This is the place to go if you are looking for a role model. We've already talked about Michelle Kwan, Ronda Rusey, Serena Williams and others, but there's more to these famous female athletes. Learn more about these four inspirational women by reading on. Learn about their journeys and the struggles they faced. You'll also learn the importance of teamwork.
Serena Williams
Serena Jameka Williams - a well-known American professional tennis athlete. For 319 weeks, she held the number one spot in singles tennis. She also held that position for 186 consecutive weeks. In five of those years, she was the year-end number one. 1. This record is unheard of. In addition to her dominance in tennis, Williams has also won the Olympic gold medal and the World Paralympic silver medal. Williams is not only an extraordinary athlete, but she's also a role model.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey is an American mixed martial artist and UFC women's bantamweight champion. She was the UFC's first woman member, and she won 2012's inaugural Bantamweight Championship. She had previously competed in judo, where she won an Olympic bronze medal. Rousey was awarded the ESPY award 2015 as "Best Female Olympic Athlete of All Time" Rousey is also an endorse athlete having fought for Reebok and Buffalo Jeans as well as Pantene haircare products.
Brandi Chastain
Brandi Chastain, if you are familiar with women's hockey, is probably someone you have heard of. In the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final, she scored the game-winning penalty shootout goals for the USA against China. The world of women’s soccer was forever changed by her famous goal. This famous athlete talked to 2aDays on her mental health and the recruiting process.
Michelle Kwan
In 1996, the United States figure skating team was established. Kwan qualified for the team, but was later forced to withdraw with injury. Kwan was later able to qualify for the 2006 Olympics in Turin. However, she pulled out due to injury and didn't compete. Kwan returned to school and earned a master’s degree at Tufts University in 2007. Kwan is a champion for the environment and sports.
Ann Meyers Drysdale
Former basketball player Ann Meyers Drysdale has become one of the most well-known women in sports history. Born in San Diego at 5'9", she was a pioneer of the sport. Even though she retired from the game in 1993, her legacy is still being felt 35 years later. Today, she is a vice President of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury and a color analysis for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
Janet Evans
Janet Evans was the first American woman ever to win four individual Olympic medals. She was a top female freestyle swimmer, winning three gold medals in Seoul Olympic Games during the 1980s. She was the first woman in history to break the 16-minute mark in the 1,500 metre freestyle. Her time would have earned her a gold medal in the men's event at the 1968 Olympics. In 1989, she was awarded the Sullivan Award for being a top amateur athlete.