Interest and investment in women's sports have been on the rise.Stars like A'ja Wilson and Ilona Maher are inspiring younger generations of female athletes.Katie Ledecky is the most decorated American woman in Olympic history, with 14 medals.Women are dominating the world's largest athletic stages.At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Katie Ledecky brought her total medal count to a record 14, Ilona Maher helped lead the US Women's Rugby Team to its first-ever Olympic medal, and Simone Biles became the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history.And now, women's sports are continuing to reach unprecedented heights: A'ja Wilson was named WNBA MVP for the third time in her career, the Professional Women's Hockey League is breaking attendance records in its sophomore season, and the National Women's Soccer League just kicked off its 13th season with plans to expand.Recent breakthroughs in visibility, pay, and societal attitudes have helped usher female athletes and their organizations closer to the mainstream, with Deloitte predicting that women's sports would surpass $1 billion in revenue for the first time in 2024.But what we're seeing now is the result of decades of hard work by pioneering women in sports who fought to foster inclusive environments for women regardless of their race, sexuality, or socioeconomic status.From Althea Gibson breaking the color barrier in not just one but two sports to Megan Rapinoe leading the fight for pay equality, here are 50 legendary female athletes who've helped change the world of women's sports for the better, ushering in future generations of young girls who can see their futures clearer than ever before.Simone BilesBiles is widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time. Jamie Squire/Staff/Getty Images In 2016, American gymnast Simone Biles competed in her first Olympics, winning the individual all-around, team all-around, vault, floor, and balance beam gold medals.She famously struggled with "the twisties" a phenomenon that throws off a gymnast's balance during the Tokyo Olympics and catalyzed a larger conversation around self-advocacy and mental health in athletics. Despite the struggle, Biles still walked away from the competition with a silver medal in the team all-around competition and a bronze on the balance beam.In Paris, Biles reminded everyone why she's the greatest gymnast of all time, as she became the first American woman to win gold in the Olympic individual all-around competition twice. She also brought home gold medals for the team all-around and vault, as well as a silver medal on the floor.In addition to the Olympics, Biles is a six-time World all-around champion, with three consecutive victories from 2013-15, then in 2018, 2019, and 2023.With 11 Olympic and 30 World Championships medals, she is the most decorated gymnast in history.Sunisa 'Suni' LeeLee is the first Hmong-American to win the Olympic gymnastics all-around title. Naomi Baker/Staff/Getty Images Biles' two-time Olympic teammate, Sunisa "Suni" Lee, also made history as the first Hmong-American to win the Olympic all-around title in Tokyo when she was just 18 years old.That same Olympics, Lee brought home a silver medal in the team all-around competition and a bronze medal on the uneven bars.After Tokyo, she continued her gymnastics career at Auburn University. However, she was forced to stop training in the spring of 2023 as a result of two kidney diseases.She was able to navigate her diagnoses to return to the sport at the highest level for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where she finished with a bronze medal on the uneven bars, a gold medal in the team all-around final, and another bronze in the individual all-around competition to bring her total medal count to six, making her tied with Aly Raisman for third-most career medals by a female Olympic gymnast.Katie LedeckyKatie Ledecky won four medals in Paris to become the most decorated American woman in Olympic history. Kristy Sparow/Stringer/Getty Images American swimmer Katie Ledecky has won nine Olympic gold medals and 21 world championship gold medals, both of which are records among female swimmers. She currently holds the world record in women's 800-meter and 1,500-meter freestyle short- and long-course races.Ledecky made her international debut at the 2012 Olympics in London at 15 years old and surprised everyone when she won the gold medal in women's 800-meter freestyle, becoming the youngest ever to win.Four years later, she finished the 2016 Olympics with four gold medals, one silver medal, and two world records. In 2020, she added two more golds and two silvers at the Tokyo Olympics; and in 2024, she completed her run in Paris by adding four more medals to her count, for a total of 14 Olympic medals the most of any American woman.She has broken more than a dozen world records throughout her career and is widely considered one of the most dominant swimmers alive.Wilma RudolphWilma Rudolph was the fastest woman in the world at the 1960 Olympics. RDB/Dukas/Contributor/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Sprinter Wilma Rudolph was the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics. She overcame the loss of strength in her left leg and foot, caused by polio at 5 years old, to become the fastest woman in the world at the 1960 Olympics. She held the records for the 100 meters at 11.2 seconds and 200 meters at 22.9 seconds.Because of worldwide television coverage throughout the 1960 Olympics, Rudolph gained international recognition and became an iconic figure for Black and female athletes.During the peak of the civil rights movement, Rudolph was a trailblazer for the rights of Black women. She broke the gender barrier of all-male events in track and field, and her legacy lives on today.Billie Jean KingBillie Jean King is the former No. 1 tennis player in the world and a longtime advocate of equal pay and LGBTQ+ rights. Bettmann/Contributor/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Former World No. 1 professional tennis player Billie Jean King is regarded as one of the greatest women's tennis players of all time. She won 39 Grand Slam titles: 12 in singles, 16 in women's doubles, and 11 in mixed doubles.King is an advocate for gender equality and social justice. She campaigned for equal pay when the Open Era began in 1968 and became the first female athlete to earn over $100,000 in prize money in 1971. Two years later, she beat tennis superstar Bobby Riggs in "The Battle of the Sexes" and helped found the Women's Tennis Association, both of which contributed to her legacy of making tennis among the most equitable professional sports on the planet.Her fight for equity in sports has continued ever since. Today, King remains a primary advocate for women as the founder of the Women's Sports Foundation.She's also a firm proponent of LGBTQ+ equality. In 1981, she was outed as having been in a long-term relationship with a woman. King and Ilana Kloss, her partner of 40+ years, got married in 2018.Lindsey VonnLindsey Vonn is one of the greatest skiers of all time. Hans Bezard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images Lindsey Vonn won three consecutive titles at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup from 2008 to 2010 and another in 2012. She was also the first American woman to win a gold medal in the downhill, which she did at the 2010 Winter Olympics.Vonn won her 20th World Cup crystal globe title in 2016 to surpass Ingemar Stenmark for the overall record for men or women. She is also one of six women to win a World Cup race in all five disciplines of alpine skiing.With three Olympic medals, four World Cup titles, 82 World Cup victories, and two World Championship gold medals to her name, Vonn is widely considered one of the greatest skiers of all time.After missing parts of several seasons as a result of injuries, Vonn ultimately opted to retire from the sport in 2019.Aly RaismanAly Raisman is the third-most decorated American gymnast and a strong advocate for survivors of sexual abuse. Alex Livesey/Getty Images Aly Raisman is a two-time Olympic gymnast. In 2012, she won the team gold medal, floor gold medal, and bronze medal on balance beam with Team USA. She took home the individual all-around silver medal and floor silver medal in 2016, as well as another team gold medal to become the third-most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history.As accomplished as she is in the gym, Raisman may be even better known for her work in the fight to end sexual abuse. She was among hundreds of gymnasts who came forward to speak out against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.Since Nassar's trial, during which she delivered a blistering speech, she has used her platform to focus on fixing USA Gymnastics and fighting for justice for all victims of sexual abuse.Alex MorganTwo-time World Cup champion Alex Morgan was a key figure in the USWNT's fight for equal pay. Kaelin Mendez/Stringer/Getty Images Alex Morgan is a United States Women's Soccer Team legend who won her second consecutive FIFA World Cup championship in 2019. She made her World Cup debut in 2011, where the team won silver.In 2012, Morgan recorded 28 goals and 21 assists to become the second American woman to score 20 goals and 20 assists in the same calendar year, alongside Mia Hamm. She was also the sixth and youngest US player to score 20 goals in a single year.Throughout her national team career, Morgan accumulated more than 200 caps and 120 goals. She was also one of the first women's soccer players to appear on the cover of a FIFA video game.Off the field, she was crucial to the USWNT's successful fight for equal pay, which involved a lengthy lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation. She was also instrumental in the National Women's Soccer League's reckoning over pervasive emotional, mental, and sexual abuse.Morgan announced her retirement from the sport in September 2024.Gymnast Nastia Liukin won five medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.Gymnast Nastia Liukin won five medals at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Al Powers/Invision for the Television Academy/AP Images Nastia Liukin was a pivotal member of the US gymnastics team during three World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. She won the 2008 Olympic all-around, as well as five Olympic medals, which tied the record for most medals won by an American gymnast in a single non-boycotted Olympic Games. (Simone Biles later tied the record.)A four-time all-around US national champion, Liukin's strongest events were the uneven bars and balance beam. She attempted a comeback in 2011 with hopes of making the 2012 Olympic team, but fell several times during the Olympic Trials and retired in 2012.Since then, she has worked as a gymnastics analyst for NBC Sports. She also hosts an annual Nastia Liukin Cup to support the growth of gymnastics.Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the best female tennis players ever.Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the best female tennis players ever. SAEED KHAN/Staff/AFP via Getty Images Serena Williams is widely regarded as the best female tennis player of the Open Era. She is tied for the third-most Grand Slam titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles on the all-time list and is second in the Open Era.Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles are also a record for the most tournament wins in the Open Era and just one shy of Margaret Court's all-time record.She and her sister, fellow tennis legend Venus Williams, are considered pioneers of a new era for women in tennis that focuses on power. And throughout her career, she was often among the only women on the list of the world's highest-paid athletes, according to Forbes.In 2022, Williams announced her retirement from tennis, playing her final match in the third round of that year's US Open.Off the court, Williams has been outspoken about the state of Black maternal healthcare, sharing her own near-death experience after giving birth to her first daughter in 2017.She's also been building her portfolio in venture capital; in an email to Business Insider in 2023, Williams wrote, "Coming from a sports background and a sport that was an individual one, I've developed a habit of trusting my gut. So when it came to venture and founders, it wasn't hard to apply it. I also know what it looks like to be incredibly talented and not given the exposure because of the color of your skin. It's another reason I love investing to close that gap."Danica PatrickIn 2008, Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race. Chuck Burton/AP Danica Patrick is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. She accomplished multiple firsts for women in the sport, including being the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race at the 2008 Indy Japan 300.Patrick also had the highest finish by a woman in the Indianapolis 500 (third) and Daytona 500 (eighth). She did not endure as much success as many expected, but she had an undeniable impact on the sport.In a predominantly male industry, Patrick is often credited for inspiring more women to take part in auto racing and motorsports.Ronda RouseyRonda Rousey was the first American woman to win an Olympic medal for judo. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images Ronda Rousey is a retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. She is considered to be one of the greatest female athletes as the only woman to win both a UFC and WWE championship. She is also one of the only women to headline a pay-per-view event.At the 2008 Olympics, Rousey won a bronze medal in judo, becoming the first American woman ever to do so. She took part in the first UFC women's fight, successfully defending her title against Liza Carmouche.Rousey was the first female fighter to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2018. That same year, Rousey signed a contract with WWE and began professional wrestling.Outside the ring, Rousey has written an autobiography and starred in several films, including "Furious 7" and "Mile 22."She left the WWE in 2023.Maria SharapovaMaria Sharapova won 36 singles, including five Grand Slams, throughout her career. Zak Kaczmarek/Getty Images Maria Sharapova is a retired professional tennis player and the only Russian to have a career Grand Slam. When she was 18 years old, Sharapova was ranked world No. 1 and was the first female from Russia to do so.Sharapova accumulated 36 singles titles and five Grand Slam titles, and is considered to be one of the best tennis players to play the game.She also has been involved in various humanitarian endeavors, including being a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador focused on the Chernobyl Recovery and Development. She also launched a program in 2018 to mentor women entrepreneurs.Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis in February 2020.Missy FranklinMissy Franklin won four gold medals at the London Olympics when she was only 17. Ian MacNicol/Contributor/Getty Images At just 17 years old, Missy Franklin became the first American woman to win four gold medals in a single Olympics in any sport during the 2012 London Olympics. She quickly captivated America's attention and went on to win six gold medals at the 2013 World Aquatics Championship.Franklin previously held the record at the World Aquatics Championships with 11 gold medals, but Katie Ledecky broke it in 2017 with 14.If not for chronic pain cutting Franklin's career short, many believed she would go on to dominate women's swimming the way Michael Phelps dominated men's. In December 2018, Franklin announced her retirement due to shoulder issues, but she will always be remembered as one of the greats in women's swimming.Megan RapinoeUSWNT legend Megan Rapinoe has been an influential figure in women's sports both on and off the field. John Walton - EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images Megan Rapinoe has been one of the most recognizable faces on the US Women's National Soccer Team for more than a decade.She put on a dominant performance to lead the Stars and Stripes to a second consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup championship in 2019, scoring six goals to earn the Golden Boot and Golden Ball Awards. All the while, she was publicly feuding with then-US President Donald Trump.Rapinoe was also on the 2015 team that won the World Cup, as well as the 2012 Olympic team, which took home gold.Rapinoe has made noise both on and off the field as an advocate for numerous LGBTQ+ organizations, women in sports, and other social justice issues.She retired from club and country in 2023.Steffi GrafTennis legend Steffi Graf held the world's No. 1 ranking for 377 days, longer than any other player, male or female. Paul Gilham/Getty Images Former German tennis player Steffi Graf is the only tennis player to win each Grand Slam tournament at least four times and achieve the Golden Slam by winning all four Grand Slam singles titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same calendar year. She won 22 Grand Slam singles titles overall.She was ranked world No. 1 for 377 weeks by the Women's Tennis Association, which is the longest for any player, male or female, since rankings began being issued.Along with Margaret Court, the two are the only players to win three Grand Slam tournaments in a calendar year five times, among male and female players.Her aggressive game has been noted as the starting point for today's modern style of play. She is regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time by many, including by tennis great Billie Jean King. She is credited with helping to increase the sport's popularity in Germany, where it has remained popular since.Graf retired in 1999 and was inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh JenningsMisty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are one of beach volleyball's most iconic duos. