The Olympic Games in Paris comes to an end and this is a tribute to some of the women who changed the face of sports and empowered and inspired so many more.
I'm obsessed with the Olympic Games! I wanted to be an Artistic Gymnast, but I ended up in Ballet instead because I was too tall. Until today, I watch it mesmerised every competition I can during the games and get absolutely amazed by extraordinary talent, specially from the women that have risen to the occasion, leaving their mark, whether for political reasons, whether for absolute greatness.
These trailblazing athletes not only broke records but also shattered gender barriers, inspiring millions along the way. Here are some of many of the most important women in Olympic history:
Nadia Comaneci
The perfect Nadia! In 1976, this 14-year-old Romanian artistic gymnast stunned the world by scoring the first perfect 10 in Olympic history. She was flawless and her routines revolutionised gymnastics, setting a new standard for excellence. I grew up hearing the name Nadia Comaneci!
Allyson Felix
This woman is a legend. Semi-God. World Record Breaker. Olympic Champion. Mother. Felix smashed a world record held by the man himself, Usain's Bolt, and she did it just 10 months after giving birth. C'mon, people! And she did it after being penalised by Nike for being pregnant. LEGEND!
Simone Biles
With 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, her list of achievements is unparalleled. Biles' incredible power, precision, and innovative routines have pushed the boundaries of gymnastics, inspiring a new generation of athletes, and making a stand for the black community. The greatest gymnasts of all time has name: Simone Biles!
Serena Williams
I love Serena, and I started to watch Tennis because of her! An icon, a goddess, not only within the court, but outside as well. She wore a catsuit upon returning to Grand Slam tennis going against the new dress code. I say: legend!
Marit Bjørgen
This woman is Norwegian cross-country skiing idol that became the most decorated Winter Olympian of all time, with an incredible collection of 15 medals to her name. Eight of them are golds! Simply the best.
Terezinha Guilhermina
This Brazilian is the world’s fastest fully blind sprinter and won 200m T11 gold at the last two Paralympic Games, holds the world record in the category and is a living legend.
Yusra Mardini
I couldn't finish this article without her name. Yusra Mardini is a human rights fighter and at the age of only twenty years old, this Syrian refugee and swimmer became a legend in Rio 2016 Games just one year after helping a sinking boat carrying refugees in the Mediterranean to safety. Watch her movie here.
As women we have to face so much, from losing sponsors due to pregnancy to fighting prejudice, wage and gender inequalities and yet, succeeding more than imagined. These are remarkable women that have not only achieved greatness in their respective sports but have also broken down barriers and inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps.
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