The Olympic Games have always been a stage for athletes to showcase their skills, determination, and dreams. Over the years, female athletes have increasingly stepped into the spotlight, breaking records, pushing boundaries, and inspiring millions around the world. As the next Olympic Games approach, several women are ready to make history. From record-breaking performances to unforgettable achievements, these athletes are on track to leave their mark on the Games and the world of sports.
The Growing Influence of Female Athletes
The first female athletes competed in the Olympics in 1900, with just 22 women taking part in five events. Since then, women’s participation in the Games has expanded dramatically, with women now competing in nearly every sport. Female athletes have not only earned their place in the Olympics but have transformed the Games into a more inclusive and exciting spectacle. Today, they’re not just participating—they’re leading the charge, breaking records, and making history.
Looking ahead to the upcoming Olympics, a new wave of female athletes is set to shine. These women have already proven themselves on the world stage, and many are poised to break new records and achieve the unimaginable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the female athletes who are on the brink of making history at the next Olympic Games.
1. Simone Biles (USA) – Gymnastics
Simone Biles is already one of the greatest gymnasts the world has ever seen, with seven Olympic medals to her name, including four golds. But the best might still be yet to come. Biles continues to push the limits of gymnastics, performing moves so difficult that they’ve been named after her. If she competes in the 2024 Olympics, she could break even more records and continue to re-define what’s possible in the sport. There’s no doubt that her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time is still growing.
2. Elaine Thompson-Herah (Jamaica) – Track and Field
Elaine Thompson-Herah has made a name for herself as one of the fastest sprinters in the world. She took home two gold medals in the 100m and 200m at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, cementing her place in track and field history. Thompson-Herah’s blistering speed has made her a major contender for world and Olympic records. Her time of 10.54 seconds in the 100m is one of the fastest ever run by a woman, and the upcoming 2024 Olympics could be the stage where she shatters the world record of 10.49 seconds, further securing her place as one of the sport’s greatest.
3. Katie Ledecky (USA) – Swimming
Katie Ledecky has already made a name for herself as one of the greatest swimmers of all time, with seven Olympic gold medals and three silver ones. Her dominance in the 800m and 1500m freestyle is unmatched, and she continues to break world records regularly. At the 2024 Olympics, Ledecky could add even more titles to her collection. She holds the current world record in both the 800m and 1500m freestyle, and with her incredible endurance and determination, she could break more records while defending her titles. As one of the most consistent and skilled swimmers in history, Ledecky’s legacy is far from over.
4. Serena Williams (USA) – Tennis
Serena Williams is already a legend in tennis. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, Williams holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era. Her fierce competitiveness, incredible athleticism, and ability to rise to the occasion have made her one of the greatest athletes of all time. Although she has already secured Olympic gold in both singles and doubles, there’s a chance that she could win another medal in 2024. If Williams does decide to compete, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics would further cement her already legendary status in the sport.
5. Chloe Kim (USA) – Snowboarding
Chloe Kim made history at the 2018 Winter Olympics when she won the gold medal in women’s halfpipe snowboarding at just 17 years old. Since then, she has continued to dominate the sport. As one of the most talented and innovative snowboarders in the world, Kim could further solidify her legacy with another gold medal at the 2024 Winter Olympics. With her fearless approach and ability to execute difficult tricks, Kim could break more records and inspire the next generation of athletes in the sport.
6. Allyson Felix (USA) – Track and Field
Allyson Felix is one of the most decorated sprinters in Olympic history, with 11 Olympic medals (seven gold) to her name. Her achievements in the 200m, 400m, and relays have made her an iconic figure in the sport. Felix has defied age and injury to remain one of the top sprinters in the world, and she’s determined to compete at the 2024 Olympics. If she earns another gold medal in Paris, it will be another chapter in her remarkable career. Felix is not only known for her athleticism but also for advocating for women’s rights in sports, making her legacy even more powerful.
7. Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – Track and Field
Sifan Hassan has cemented her status as one of the most adaptable and skilled distance runners in recent years. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning three medals: gold in the 5000m, silver in the 1500m, and bronze in the 10,000m. Her ability to perform across multiple events makes her a standout in the world of athletics. With the 2024 Olympics on the horizon, Hassan is poised to challenge records in the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m. Already recognized as one of the top long-distance runners globally, her endurance and versatility make her a strong contender for further Olympic success.
8. Lindsey Vonn (USA) – Alpine Skiing
Lindsey Vonn is widely regarded as one of the greatest female alpine skiers of all time. With 82 World Cup victories and four World Cup titles, not to mention a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vonn’s career is legendary. Although she retired from competitive skiing in 2019, her legacy continues to influence the sport. If she decides to make a return for the 2024 Winter Olympics, it would be a thrilling narrative in the skiing world. Vonn has the potential to break her own records and add another Olympic medal to her already illustrious career.