Women Who Broke Records in 2024

Women Who Broke Records in 2024: Shattering Barriers and Inspiring Millions

In 2024, women across various fields shattered records and redefined excellence, leaving an indelible mark on history. From sports to music, their achievements have inspired and set new benchmarks for future generations.

Simone Biles: Gymnastics Phenomenon

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, American gymnast Simone Biles broke 13 records, solidifying her status as one of the greatest athletes in gymnastics history. She climbed to No. 2 in the overall rankings of female gold medalists in gymnastics at the Olympics, tying with Vera Čáslavská with seven gold medals. Biles also tied Čáslavská for the most gold medals in the women’s vault event, with two golds each.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh: High Jump World Record

Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh set a new world record at the Diamond League Paris, clearing 2.10 meters and surpassing the previous 37-year-old record. This remarkable feat not only showcased her exceptional talent but also highlighted her resilience amid challenging circumstances.

Faith Kipyegon: Middle-Distance Mastery

Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon broke her own 1500m world record in July 2024, clocking 3:49.04 at the Meeting de Paris. She continued her dominance at the Paris Olympics, winning gold in the 1500m with a time of 3:51.29, breaking her own Olympic record. Kipyegon also secured a silver medal in the 5000m, underscoring her versatility and endurance.

Gretchen Walsh: Swimming Sensation

American swimmer Gretchen Walsh had a stellar year, setting a world record in the long course 100-meter butterfly with a time of 55.18 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Trials. At the Paris Olympics, she contributed to the U.S. team’s gold in the 4x100m medley relay, which set a world record of 3:49.63. Walsh also earned silver in the 100m butterfly and the 4x100m freestyle relay, showcasing her prowess in multiple events.

Audrey Leduc: Sprinting to New Heights

Canadian sprinter Audrey Leduc broke the national women’s 100m record twice in 2024. In April, she clocked 10.96 seconds, surpassing the previous record set in 1987. At the Paris Olympics, Leduc improved her record to 10.95 seconds during the heats, marking a significant milestone in Canadian athletics.

Caitlin Clark: Basketball Prodigy

In her rookie WNBA season with the Indiana Fever, Caitlin Clark set records for the most assists in a single game (19) and in a season (337). She averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, and made 122 three-pointers, the most by a rookie. Clark’s exceptional performance contributed to the Fever’s first postseason appearance since 2016.

A’ja Wilson: Dominating the Court

A’ja Wilson had an unprecedented WNBA season, setting records for the most points (1,021), rebounds (451), and blocked shots (98) in a single season. She averaged 26.9 points per game, breaking the previous scoring-average record, and is a strong candidate for her third MVP award.

DonnaJean Wilde: Push-Up Powerhouse

At 59, Canadian grandmother DonnaJean Wilde broke the world record for the most push-ups done in an hour by a woman, completing 1,575 push-ups. Earlier in the year, she set the world record for the longest plank held by a woman, exemplifying extraordinary physical endurance.

Taylor Swift: Musical Milestones

Taylor Swift’s 2024 was marked by record-breaking achievements. Her Eras Tour became the highest-grossing tour of all time, and she broke Michael Jackson’s record for the most performances at Wembley Stadium. Swift also became the most-decorated artist in MTV Video Music Awards history, underscoring her enduring influence in the music industry.

Nebraska Volleyball: Record-Breaking Attendance

The University of Nebraska’s volleyball team set a world record for the largest crowd to watch a women’s sporting event, with 92,003 fans attending an exhibition match. This surpassed the previous record of 91,648, highlighting the growing popularity of women’s sports.

Women in Film: Historic Oscar Nominations

For the first time in the 96-year history of the Academy Awards, three women—Justine Triet (“Anatomy of a Fall”), Greta Gerwig (“Barbie”), and Celine Song (“Past Lives”)—were nominated for Best Picture. This milestone reflects the increasing recognition of women’s contributions to cinema.

These remarkable achievements across diverse fields underscore the relentless pursuit of excellence by women in 2024. Their accomplishments not only set new records but also inspire future generations to aim higher and break barriers.