try it, it’s free
iStock-1468574063-e1726999930859.jpg?w=1024&h=575&scale

The Top 10 Greatest British Sportswomen in History

23/09/2024

British sportswomen have continuously made history, excelling across numerous disciplines and representing their country on the world stage. Their contributions have not only reshaped the landscape of women’s sports but also inspired future generations. From the trailblazers of the past to modern-day legends, the legacy of these athletes speaks to the power of dedication, perseverance, and talent. Below is a celebration of the ten greatest British sportswomen who have left an indelible mark on the world of sport.

Charlotte Cooper, one of the greatest British sportswomen, holding her tennis racket after winning Wimbledon

1. Charlotte Cooper – Tennis

As one of the earliest pioneers in British women’s sport, Charlotte Cooper made history as the first woman to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis at the 1900 Paris Games. A five-time Wimbledon singles champion, she is undoubtedly one of the greatest British sportswomen of the early 20th century.

  • First woman to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis.
  • Five-time Wimbledon champion.
  • A pioneer among the greatest British sportswomen of her era.
Dame Mary Peters, one of the greatest British sportswomen, celebrating her pentathlon gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics

2. Dame Mary Peters – Athletics

A trailblazer in athletics, Dame Mary Peters captured the pentathlon gold medal at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Her victory secured her place among the greatest British sportswomen, and her legacy continues through her advocacy for young athletes.

  • 1972 Olympic pentathlon gold medallist.
  • British sports ambassador and role model.
  • A powerful advocate for youth athletics, elevating her standing as one of the greatest British sportswomen.
Dame Ellen MacArthur, one of the greatest British sportswomen, sailing solo during her record-breaking circumnavigation

3. Dame Ellen MacArthur – Sailing

Dame Ellen MacArthur made headlines around the world when she broke the world record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe in 2005. Her extraordinary endurance and determination make her one of the greatest British sportswomen in sailing history.

  • Fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe in 2005.
  • Twice crowned World Sailor of the Year.
  • Among the greatest British sportswomen, thanks to her remarkable sailing achievements.
Jayne Torvill, one of the greatest British sportswomen, performing Boléro with Christopher Dean at the 1984 Winter Olympics

4. Jayne Torvill – Ice Skating

Jayne Torvill, along with her partner Christopher Dean, captured the hearts of millions with their perfect-score performance of Boléro at the 1984 Sarajevo Winter Olympics. As one of the greatest British sportswomen in figure skating, Torvill’s legacy continues to inspire young athletes today.

  • 1984 Olympic gold medallist in ice dancing.
  • Iconic Boléro routine that defined her career.
  • A true icon among the greatest British sportswomen in ice sports.
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, one of the greatest British sportswomen, in her racing wheelchair during the Paralympic Games

5. Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson – Paralympic Athletics

Tanni Grey-Thompson stands as one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes in history, with 11 gold medals to her name. Her incredible success across five Paralympic Games makes her one of the greatest British sportswomen and a leading figure in Paralympic sport.

  • 11-time Paralympic gold medallist.
  • One of the most successful wheelchair racers in history.
  • A tireless advocate for disability rights, solidifying her place among the greatest British sportswomen.
Dame Kelly Holmes, one of the greatest British sportswomen, crossing the finish line to win Olympic gold in Athens

6. Dame Kelly Holmes – Athletics

Dame Kelly Holmes became a national hero when she won double gold in the 800m and 1500m events at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Overcoming numerous injuries throughout her career, Holmes remains one of the greatest British sportswomen of all time.

  • Double Olympic gold medallist at Athens 2004.
  • Inspirational role model for overcoming adversity.
  • One of the greatest British sportswomen in track and field history.
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, one of the greatest British sportswomen, competing in the heptathlon at the 2012 London Olympics

7. Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill – Athletics

As the face of the 2012 London Olympics, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill captivated the nation by winning gold in the heptathlon. Her poise under pressure and dominance in her event secured her a permanent place among the greatest British sportswomen.

