If you're looking for a female role model, you've come to the right place. While we have already discussed Michelle Kwan, Ronda Rodey, and Serena Williams in this article, there is much more to female athletes. Learn more about these four inspirational women by reading on. Find out more about the difficulties they have encountered along the way. You'll also learn the importance of teamwork.
Serena Williams
Serena Jameka Williams is a famous American professional tennis player. She has held the world number one ranking in singles tennis for 319 weeks, including 186 consecutive weeks. Five of those years she finished year-end no. 1. This record is unprecedented. Williams' dominance in tennis is not only remarkable. She also won the Olympic silver medal and the World Paralympic gold medal. Williams is a great role model for others, and she has numerous achievements.
Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey (American mixed martial artist) is the UFC women’s bantamweight champion. She was the first woman to join the UFC, and she won the inaugural Bantamweight Championship in 2012. In her earlier years of her career, Rousey had won an Olympic bronze in Judo. Rousey won the ESPY award in 2015 as the "Best Female athlete of all time". Reebok has endorsed Rousey, as she fought for Pantene and Buffalo Jeans hair care products.
Brandi Chastain
Brandi Chastain is a well-known name in women's soccer. She scored the game-winning penalty shootout goal for the USA against China in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup final. The world of women’s soccer was forever changed by her famous goal. This well-known athlete spoke with 2aDays about mental health, recruiting, and her life in general.
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. She was then qualified to compete in the 2006 Olympics. Kwan returned to school in 2007 and later went on to earn a master's degree from Tufts University. Kwan has been an ambassador for sports, the environment, and other causes.
Ann Meyers Drysdale
Ann Meyers Drysdale was a former basketball star who is now one of the most popular women in sports. 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
The first American woman to win four individual Olympic gold medals, Janet Evans started swimming at an early age and set several world records. She was the best female distance swimmer in the 1980s and 90s and won three medals at Seoul Olympic Games. She was the first woman in history to break the 16-minute mark in the 1,500 metre freestyle. Her time would've earned her a silver medal in men's competition at the 1968 Olympics. She was a top amateur runner and won the Sullivan Award in 1989.