But one thing was missing from my black-and-white tracksuit: oomph like Flo-Jo’s.

And I want to give them their flowers.

Below, get to know 10 of the most impactful.

Florence Griffith-Joyner, Althea Gibson, and Sha’Carri Richardson

And yet, she isn’t a household name.

Well, racismboth covert and overtmanaged to snuff out her impact.

But it was the 1996 U.S. Olympics that made Dawes a household name and Black sports icon.

Tidye Pickett in a group Olympics photo

Getty Images / Byrdie

“As gymnasts, we are not concerned about our hair,” Dawes toldCurly Nikki.

My focus wasn’t on appearance.

It was an achievement."

Wilma Rudolph and Althea Gibson

Getty Images / Byrdie

Along with her influence in fashion and beauty, Williams has championed equal pay for female athletes.

Shortly after this public callout, equal prize money was awarded across genders.

(The second most of any woman.)

Dominique Dawes

Getty Images / Byrdie

Much like Flo-Jo, Williams is known for breaking athletic records and style rules.

In 2018, French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli banned the black catsuit Wiliams wore during the French Open.

But the catsuit, which featured a red waistband, wasn’t just about fashionit was also about health.

Florence Griffith-Joyner

Getty Images / Byrdie

“I don’t know how many I’ve had in the past 12 months.

“It was a great experience.

“So, I had to pull out the natural.”

Venus and Serena Williams

Getty Images / Byrdie

Laila Ali and Ibtihaj Muhammad

Getty Images / Byrdie

Sha’Carri Richardson

Getty Images / Byrdie