Ranked: Blaire Fleming and the other women who defined sport in 2024

2024 saw women influence sport like never before. We'll take a look at the women who defined sport this year and will likely continue to do so.

After recovering from a serious knee injury, Alexia Putellas returned to lead FC Barcelona to success in 2024. Her vision, passing, and leadership on the field have reasserted her as one of the world’s best players, while her advocacy for gender equality in sports continues to inspire.

Swedish cross-country skier Frida Karlsson reigned supreme in the 2024 Winter World Championships, where she won gold in both the 10km and 30km races. It has been far from smooth sailing for Karlsson in 2024, though, as the skier battled foot injuries and an undisclosed illness that hindered much of her campaign.

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Sophia Smith showcased her brilliance in 2024, leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Known for her speed and creativity, Smith's skillset has propelled her into the ranks of the world’s top football players.

Snowboarding superstar Chloe Kim continued her dominance in 2024, winning her third consecutive Winter X Games gold medal in the halfpipe and becoming the first woman to land a 1260 in snowboard competition. Her high-flying tricks and fearless approach have made her a legend in extreme sports.

A’ja Wilson led the Las Vegas Aces to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2024, solidifying her position as one of the league’s greatest players. Wilson’s dominance and leadership on and off the court have made her a role model and a driving force in the WNBA.

Alessia Russo played a pivotal role in leading the Lionesses to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2024, scoring crucial goals in the knockout stages. Such is her importance and influence on both the Lionesses and her club Arsenal, Russo was named England women's player of the year for 2023-24, as the BBC reported.

Nina Kennedy made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning the gold medal in the pole vault with a jump of 4.90 meters. Her flawless performance under pressure marked a personal and national milestone, as she triumphed over stiff competition, including American silver medalist and top-ranked Katie Moon. Not only did it solidify her place in the sport's history, it will also go down as a defining moment in Australian athletics.

After overcoming a battle with cancer as a teenager, Linda Caicedo has become a beacon of hope and inspiration. A rising star in the Colombian women's team and Real Madrid, she has fast been making a name for herself in 2024 as one of the best players in the world. At the moment, she is a favourite to make the 2024 FIFPRO Women's World 11, as reported by FIFPRO.

Ilona Maher played a critical role in securing the USA Rugby Sevens’ historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, leading her team to a thrilling victory over Australia. Her influence extends beyond the field, as she used her vibrant personality to raise awareness for the growth of women’s rugby in the U.S. and around the globe via her burgeoning social media platforms.

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Kenyan middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon made history by winning Olympic gold in both the 1500m and 5000m races in Paris, as documented by the Olympics official website. Her record-breaking performances will see her go down as one of the greatest runners of her generation.

One of the most divisive figures in women's sport in 2024 has to be Blaire Fleming. The reportedly transgender athlete has been at the center of protests and lawsuits disputing her presence in the San Jose State University volleyball team. While she obviously has her critics, she has arguably become the most widely reported college star in history, attracting just as many supporters as critics.

Aryna Sabalenka had an incredible 2024. Not only did the Belarusian win her second Australian Open title, defending her 2023 title, she backed it up with her first ever US Open title to close out the season in style and keeping her well and truly at the top of the tennis world.

Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh delivered a standout performance in 2024, claiming Olympic gold in Paris with a record-breaking jump of 2.10 meters. Amid the adversity of war in her homeland, Mahuchikh has been able to channel her energy into incredible on track success. In December, she was named World Athletics Female Athlete of 2024, as reported by the Olympics official website.

Caitlin Clark's 2024 season was historic, marked by numerous record-breaking feats that confirmed her dominance in women’s basketball. As a WNBA rookie, she led the league in assists and three-pointers, while setting a new single-season assist record with 337. Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, propelling the Indiana Fever to the playoffs. It's fair to say the rise in the WNBA's popularity has come off the back of the 22-year-old's rise in the league.

Simone Biles made an incredible return to the top of gymnastics in 2024, winning three gold medals at the Paris Olympics. In what was potentially the greatest ever Olympic comeback, she reaffirmed her status as the sport’s greatest, and her ability to overcome challenges – both physical and mental – will inspire numerous generations to come.

While maybe not the most celebrated figure, Raygun's performance at first ever Olmpic breaking, or break dancing, event was a gargantuan talking point. For better or worse, Raygun was definitely one of the most talked about athletes of 2024, but it's quite hard to say what her legacy – in women's sport or otherwise – will be at this point.

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