“They didn’t just break records, they shattered stereotypes.” That’s the powerful message that headlined BET Media Group’s latest Instagram post. It’s a tribute to trailblazing women athletes, especially those who lit up the sporting world during the 1980s and 90s. Among the featured legends were boxing champion and pioneer Laila Ali and Serena Williams, a 2025 TIME 100 Most Influential People honoree.

If there’s anyone who exemplifies defying odds in one of the world’s toughest sports, it’s Laila Ali. She entered the ring at a time when women’s boxing had only just begun to find its footing. Today, the sport boasts stars like Claressa Shields, Amanda Serrano, and Katie Taylor. But well before them, there was Laila Ali, a name that elevated women’s boxing and helped bring it into the mainstream.

Punching through limits: The Laila Ali Legacy

BET’s post paid tribute to iconic figures: Laila Ali, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Lisa Leslie, Dominique Dawes, and Florence Griffith Joyner. They not only dominated their respective sports but also redefined what strength, beauty, and femininity looked like in athletics. “Dominating with their unapologetic brilliance and radiant beauty—all while serving face,” the post continued. For many, it was more than a nostalgic moment. It was a powerful reminder of these women’s lasting impact. Responding warmly, Laila Ali commented, “Thanks for the love, @bet. It’s an honor to be recognized with these amazing athletes! 🥊♥️”

The slide began with the WNBA’s first signee, Sheryl Swoopes. A three-time league MVP and 2017 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Swoopes also represented the U.S. on the Olympic stage, bringing home three gold medals.

From the court to the track: legends who lit it up

Next up were Venus and Serena Williams. Two icons who reshaped the tennis landscape. Venus Williams, an Olympic gold medalist and five-time Wimbledon champion, boasts 49 WTA-level singles titles and 22 doubles titles. Her influence stretched far beyond the court, sparking dreams in young players everywhere.

Serena Williams, meanwhile, has become synonymous with greatness. With 73 WTA singles titles and four Olympic golds, she’s often cited as the greatest women’s tennis player of all time. A cultural icon and one of the highest-paid female athletes, Serena Williams redefined what dominance and longevity mean in modern sports.

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Basketball legend Lisa Leslie also made an appearance. A four-time WNBA MVP and the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, Leslie’s accomplishments with the Los Angeles Sparks and the U.S. national team, which include four Olympic gold medals, make her a defining figure in women’s basketball.

The post also honored Dominique Dawes, a three-time Olympian who helped put U.S. women’s gymnastics on the global map. A member of the gold medal–winning 1996 team, she was a trailblazer, reaching heights few had imagined possible in the sport.

The tribute concluded with the late, great Florence Griffith Joyner, or as everyone lovingly called her ‘Flo-Jo,’ who still holds the world records for the 100m and 200m sprints. Known as much for her style as her speed, Flo-Jo was a force both on and off the track. Undoubtedly, she left behind a legacy of excellence, individuality, and unapologetic confidence.

It’s moments like these that remind us why honoring pioneers matters. Their stories continue to inspire generations. They remind us that the path to greatness is paved by those bold enough to go first.

Who was your favorite woman athlete from the 80s or 90s? Let us know in the comments below.