Champions and Role Models: Celebrating the Legacy of Five All-Time Great Women Athletes

World Athletics Day is celebrated annually on the 7th of May to promote and encourage the participation of youth in athletics. World Athletics Day was founded by Primo Nebiolo, the former President of the worldwide athletic federation IAAF, to educate and promote athletics among youth as a primary sport. The day was first celebrated in 1996 and has since become a global event that is celebrated in over 160 countries. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) organizes and promotes the event every year, with the aim of inspiring young people to take up athletics and enjoy the many benefits it offers.

Athletics is not just a sport, but it is also a means of building a better world. By participating in athletics, young people can develop important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. They also learn to appreciate the importance of health and fitness and develop a sense of community spirit.

The celebration of World Athletics Day involves a variety of activities such as races, fun runs, relays, and other athletics events. Schools, sports clubs, and communities are encouraged to organize events that promote and encourage participation in athletics. These events are not just limited to young people, but also to people of all ages, genders, and abilities.

World Athletics Day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity of athletics. It is a chance to highlight the achievements of athletes from different backgrounds and cultures and to promote the importance of equal opportunities in sports. Athletics has the power to bring people together and to break down barriers. It is a sport that transcends language, culture, and geography.

SheSight lists five all-time great women athletes who have set the standard for excellence and could be great role models for today’s young women.

Serena Williams

Serena Williams is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 doubles titles to her name. She has won four Olympic gold medals and was named the Women’s Tennis Association Player of the Year eight times. She is a great role model for young women as she has consistently shown determination, resilience, and grit in the face of adversity, all while breaking down barriers and advocating for equal pay and opportunities for women in sports.

Simone Biles

Simone Biles is a record-breaking gymnast who has won 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history. She is known for her incredible strength, agility, and precision, as well as her advocacy for mental health and body positivity. She shows that dedication and hard work can help one achieve their dreams and that it is important to prioritize mental health and self-care.

Babe Didrikson Zaharias

Babe Didrikson Zaharias was a multi-sport athlete who excelled in basketball, golf, and track and field. She won two gold medals and one silver medal at the 1932 Olympics and went on to become a professional golfer, winning 10 major championships. She was known for her bold and daring personality and for breaking down barriers for women in sports. She is a great role model for young women as she showed that it is possible to excel in multiple sports and that confidence and determination can help one overcome obstacles.

Wilma Rudolph

Wilma Rudolph was a track and field athlete who overcame polio as a child to become a three-time Olympic gold medalist. She broke world records in the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash and was known for her grace, speed, and determination. She is a great role model for young women as she showed that it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness, even in the face of adversity.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Image Source: ESPN

Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a retired track and field athlete who won six Olympic medals, including three gold medals. She was known for her exceptional athleticism, setting world records in the heptathlon and the long jump. With her outstanding performance in various events, she has demonstrated that it’s achievable to excel in multiple areas and that determination and perseverance can result in remarkable accomplishments, making her an admirable role model for young women.

Staff Writer