From inappropriate commentary from the media to not being treated as equals, women athletes must overcome several obstacles. We rounded up a list of some of the best female athletes; women who have beat the odds and proved their strength both inside and out. It’s important to showcase their stories as a reminder that we all need to keep moving forward despite the challenges we face.

Bethany Hamilton

Since I was a young girl, the story of surfer Bethany Hamilton has continuously inspired me. At thirteen years old, Hamilton survived a shark attack, losing her left arm. Instead of letting this experience define the rest of her life, Hamilton slowly learned to get back on the board. Her story is best known through Soul Surfer, an inspiring autobiography and movie made about her journey.

Danica Patrick

I first heard Danica Patrick’s story on the Ellen DeGeneres Show when she inspired a young race car driver. She entered the male-dominated world of professional motorsports, being the first women to win several titles and break several records. Her courage and ability to break barriers has truly paved the way for others, showing young girls that anything is possible.

Wilma Rudolph

Despite being diagnosed by polio and wearing a brace on her left leg, Wilma Rudolph worked hard and achieved her dreams. She is best known as the first American women to win three gold medals in track and field during a single Olympic games. Her hard work and passion for her sport is truly inspiring.

Dara Torres

Another Olympic athlete who is truly a shero is Olympic Swimmer Dara Torres. At the age of 41, she became the oldest swimmer to ever compete in the Olympic games. Her top-selling memoir, “Age Is Just A Number: Achieve Your Dreams at Any Stage in Your Life” hit shelves in 2009, inspiring women all around the world to chase their dreams and break barriers no matter what their age.

Billie Jean King

Last, but definitely not least, is Billie Jean King. She is the founder of both the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation. What she is most known for, though, is her participation in the tennis match that is historically known as “The Battle of the Sexes.” By winning this match, King proved that women are just as athletic as men.

Despite the discrimination and adversities these women faced, they continued to move forward and break barriers. They are all a wonderful reminder that with hard work, anything is possible.

Cover image courtesy of Getty Images. 

By Sanah Jivani on September 6, 2016
Sanah is a honors college student at the University of Texas at San Antonio who is double majoring in Sociology and Communications. She is the founder of a non-profit organization called The Love Your Natural Self Foundation, which works to help individuals build confidence. Her biggest dream is to make a difference in the world through her organization and her writing.