Most influential female athletes: Julien Alfred missing as Sha'Carri Richardson bags honour alongside other sporting icons in 2025

Julien Alfred and Sha'Carri Richardson

Most influential female athletes: Julien Alfred missing as Sha'Carri Richardson bags honour alongside other sporting icons in 2025

Funmilayo Fameso 08:37 - 14.03.2025

On a prestigious list of most influential female athletes in 2025, Sha'Carri Richardson was highly ranked behind Simone Biles, while Saint Lucia's Olympic hero Julien Alfred was missing.

Sha'Carri Richardson may have lost the Paris Olympics 100m gold medal to Julien Alfred, but one thing remains, her fame and influence as a star extends far beyond track and field.

The 24-year-old sprint queen has proven to be not just a game-changing athlete in athletics, but she's reshaping culture, breaking records, and proving that her influence extends far beyond the playing field.

Sha'Carri Richardson won 100m silver and 4x100m gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

On Complex's prestigious Top 10 most influential athletes right now, Richardson is ranked highly alongside other female sporting icons that include: Simone Biles, Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark, and A'ja Wilson.

Simone Biles is unarguably the greatest female gymnast in history | IMAGO

In fact, the reigning world 100m champion is ranked fourth on the list, which proves how much she's a powerhouse and an important figure in women's sports.

According to Complex, the mentioned athletes don't just win games; they redefine what’s possible, inspire entire generations, and reshape the way their sport is seen.

WNBA star Caitlin Clark tops Complex' list of most influential female athlete in 2025 | IMAGO

From record-breaking performances to game-changing business moves, the 10 women are proving that athletic dominance and cultural impact go hand in hand. Whether through massive endorsement deals, sold-out arenas, or moments that transcend sports, their influence is undeniable.

Complex further stated to make this list, it’s not just about past achievements - it’s about impact right now, and these athletes are actively playing and actively changing the game, both on the playing field and off.

Without any doubt, Richardson is the world's most famous and influential track and field athlete right now, and being ranked on the prestigious list is a testament to this.

Sha'Carri Richardson steals the spotlight at the Super Bowl alongside WNBA star Caitlin Clark after famous feature with NBA superstar LeBron James.
Sha'Carri Richardson and Caitlin Clark in Nike's latest 'So Win' Ad

She’s redefining what it means to be a star athlete in the modern era. With her electrifying speed, signature style, and unapologetic confidence, Richardson has become more than just a champion; she’s a cultural icon.

Here's Complex' Top 10 most influential female athletes in the world right now.

1 - Caitlin Clark (Basketball)

2 - Angel Reese (Basketball)

3 - Simone Biles (Gymnastics)

4 - Sha'Carri Richardson (Athletics)

5 - A'Ja Wilson (Basketball)

6 - Sabrina Lonescu (Basketball)

7 - Paige Bueckers (Basketball)

8 - Cameron Brink (Basketball)

9 - JuJu Watkins (Basketball)

10 - Coco Gauff (Tennis)

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