On this day in 1859 was the first modern revival of the Olympic games, which took place in Athens.
Serena makes our list of inspirational females that have taken part in the Olympics
This got us thinking about inspirational female figures in Olympic sport.
Nicola Adams
In 2012, Nicola Adams was the first woman to win an Olympic boxing title - a remarkable achievement for women in sport. She won the Olympic gold medal in both the 2012 and 2016 women’s flyweight division.
Her talent and influence has been recognised and awarded, too. She was appointed MBE in 2013 for her services to boxing, and an OBE in 2017 for the same reason. She was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Leeds.
Cathy Freeman
Australian former sprint, Cathy Freeman, specialised in the 400 metres event. She is ranked the sixth-fastest woman of all time with her personal best of 48.63, set in the 1996 Olympics.
Four years later in the 2000 Summer Olympics, she became the champion for the women’s 400 metres, the same year she lit the Olympic flame in Sydney.
Serena Williams
Not many people don’t know the name Serena Williams. The American professional tennis player has won four Olympic gold medals. She’s bagged a gold medal in the women’s singles and the other three in women’s doubles - an all-time record shared with her sister, Venus Williams.
She is also noted for many off-court activities, like her charity work, her activism and her fashion influence.
Victoria Pendleton
British jockey and former track cyclist, Victoria Pendleton, is one of Great Britain’s most successful female Olympians.
2012 was a great year for her, winning a gold medal in the keirin at the Summer Olympics, as well as silver in the sprint.
For her services to cycling, she was appointed MBE in 2009, and CBE in 2013.
Laura Kenny
Laura Kenny is a British track and road cyclist. She has four Olympic gold medals, which she attained in 2012 and 2016 games.
She is the most successful Olympic female competitor in any sport.
Laura was appointed OBE in 2013, and CBE in 2017, for her services to cycling, and even received an Honorary Degree from the University of Essex in 2013.