The first female athlete to win a gold medal in the modern Olympic Games was Helene de Pourtalès in 1900. Competing in sailing, she became a pioneer for women in sports, marking a historic moment in Olympic history. Her victory represented a significant step in promoting women's involvement in competitive sports, paving the way for future generations of female athletes. The 1900 Paris Olympics were groundbreaking, as they also allowed women to participate in various events, leading to their gradual inclusion in the Olympic movement.