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1967-
The world's winningest mountain bike racer

Furtado rode all the way to the top.   Courtesy US Cycling

Juli Furtado first discovered her need for speed on the ski slopes of Vermont, where she grew up. She was a member of the U.S. Ski Team from 1980 to '87, until knee injuries forced her out of the sport. In 1989, while a student at the University of Colorado, Furtado added bike riding to her physical therapy, and took to the activity right away. Later that year, she started riding touring bikes in Boulder and went on to win the 1989 national cycling championships. In 1990, she switched to mountain bikes, and proceeded to win the world cross-country championship. For the next five years, Furtado dominated the sport of cross-country racing -- even picking up a world title in downhill in 1992. The following year, Velo News named Furtado Cyclist of the Year, making her the first woman to earn that honor. Mountain biking debuted as a medal sport at the 1996 Atlanta Games and Furtado competed as the gold-medal favorite, but finished 10th. The next year, following a string of disappointing performances, Furtado was diagnosed with lupus and retired from her sport as a two-time world champion, three-time World Cup champion and five time national champion.

They said it: "She's the best climber and descender, not to mention the most intense woman, in the world." -- Furtado's former coach David Farmer

--Susan Brody

Athletes were selected by Sports Illustrated For Women, Sports Illustrated and CNN/SI editors, writers and correspondents who considered the athletes' on-field performance and achievements, plus their contributions to women's sports. Because athletic achievement was a key criterion, women whose contributions were made solely in administration and coaching are not included.

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