born in 1990 in Walvis Bay, Namibia, is a Paralympian athlete known for her achievements in the T37 long jump and sprint events. She made history at the 2012 Summer Paralympics by becoming Namibia’s first-ever Paralympic gold medalist in the women’s 200 meters race. Benson’s accomplishments have not only made her a celebrated athlete but also a trailblazer and role model for aspiring athletes in Namibia.
Samia Yusuf Omar, a remarkable sprinter from Somalia, overcame numerous obstacles to pursue her athletic dreams. Born in Mogadishu in 1991, she faced harassment and threats from local militia groups who opposed Muslim women participating in sports. Despite the ongoing conflict and dangers, Omar remained resolute in her training, eventually earning a spot in the 200 meters at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Tragically, she lost her life in 2012 while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea in search of a better life. Her story is one of tremendous bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.
Evelyn Ashford, the American retired track and field athlete, is best known for her speed and achievements in the 100-meter dash. She made her mark at the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning gold medals in both the 100-meter dash and the 4 × 100-meter relay. Ashford’s dedication and talent made her one of the greatest sprinters of her time.
Frentorish “Tori” Bowie was an American track and field athlete who left an indelible mark on the world of athletics during her short but impactful career. Known for her versatility, Bowie competed in the long jump, 100 meters, and 200 meters, achieving remarkable success in each discipline. Her resilience and unwavering determination were inspirational to many young athletes, especially young women aspiring to break barriers and achieve greatness.
Tianna Bartoletta, formerly known as Tianna Madison, is a renowned American track and field athlete. She has achieved remarkable success throughout her career, becoming a two-time Olympian and a three-time gold medalist. Bartoletta’s versatility and exceptional abilities have been showcased in both the long jump and short sprinting events. Her commitment to excellence and dedication to her craft have solidified her legacy as one of the sport’s finest athletes.
Doris “Anita” Neil OLY (born 5 April 1950) is a retired British international sprinter. In 1968, she became the first black British woman Olympian. Eventually, the lack of a coach, insufficient training facilities, and the need to support her family financially forced Neil into early retirement at just 23 years old.
Helen Herring Stephens was an American athlete and double Olympic champion in 1936. Known as the “Fulton Flash,” she was unbeatable in sprint and weight categories. Despite facing tough competition, she emerged victorious in the 100m event, defeating the reigning champion. Stephens also played a crucial role in securing the Olympic title for the American team in the 4x100m relay. After her athletic career, she made history as the owner and manager of her own basketball team. Stephens’ legacy in sports and gender representation is honored in the National Women’s Hall of Fame.
Josie Rachel Pearson MBE, born on January 3, 1986, is a Paralympian wheelchair rugby player and athlete from England. She made history by representing Great Britain in the 2008 Summer Paralympics as the first woman to compete in wheelchair rugby for her country at the Paralympics. Although initially a sprint athlete, Pearson switched to throwing events and qualified for the 2012 Summer Paralympics in both discus and club throw in the F51 class. She went on to achieve a remarkable feat, winning the gold medal in discus and setting a world record distance. Pearson’s inspiring journey is marked by resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication.
Lauryn Williams is an American sprinter and bobsledder who has made a significant impact in the world of athletics. From winning gold medals at the World Championships to becoming a decorated athlete in the Summer Olympics, Williams has displayed exceptional speed and athleticism throughout her career. Her achievements in both track and bobsledding have inspired aspiring athletes, while her versatility and resilience have made her a trailblazer in women’s sports history.
Vonetta Flowers, born in 1973 in Birmingham, Alabama, made history in the 2002 Winter Olympics as the first African American and the first Black athlete from any country to win a gold medal at a Winter Olympics. After a successful athletic career in track and field, she transitioned to bobsledding and made her mark in the sport by winning gold in the two-woman event at the 2002 Games. Flowers’ achievements and contributions to bobsledding cemented her status as a trailblazer.
