The Telegraph Women's Sport podcast

In this episode of the Telegraph Women’s Sport Podcast, we’re tackling a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of sports: the impact of kit on female athletes. Hosted by Dame Laura Kenny, we’re joined by a line-up of guests who know the challenges all too well. Tess Howard, a pioneering England and GB hockey player, shares her journey advocating for rule changes that allow women to wear shorts instead of skorts, explaining the practical and symbolic significance of this change for female athletes. Olympic gold medallist Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill takes us back to her early career, outlining the discomfort she faced with ill-fitting sportswear, and discusses the positive changes brought about through athlete feedback and collaboration with kit brands. We also hear from Laura Youngson, co-founder of IDA Sports, and netball star Britney Clarke, who shares her personal struggles with kit sizes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Telegraph Women’s Sport podcast, we’re talking about money. Host Dame Laura Kenny is joined by three guests to delve into the financial landscape of women’s sports. Dani Rowe, a former British cyclist, shares her experiences with the stark pay disparities in road cycling. In 2018, she earned just €30,000, while her male counterparts made more than half a million. She discusses the importance of investing not only in the top tiers of sport but also at the grass-roots level to create a sustainable future. Maggie Murphy, a champion for gender equality in sports, discusses the commercial opportunities that arise from athletes leveraging their multifaceted personalities. She talks about how integrating personal interests can make sponsorships more appealing and impactful. Jenny Mitton, women’s sport lead at M&C Saatchi, highlights how younger sports fans value and reward brands that invest in women’s sports. She points out that these fans are motivated by more than just the games; they seek to support the overall growth and visibility of women’s sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport Podcast, we're delving into the topic of body image. Hosted by Dame Laura Kenny, we bring together three women to share their stories and insights. Ellie Boatman, a Great Britain rugby sevens player, opens up about her journey through body image struggles and overcoming an eating disorder to develop a healthier relationship with her body and food. She emphasises the influence of social media on body perceptions and the importance of education around its dangers. Amy Truesdale, an Paralympic taekwondo champion, speaks about her confidence in competing in a male-dominated sport despite her disability. She highlights the necessity of focusing on performance over aesthetics, celebrating individual differences, and rejecting societal pressures. Kate Dale, campaign director of "This Girl Can" at Sport England, brings her expertise in promoting women's participation in sports, discussing the need for positive reinforcement and conscious behaviour around diet culture and appearance. She champions the importance of understanding female physiology in training to shift focus from appearance to performance. If you have been affected by an eating disorder, contact the NHS or Beat for help. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Telegraph Women's Sport podcast, we’re diving into the topic of inspiration. Host Dame Laura Kenny is joined by three trailblazers known for pushing boundaries.Carla Ward, a football player turned manager, discusses how the mentorship of Emma Hayes guided her through the pressures of the Women’s Super League. Highlighting the importance of visibility, Carla shares her vision for empowering young girls in sports.Zara Lachlan, a 21-year-old preparing for an extraordinary solo rowing journey from Europe to South America. Transitioning from BMX racing to ocean rowing, Zara recounts her intense preparation and the inspiration she draws from female role models.Sue Dorrington delves into her pioneering journey in women’s rugby, from discovering the sport at 23 to helping to organise the first Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1991. Sue touches on the growth of women’s rugby and the significance of representation in retaining young girls in sports. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.