  • 2012 Olympic heptathlon gold medallist.
  • World champion in heptathlon in 2009 and 2015.
  • One of the greatest British sportswomen of her generation.

Lucy Bronze, one of the greatest British sportswomen, celebrating after winning the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 with England

8. Lucy Bronze – Football

As one of the finest footballers the UK has ever produced, Lucy Bronze has established herself as a key figure in British and global women’s football. A central player in England’s success at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro and a Champions League winner with Lyon, she has helped elevate the profile of the sport and stands among the greatest British sportswomen.

  • UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 winner with England.
  • Three-time UEFA Champions League winner.
  • First British woman to win FIFA Best Women’s Player award in 2020.

Dame Laura Kenny, one of the greatest British sportswomen, racing during an Olympic cycling event

9. Dame Laura Kenny – Cycling

Dame Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, has dominated the track cycling scene with five Olympic gold medals. Her versatility and consistency make her one of the greatest British sportswomen, especially in cycling.

  • Five-time Olympic gold medallist in track cycling.
  • Multiple world champion in team pursuit and omnium.
  • One of the greatest British sportswomen of the modern era.
Lottie Dod, one of the greatest British sportswomen, holding her tennis racket as a Wimbledon champion

10. Lottie Dod – Tennis, Archery, Golf

Often described as one of the most versatile athletes of all time, Lottie Dod became Wimbledon champion at just 15 years old, and also excelled in archery and golf. Her multi-sport success ranks her among the greatest British sportswomen across various disciplines.

  • Youngest-ever Wimbledon champion at age 15.
  • Olympic silver medallist in archery at the 1908 Games.
  • Competed at a high level in multiple sports, including golf and hockey.

Greatest British Sportswomen

The greatest British sportswomen have left an indelible mark on the history of sport, showcasing extraordinary talent, resilience, and determination. Whether on the football pitch, track, or ice rink, their legacies have inspired countless individuals and reshaped the landscape of women’s sports. Their stories serve as a reminder of the incredible potential that British sportswomen hold, and their achievements will continue to inspire future generations.

Spond: Doing Our Bit for the Great British Sportswomen of the Future

Spond is proud to support the sportswomen of the future, from grassroots to the professional level. By providing tools that help teams and clubs manage their activities, raise funds, and engage their communities, Spond empowers female athletes to reach their full potential. Whether it’s organising fixtures or streamlining payments, Spond is dedicated to helping the next generation of greatest British sportswomen achieve their dreams.

 

 

Find Out More:

FAQs

  • Who is considered the greatest British sportswoman of all time?

    There are many contenders for the title of the greatest British sportswoman, but athletes like Jessica Ennis-Hill, Kelly Holmes, and Tanni Grey-Thompson are often mentioned for their outstanding achievements across different sports.

  • Which British sportswoman has won the most Olympic medals?

    Dame Laura Kenny holds the title of Britain’s most successful female Olympian, with five gold medals in track cycling.

  • Who nearly made the list of the greatest British sportswomen?

    Several other incredible British sportswomen were considered for the list, including swimmer Rebecca Adlington, who won two Olympic gold medals in Beijing 2008, and tennis star Virginia Wade, who won Wimbledon in 1977. Their contributions to British sport are also noteworthy and have inspired countless athletes in their respective fields.

  • What sports have British women excelled in historically?

    British women have excelled in a wide range of sports, including athletics, tennis, cycling, sailing, football, and ice dancing, among others. Icons like Charlotte Cooper and Lottie Dod were early pioneers, while modern athletes like Lucy Bronze continue to dominate.

  • How has women’s sport grown in the UK?

    Women’s sport in the UK has seen significant growth, especially in football, cycling, and athletics. Greater media coverage, funding, and support systems have helped elevate the profile of female athletes at both grassroots and professional levels.

  • How does Spond support the development of British sportswomen?

    Spond supports British sportswomen by offering tools to help manage teams, streamline payments, and organise fixtures. Spond enables clubs to focus on athlete development, allowing young sportswomen to thrive from grassroots to professional levels.

Share this article