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are considered the greatest beach volleyball team of all-time. They won three consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2004 to 2012. They also won 21 consecutive Olympic matches and only lost one set during their 11-year run.May-Treanor announced her retirement following her and Walsh Jennings' third gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. She was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2016.Walsh Jennings began playing with former teammate April Ross in 2013 after May-Treanor's retirement. The two won the bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making her the most decorated beach volleyball Olympian, male or female, in history.Diana TaurasiDiana Taurasi won an NCAA championship, a WNBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal. AP Photo/Rick Scuteri Recently retired Diana Taurasi is the all-time leading scorer in the WNBA. Since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004, she won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, three WNBA championships, and five Olympic gold medals from 2004-2020.She also won the WNBA MVP Award in 2009, two WNBA Finals MVP Awards (2009, 2014), and was selected to 11 WNBA All-Star teams.She is also one of just a handful of women who have won an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA championship, and a WNBA championship.Taurasi is considered one of the greatest women to play basketball, with late legend Kobe Bryant dubbing her the "White Mamba."Larisa LatyninaLarisa Latynina holds the record for most Olympic medals won by a gymnast. AP Photo Larisa Latynina holds the record for most Olympic medals by any gymnast, male or female, with 18, nine of which were gold.Latynina retired in 1966 but went on to coach the Soviet's women's gymnastics team for the 1968-1976 Olympics. She is often regarded with the establishment of the Soviet Union's dominance in gymnastics.Jackie Joyner-KerseeJackie Joyner-Kersee is an accomplished track-and-field athlete and activist. Stu Forster/Staff/Allsport/Getty Images One of the greatest American track-and-field athletes of all time, Jackie Joyner-Kersee was known for the heptathlon (where athletes compete in seven different track and field events in two days) and long jump. Over four Olympic Games, she took home three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in the two events.Joyner-Kersee established the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in 1988, which is dedicated to providing youth, adults, and families with athletic lessons and resources to improve their quality of life. She also is one of 11 athletes who founded Athletes for Hope, which helps professional athletes take part in charity events and volunteering.She is also an activist for children's education, racial equality, and women's rights.Candace ParkerCandace Parker was the No. 1 pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft. AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski Candace Parker was the first woman to dunk in an NCAA tournament game. Drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks No. 1 overall in 2008, she became the second player to dunk in a WNBA game in June 2008 and went on to become the league's only player to earn Rookie of the Year and WNBA MVP honors in the same season.Parker was named WNBA Finals MVP after leading the Sparks to the 2016 WNBA championship alongside Alana Beard and Nneka Ogwumike. She was named league MVP again in 2013 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2020.After more than a decade in Los Angeles, Parker made a blockbuster free agency move to join her hometown Chicago Sky in 2021. She led the franchise to its first-ever WNBA title that same year.Parker retired from the sport in the spring of 2024 and was named president of Adidas Women's Basketball. She also serves as an NBA analyst and commentator.Nadia ComaneciNadia Comaneci helped popularize the sport of gymnastics. AP Photo/Pool Nadia Comaneci competed during the 1976 and 1980 Summer Olympics in gymnastics and is credited with bringing attention to the sport worldwide. From Romania, she won five gold medals in individual events and was the first to be awarded a perfect 10 score.In two Olympics, Comaneci had nine perfect 10s. She won nine Olympic medals and four World Artistic Gymnastics Championship medals.Now retired, Comaneci has remained a prominent figure in gymnastics. She also is involved in fundraising for various different charities.Martina NavratilovaMartina Navratilova holds the record for the longest winning streak in tennis history. Dean Treml/Getty Images Martina Navratilova is considered to be one of the best female tennis players in history. She is the only player to be ranked No. 1 in singles (332 weeks) and doubles (237 weeks) for more than 200 weeks. She won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, a record 31 major women's doubles titles, and 10 major mixed doubles titles.She won the Wimbledon women's singles title a record nine times, including six consecutive titles, which is regarded as the best performance by a player at a major event.Navratilova is one of only three women to achieve a Career Grand Slam in women's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles, which consists of every senior Grand Slam title. Over five seasons from 1982-86, she won 428 out of 442 singles matches. She owns the best win-loss record in the Open Era going 86-1, as well as the longest winning streak with 74 consecutive wins.Navratilova came out as bisexual in 1981 and has been an activist for gay rights, along with animal rights and underprivileged children. However, she has also been criticized for making "transphobic" comments.Marta