Susana Rodríguez Gacio, a Spanish doctor, paratriathlete, and sprinter, has defied the odds and become a five-time world champion in paratriathlon and a Paralympic gold medalist. Overcoming the challenges of albinism and a severe visual impairment, Rodríguez has left an indelible mark on the world of sports and medicine, becoming a symbol of triumph over adversity.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is hailed as one of the greatest sprinters of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the world of athletics. With a career spanning over a decade and a half, Fraser-Pryce has achieved unprecedented success in the 100 meters, earning two Olympic gold medals and five World Championships. Her unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication have propelled Jamaican sprinting to new heights and established her as a true icon in the sport.
Elaine Sandra-Lee Thompson-Herah is a Jamaican sprinter and one of the greatest of all time. She has won multiple Olympic gold medals and holds the title of fastest woman alive in the 100 meters. Thompson-Herah has achieved remarkable success in her career, including winning both the 100 meters and 200 meters gold at consecutive Olympics. She is widely regarded as one of the most dominant sprinters in the world.
Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn is a Jamaican politician and former track and field sprinter. She won two silver medals in the 100 meters and 200 meters at the 1992 Olympics. She has also had a successful political career, serving as the Member of Parliament for the St. Andrew West Rural constituency.
Shericka Jackson, OD, born in Jamaica in 1994, is a Jamaican sprinter known for her exceptional speed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters. She achieved the status of the fastest woman alive in the 200 meters and is the only athlete in World Championship history to win medals in the 100, 200, and 400 meters, as well as the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400-meter relays. With her remarkable achievements and barrier-breaking performances, Jackson has left an indelible mark on women’s sports.
Libby Clegg, a Scottish Paralympic sprinter and tandem track cyclist, has overcome her deteriorating eye condition to achieve remarkable success in the world of athletics. Her perseverance and extraordinary achievements have made her an inspiration and symbol of resilience for many.
Tidye Pickett (1914-1986) was the first African-American woman to compete in the Olympic Games. Despite facing racial discrimination and setbacks, she continued to pursue her running career and made history as a trailblazing athlete. After retiring from athletics, Pickett dedicated her life to education and became a schoolteacher, leaving a lasting impact on the community. Her inspiring journey serves as a symbol of perseverance and determination in women’s history.
Susanthika Jayasinghe, born in 1975 in Ethnawala, Sri Lanka, overcame numerous challenges to become one of the most decorated sprinters in Sri Lanka. She made history in the 2000 Olympics, becoming the first Asian woman to win an Olympic or World Championship medal in a sprint event. Her achievements have left an indelible mark on the history of Asian athletics and she continues to inspire future generations in Sri Lanka and across Asia.
Wilma Rudolph, an American sprinter, overcame childhood polio to become an Olympic champion and an international sports icon. Her determination and willpower propelled her to win three gold medals at the 1960 Summer Olympics, making her the first American woman to achieve this feat. Rudolph’s remarkable achievements inspired future generations of athletes, breaking down racial and gender barriers along the way. She passed away in 1994, leaving behind a lasting legacy in civil rights and women’s rights.
Irina Anatolyevna Privalova was a dominant force in women’s athletics in the 1990s and early 2000s. She achieved numerous accolades throughout her career, including Olympic medals in sprint events and a gold medal in the 400m hurdles discipline. Privalova also holds several world records in indoor sprints and has made significant contributions to the sport off the track. Her blazing speed, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is an American hurdler and sprinter who has left an indelible mark on the world of track and field. With her exceptional speed and hurdling prowess, she has become one of the greatest athletes in the history of women’s athletics. From a young age, McLaughlin showed incredible talent and dedication, and she has since shattered records and redefined what is possible in her event. Her impact extends beyond her athletic achievements, inspiring others to chase their dreams and break down barriers.
Allyson Felix OLY, born in 1985 in Los Angeles, California, is a retired American track and field athlete who achieved remarkable success in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 400 meters events. Known for her speed and versatility, Felix earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including Olympic gold medals and world championships. She also holds the distinction of being the most decorated woman in Olympic track and field history and the most decorated American track and field athlete in Olympic history. Off the track, Felix has been an advocate for gender equality and fair treatment of athletes.
