Having risen from working in a sweet shop and being an Army truck driver to become a double Olympic champion, perhaps it’s no surprise that Britons have named Dame Kelly Holmes as this country’s greatest female role model.
In a poll, the retired middle–distance runner pipped another Olympic gold–medal winner, heptathlon specialist Dame Jessica Ennis–Hill, to the top spot.
Dame Kelly specialised in the 800m and 1,500m events and won gold medals for both at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
She set British records in numerous events and still holds the records over the 600 and 1,000m distances. The survey showed 65 per cent of adults claim women should receive greater recognition in sport.
In addition, 66 per cent of parents believe children’s books, TV programmes and films do not do enough to show girls aspiring to be ambitious and successful.
The Princess of Wales came third, followed by actress Emma Watson and singer Adele, according to the British Gas poll of 2,000 people. Former England international footballers Jill Scott and Alex Scott were also held up as inspiring figures.
Scott, a Euro 2022 winner, said: ‘Growing up, I didn’t always see footballers like me in the books I read. I know how important it is for young people to see themselves in the stories they read.’
Dame Kelly (pictured) specialised in the 800m and 1,500m events and won gold medals for both at the 2004 Olympics in Athens
Former England international footballers Jill Scott (pictured) and Alex Scott were also held up as inspiring figures
Scott is featured in a new illustrated children’s book called The Things’ Football Adventures, launched by WSL Football.
The footballer has written the foreword and narrates a video reading of the book – as 92 per cent believe seeing female footballers in books, on television or in the media could encourage more girls to take up sport.
Others in the list include broadcaster and women’s rights activist Katie Piper and former Paralympian Ellie Simmonds.
James Corcoran, brand partnerships director at British Gas, said: ‘Women’s football has captured the nation, and we want everyone to feel part of that story.
‘As a proud, official partner of WSL Football, we’re delighted to launch a brand–new series of children’s books that brings the game to life for the next generation.
‘With support from the inspirational Jill Scott, our goal is simple: get more families excited about women’s football, whichever team they support, and turn today’s readers into tomorrow’s fans.’
