A ranked list of the greatest black female athletes to ever exist

Both men and women have controlled the world of sports. However, female athletes have advanced significantly, enthralling spectators worldwide with remarkable skills, tenacity, and accomplishments. Recognizing the ground-breaking achievements of some of the well-known black female athletes in history who opened the path for later generations is crucial.

Black female athletes such as Martina Navratilova, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Billie Jean King have established a long legacy that inspires athletes today. The brave deeds of these athletes on and off the playing field contributed to the gradual advancement of societal change in the struggle against racism and, subsequently, racial prejudice worldwide.

Top 10 greatest black female athletes of all time

Black female athletes have achieved greatness in their sports throughout history, broken down boundaries, questioned societal conventions, and made a lasting impression on the sports industry. After in-depth analysis, Sports Brief compiled a list detailing some of the greatest black female athletes who made history, in no particular order.

10. Dina Asher-Smith

Among the greatest British black female athletes is Dina Asher-Smith, who holds the record as the fastest British woman in history. She has numerous medals, ranging from the 200-metre World Champion to Olympic bronze and gold at the Commonwealth Games.

In July 2015, she became the first British woman to officially run the 100 metres in under 11 seconds, cementing her place as one of history's greatest black female athletes.

9. Nicola Adams

Nicola Adams is one of the most treasured and most famous black female athletes in the UK. She rose to the world stage as the first female boxer to become an Olympic Champion and a gold medallist during the Rio 2016 competitions.

8. Denise Lewis

Denise Lewis went down in history as the first European to win an Olympic heptathlon and has continued to smash records ever since. She is best known as a commentator who won gold at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Lewis was a 2-time Commonwealth Games champion, a European Champion, and a World Championship silver medallist. She briefly held the British record for heptathlon points until being surpassed by Jessica Ennis-Hill and Katarina Johnson-Thompson, respectively.

7. Wilma Rudolph

American track and field athlete Wilma Rudolph overcame tremendous difficulties to become one of the greatest sports heroes ever. Her journey started in Clarksville, Tennessee, where she dealt with several health issues, such as polio as a youngster that left her legs weak.

As the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics, Wilma debuted on the world stage during the 1960 Rome Olympics.

6. Gabby Douglas

Gabby Douglas is one of the most beautiful black female athletes to ever walk on the Olympic stage. She made history by being the first African American to win the Olympic individual championship in London in 2012.

The renowned star has three Olympic gold medals, two World Championship gold medals, and one World Championship silver medal.

5. Cynthia Cooper

As the inaugural MVP of the WNBA, Cynthia Cooper is currently inducted into the Women's Basketball and Naismith Hall of Fame. At the University of Southern California, Cooper captured two national titles. He went on to compete professionally from 1986 until 2003.

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4. Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo)

Griffith, better known as Flo-Jo, was among the most beautiful black female athletes during her time. She became a renowned personality in the world of track and field. Her blazing speed and flashy manner helped her become a notable sportswoman in the 1980s.

Flo-Jo's career peaked in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, when she won three gold medals and broke world marks in the 100 and 200 metres, which still hold today. Her career was cruelly cut short by her untimely death in 1998.

3. Althea Gibson

Racial barriers in tennis were broken by Althea, an African American tennis player who blazed a route. She became the first African American to win a Grand Slam championship in 1956 when she won the French Open.

She achieved even more success, taking home the US Nationals (now the US Open) and Wimbledon in 1957 and 1958. Gibson is frequently named one of the greatest black female tennis players of all time.

2. Simone Biles

The famed American athlete is considered one of history's best gymnasts. Biles has won multiple World Championship and Olympic medals, demonstrating her domination on the vault, floor exercise, and balancing beam.

Her ability to perform gravity-defying routines accurately and creatively has captivated viewers worldwide, cementing her legacy as a gymnastics star. She is one of the most famous black female athletes in 2024.

1. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is a renowned tennis player recognized for her unparalleled success and dominance. She holds the Open Era record for the most Grand Slam singles championships, totalling 23.

Serena's incredible career has spanned more than two decades, and her influence extends beyond tennis, as she has inspired young players worldwide. She has gone down in history as one of the greatest black female athletes of all time.

Who are the best black female Canadian athletes?

By excelling in their sport, Canadian black female athletes have frequently changed negative perceptions about visible minorities. Here are some of the most famous Canadian black female athletes in no particular order.

Who are the best black female social activists?

Black female athlete activists have come a long way in creating awareness about racism, and their names will be permanently recorded in historical records. Here are some of the most famous black female athlete activists.

Frequently asked questions

These talented female athletes were not just outstanding in their sports. They have become role models and symbols for the next generation of athletes and the world. Here are some frequently asked questions about them.

1. Who is the most famous black female athlete in 2024?

With 19 votes in 2023, Simone Biles is the most famous black female athlete in 2024.

2. Who is the best black female runner?

After shattering the world record in the 100- and 200-yard races at the Olympics in Seoul, Joyner gained notoriety as the fastest woman in the world.

3. Who is the most successful female Olympian of all time?

Larisa Latynina and Polina Astakhova are the most successful female Olympians of all time, with a record of 18 medals.

4. Who was the first Black woman athlete of the year?

When the Associated Press voted for her that year, Gibson became the first African American to win Female Athlete of the Year; she repeated as the winner the following year.

5. Who is the first female athlete in the world?

The first female athlete in the world was Hélène de Pourtalès from Switzerland, who competed with a mixed sailing crew to win a gold medal.

Final word

These remarkable black female athletes have a much greater impact than just their athletic accomplishments. Their unmatched brilliance, bravery, and activism have made them icons of societal transformation, optimism, and tenacity. Their legacies provide a continual reminder that athletics can inspire millions of people, break down barriers, and build a more just and inclusive society.

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