Jessica Ennis-Hill and Kelly Holmes named most inspirational British sportswomen

18 July 2023 , 12:43

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Jessica Ennis-Hill has topped a list of the most inspirational British sportswomen (Image: SWNS)

Jessica Ennis-Hill and Paula Radcliffe have topped a list of the most inspirational British sportswomen, according to sports fans.

Dame Kelly Holmes, Emma Raducanu, and even Princess Anne – the first Royal to compete in the Olympic Games – also featured in the top 10 list.

And ahead of the Women's World Cup kicking off later this week, Lionesses Jill Scott and Beth Mead, and sports commentator Alex Scott, also ranked highly.

In fact, the survey of 2,000 sports fans found almost half (47%) are looking forward to watching the women's football tournament this summer – with four in five feeling optimistic about England's chances of winning the women's football tournament.

Over half of those polled (52%) watched the Lionesses emerge victorious in the Euros tournament last summer – with 49% feeling proud, and 52% even inspired to take up the game themselves.

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In fact, one in five sporting fans (19%) have taken up a new sport in the past year – with 85% of those saying they were inspired by watching female sporting events. Tennis, swimming, and football were named as the most popular new sports to try.

And of those who have been inspired by female athletes, four in ten said it’s because they broke boundaries in their sporting profession, while 32% are proud of their achievements.

Jessica Ennis-Hill and Kelly Holmes named most inspirational British sportswomen

Nearly half of sports fans are looking forward to watching the Women's World Cup over the next month (Joe Prior/Visionhaus/Getty Images)

A spokesman for Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research to launch its Women’s World Cup sweepstake – giving customers a free bet each time their allocated team wins – said: “There are some really influential women to be found in sport, across many different disciplines.

“But it has to be said that football is having a golden moment right now, and it’s brilliant to see. What we love most is how many people have taken up a sport of their own after having watched women’s football.

“Not long ago, it was near impossible to catch a female team on the TV, so having all of this coverage is clearly making a big difference.

“There’s still a way to go for women’s sport, but seeing the country get behind the World Cup this summer just goes to show that we’re all eager for more – we can’t wait for England’s first game against Haiti.”

The research also found that, of those planning to watch the Women’s World Cup this year, 85% intend to support England – and 8% are even planning to attend some of the matches in person in Australia and New Zealand.

However, 67% believe the lack of Leah Williamson on the squad due to injury will impact the team’s chances of being champions.

But Alessia Russo, Lucy Bronze, and Georgia Stanway are among the players fans are excited to see play – while Chloe Kelly, Rachel Daly, and Lauren James come high on the list of “ones to watch” this year, according to the stats by OnePoll.

The Lottoland spokesman added: “The Women’s World Cup is going to be a big calendar moment this summer, especially after the success of the Euros.

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“We’re all going to be cheering on the team here, and anyone that wants to get involved in the action from home can do so with our sweepstake offer.

“We’ve got a good feeling about this year – but whatever the result, this is a great moment for sport, and we’re sure it will have lots of young girls lacing up their boots for the first time.”

TOP 20 INSPIRATIONAL SPORTSWOMEN: