Lynne Cox, distance swimmer. She swam a little over a mile in Antarctic waters (~32 degrees)...without a wetsuit. How this is physiologically possible, I have no idea. She inspires me to dream in extremes, test the mind and body limits of endurance

The Queen of Kona.....Paula Newby Fraser

I am a big Annika Sorenstam fan. Quietly dominates her sport. Great mix of talent and hard work. All go...no show. Love it! Female version of LaDainian Tomlinson.

Growing up a gymnast, I wanted to be just like Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10! Although I have moved on to other pursuits, I continue to respect and look up to this great role model.

Check out her bio at www.bartandnadia.com/bionadia.html

This dates me, of course, but I have to say Billy Jean King and Mary Decker Tabb (tied) -- until they kicked butt, my world didn't have active women in it.  As a girl, I simply idolized them!  Heather

Gotta be Margaret Court for me. The Australian tennis player dominated women's tennis in the sixties and seventies. Within 16 years (from 1959 until 1975) she won a record 62 Grand Slam titles, including a record 24 singles titles, 19 women's doubles titles, and a record 19 mixed doubles titles. She won 64 Grand Slam titles, including 21 mixed doubles titles, if the shared championships at the Australian Championships/Open in 1965 and 1969 are counted. The finals were not played because of bad weather. Court could have won even more mixed doubles titles had the event been held at the 1970, 1971, 1973, and 1975 Australian Opens.

Compare that to the next best female player (in my opinion), Martina Natratilova. She needed 25 years (from 1978 until 2003) for her 59 Grand Slam titles.