Women in Sports: Records and Firsts

Charlotte Cooper, a British tennis player, made history by winning the first Olympic gold medal in women's singles tennis at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris.

American swimmer Katie Ledecky holds the record for the most Olympic gold medals won by a female athlete, with a total of six gold medals as of the 2020 Summer Olympics.

British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe became the first woman to break the 4-minute mile in running, achieving a time of 3:59:04 at the New York City Marathon in 2003.

American soccer player Abby Wambach holds the record for the most goals scored in a single FIFA Women's World Cup tournament, with seven goals in the 2011 edition.

American tennis player Billie Jean King made history by becoming the first woman to win the Wimbledon singles title in the Open Era, which began in 1968.

Australian tennis legend Margaret Smith Court holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles, with a total of 24 titles won during her career.

American runner Roberta Gibb made history by becoming the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon in 1966, although she was not officially recognized as a participant at the time.

American swimmer Jenny Thompson holds the record for the most Olympic medals in swimming, with a total of 12 medals won across four Olympic Games.

French cyclist Marianne Martin made history by becoming the first woman to win the Tour de France in 1984, although it was an unofficial event open only to women.

Brazilian midfielder Formiga holds the record for the most appearances in the FIFA Women's World Cup, having played in seven tournaments from 1995 to 2019.

American tennis player Billie Jean King made history by becoming the first woman to win the US Open singles title in the Open Era, which began in 1968.

Brazilian forward Marta Vieira da Silva holds the record for the most goals scored in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup, with 17 goals scored across five tournaments.

Australian tennis player Margaret Smith Court made history by becoming the first woman to win the French Open singles title in the Open Era, which began in 1968.

American sprinter Allyson Felix holds the record for the most Olympic medals in track and field, with a total of nine medals won across five Olympic Games.

Australian tennis player Margaret Smith Court made history by becoming the first woman to win the Australian Open singles title in the Open Era, which began in 1968.