Greatest female Olympians achievements and memorable moments have taken place during the Olympic Games. While men have historically dominated the spotlight, female athletes have not only met but frequently surpassed expectations. Women have made a lasting impression on Olympic history, from controlling the gymnastics floor to dominating track events.
Based on medals, records, impact, and legacy, we rank the top 15 female Olympians of all time in this article. These women changed the sports world in addition to winning.
1. Larisa Latynina (Soviet Union – Gymnastics) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 18 (9 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze)
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Games: 1956, 1960, 1964
For more than 48 years, Latynina maintained the record for the most Olympic medals. Her elegance and skill in gymnastics contributed to the Soviet Union’s rise to prominence in the sport. She is one of the three most decorated Olympians in history, even after several decades.
2. Allyson Felix (USA – Athletics) Greatest female Olympians
- Olympic Medals: 11 (7 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)
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Games: 2004–2020
The most accomplished female track and field competitor in Olympic history is Felix. She is well-known for her longevity, grace, and speed. She has inspired others on the track and as a mother-athlete who supports maternity rights.
3. Katie Ledecky (USA – Swimming)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 10 (7 Gold, 3 Silver)
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Games: 2012–2024
The long-distance freestyle swimming champion is Ledecky. With unrivaled endurance and concentration, she has broken numerous world records and is still adding to her legacy.
4. Simone Biles (USA – Gymnastics)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 7 (4 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)
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Games: 2016, 2020
Biles transformed gymnastics with her unmatched skill level and mental toughness, despite having few Olympic appearances. By raising awareness of mental health issues in professional sports, she has also knocked down barriers.
5. Jenny Thompson (USA – Swimming)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 12 (8 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)
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Games: 1992–2004
As a relay powerhouse, Thompson was instrumental in America’s swimming supremacy in the 1990s and early 2000s.
6. Fanny Blankers-Koen (Netherlands – Athletics) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 4 (All Gold)
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Games: 1948
As a mother of two, she earned four gold medals in track events in the 1948 London Games, earning her the nickname “Flying Housewife.” Her accomplishments altered the boundaries of what women in sports might do.
7. Dara Torres (USA – Swimming)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 12 (4 Gold, 4 Silver, 4 Bronze)
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Games: 1984–2008
Torres’ remarkable endurance and fitness allowed him to compete in five Olympic Games over a 24-year span. She is the oldest Olympic medal-winning swimmer.
8. Kerri Walsh Jennings (USA – Beach Volleyball)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 4 (3 Gold, 1 Bronze)
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Games: 2004–2016
With accuracy, cooperation, and unwavering intensity, Walsh Jennings and partner Misty May-Treanor dominated beach volleyball.
9. Jackie Joyner-Kersee (USA – Athletics)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 6 (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze)
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Games: 1984–1996
Most people agree that Jackie was the best female heptathlete of all time. She achieved unparalleled success in multi-sport competitions thanks to her unique combination of strength, agility, and technique.
10. Marit Bjørgen (Norway – Cross-Country Skiing) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 15 (8 Gold, 4 Silver, 3 Bronze)
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Games: 2002–2018
Most people agree that Jackie was the best female heptathlete of all time. She achieved unparalleled success in multi-sport competitions thanks to her unique combination of strength, agility, and technique.
11. Kristin Otto (East Germany – Swimming) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 6 Gold
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Games: 1988
Otto broke a record in competitive swimming by becoming the first female athlete to win six gold medals at an Olympic Games.
12. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Jamaica – Athletics) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 8 (3 Gold, 4 Silver, 1 Bronze)
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Games: 2008–2020
One of the fastest women in history, Fraser-Pryce is referred to as the “Pocket Rocket” and serves as an inspiration to aspiring sprinters around.
13. Nadia Comăneci (Romania – Gymnastics) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 9 (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze)
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Games: 1976, 1980
Comăneci achieved the first-ever perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics history at the age of 14. Her 1976 performance remains one of the most memorable events in Olympic history.
14. Dawn Fraser (Australia – Swimming) Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 8 (4 Gold, 4 Silver)
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Games: 1956–1964
Fraser became the first female Olympic gold medallist to win three gold medals in the same event (100-meter freestyle) in three straight Games.
15. Wilma Rudolph (USA – Athletics)
Greatest female Olympians
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Olympic Medals: 4 (3 Gold, 1 Bronze)
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Games: 1956, 1960
During the 1960 Rome Olympics, Rudolph, who had previously been a youngster with polio, became the world’s fastest woman. Millions of people are still motivated by her tale of triumphing against hardship.
The Significance of These Women in Olympic History
In addition to breaking records, these iconic female Olympians also broke down obstacles, including those related to gender roles, social expectations, and physical limits. Because of their efforts, the Olympic Games are now a global platform for excellence and equality.
FAQs: Top Olympic Female Athletes
Who is the all-time most decorated female Olympian?
A: Larisa Latynina, who has won 18 medals overall.
Which female athlete has the most gold medals from the Olympics?
A: Marit Bjørgen and Larisa Latynina both hold that record with eight or more golds.
Which female track and field Olympian is the best?
A: Allyson Felix, who has won eleven sprint medals.
Final Thoughts: Honoring Women Who Contributed to Olympic History
Greatness knows no gender, as seen by the Olympic Games, which have highlighted the talent of female athletes. These 15 icons have inspired generations, redefined excellence, and left enduring legacies.
The greatest female Olympians of all time have demonstrated that they are truly champions in every way, whether they are competing in gymnastics, swimming, or running on the track.