Valerie Ann Brisco-Hooks, born in Greenwood, Mississippi in 1960, is an athlete who left an indelible mark on Olympic history. She became the first Olympian to win gold medals in both the 200- and 400-meter races at a single Olympics, earning her a place among the legends of track and field. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport have made her an inspiration for future generations of athletes.
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.
Marlou van Rhijn is a retired professional Dutch former professional sprint runner. Throughout her career, she overcame the obstacles of being born without lower legs to become a world record holder in the T43 class for the 100 and 200-meter events. Her determination and tenacity have made her an inspiration to many.
Fathia Ali Bouraleh, born in 1987 in Djibouti, is a renowned track and field sprint athlete. Her inspiring journey to becoming an international athlete is a testament to her determination, resilience, and ability to overcome societal obstacles. Today, she continues to make a profound impact in the world of athletics, coaching and empowering young female athletes through organizations like Girls Run 2. Fathia’s unwavering spirit and commitment to breaking down barriers make her an inspiration to women everywhere.
Omara Durand Elías, the visually impaired Cuban sprinter, has conquered numerous obstacles to become a celebrated athlete in para athletics. With impressive achievements and unwavering determination, she serves as an inspiration to many. From winning gold at the 2012 Summer Paralympics to setting a world record at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Durand has solidified her status as one of the greatest para sprinters of all time. Her journey symbolizes the power of perseverance and the belief that anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
Kadeena Cox OBE is a parasport athlete and British television presenter. She has achieved remarkable success in both T38 para-athletics sprint events and C4 para-cycling, earning world titles and winning medals at the Paralympic Games. Cox made her mark on the international stage in 2015, claiming the world title in the T37 100m event. She showcased her versatility by securing the gold medal in the C4 500m time trial at the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in 2016. Cox’s pinnacle moment came at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, where she won a bronze medal in the Women’s 100m T38 sprint and gold medals in the Women’s C4-5 cycling time trial and T38 400m sprint. With these achievements, she became the first British Paralympian to win gold medals in multiple sports at the same Games since 1984. Beyond sports, Cox has also made appearances on TV shows like “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”
Christine Ijeoma Ohuruogu, MBE, was born on May 17, 1984, in Newham, east London, to Igbo Nigerian parents. Growing up in Stratford, she discovered her passion for athletics at an early age. Ohuruogu competed for Newham in the London Youth Games, participating in netball and athletics. Her exceptional athleticism and dedication led her to be inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame in 2009.
Marlene van Gansewinkel (born 11 March 1995) is a Dutch Paralympic athlete known for her outstanding performances in sprinting and long jump events. She has achieved remarkable success throughout her career, winning multiple medals at various prestigious competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships.
Fleur Jong is a Dutch Paralympic athlete who has overcome immense challenges to become a world-record holder and a symbol of resilience and determination. Her journey as an athlete is a testament to the power of resilience and determination, redefining the boundaries of her discipline. Through her incredible story, Jong continues to inspire individuals worldwide and shape the landscape of women’s history in sports.
Marie-Amélie Le Fur, a French Paralympic athlete born in 1988, overcame a life-altering amputation of her left leg to become a renowned T44 sprinter and F44 long jumper. Her indomitable spirit and exceptional talent led her to win numerous medals at the Paralympic Games, setting world records along the way. Le Fur’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
Irena Szewińska was a trailblazing Polish sprinter who left an indelible mark in the world of athletics. With an impressive career spanning nearly two decades, she held world records in the 100 m, 200 m, and 400 m, a feat unmatched by any other athlete. Szewińska’s versatility, dominance, and determination continue to inspire future generations of female athletes.
Vanessa Low OAM is a German-born Australian Paralympic athlete who overcame a life-altering accident to achieve remarkable success in sprint and long jump events. Despite losing both legs, Vanessa’s indomitable spirit and resilience propelled her to the international stage where she represented Germany and later Australia. Her achievements include gold and silver medals at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and a gold medal and world record at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Vanessa’s extraordinary journey has made her an iconic figure in women’s history and athletics.