IN celebration of International Women’s Day, First Take host Molly Qerim singled out some truly iconic female athletes.
In a segment for Wednesday’s edition of the ESPN show, Qerim, 38, revealed her “top five most iconic female athletes.”
Unfortunately, her list – which she admitted was “extremely challenging” to put together – was notable for its absence of a number of sporting icons, as far as fans are concerned.
From fifth to first, Qerim listedSue Bird, Simone Biles, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Billie Jean King, and Serena Williams.
And while she called on fans not to “at me” for her ranking, ultimately, some couldn’t help themselves on Twitter.
One wrote: “@MollyQerim , loved your list and there are so many incredible woman that could be on your list.
“Being a NASCAR fan I think of Danica Patrick and all she had to overcome just to reach the highest level in that sport.
“She wasn’t as successful as any of the other athletes you list”
Another suggested swimmer Katie Ledecky, saying: “10 Olympic medals (7 Gold), 23 World medals (19 gold), won 42 medals (34 golds, 7 silvers, and 1 bronze) in major international competitions #GOAT”
Meanwhile, one fan felt the MMA and wrestling worlds were being overlooked.
They tweeted: “Since it is iconic and not best or greatest. I won’t complain about Amanda Nunes not being here but I will complain about Ronda Rousey not be on most iconic female athletes ever.
“Broke down barriers, became a megastar, she deserves to be on this list”
While not all onlookers may have agreed with Qerim’s list, there is no denying the remarkable impact each athlete had in their respective sports.
SUE BIRD
Qerim explained that basketball legend Bird was “a four-time champion with the (Seattle) Storm” as well as “a two-time champion at Yukon.”
She also noted that Bird is “the WNBA’s carer leader in assists, games played and also holds the record for most All-Star games selections with thirteen.
“She’s an advocate for LGBTQ youth and launched the Love Is campaign.”
SIMONE BILES
Still only 25 years old, Biles is already one of the all-time greats.
Qerim acknowledged that the 25-time World Championship medalist is “the most decorated gymnast in the history of the gymnastics World Championships.
“She claimed four gold medals at a single Olympics.”
JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE
A dominant track and field athlete, Qerim called Joyner-Kersee’s “credentials unparalleled.”
Along with her three golds and six total medals through four Olympic appearances, Qerim also focused on her philanthropic endeavors.
She said how Joyner-Kersee “also helped establish Athletes For Hope with all-time greats Mia Hamm and Muhammad Ali.”
BILLIE JEAN KING
The first of two tennis players to top Qerim’s top five, she highlighted Jean King’s “Battle of the Sexes” win versus Bobbie Riggs, commenting “Can I please get a round of applause people?
“It brought unprecedented publicity to the Women’s movement and was symbolically a landmark moment in the ongoing struggle for full equality among the sexes.
“She won a record 20 career titles at Wimbledon.”
SERENA WILLIAMS
The recently retired tennis star was none other than “the GOAT” according to Qerim.
She explained how Williams had “faced relentless adversity her entire career, honing her skills on the public courts of Compton, California – a far cry from the privileged private clubs that nurtured most U.S. players in a predominantly White sport.
“A 23-time Major Champion, second most by any player all-time, and 367 major match wins – most in Women’s history.
“Did I mention, she won the 2017 Australian Open pregnant? Unreal.”
