I’ve found myself getting genuinely excited about sport these last few weeks – but not because of the World Cup qualifiers, Ashes series or Rugby League World Cup.
I’m excited because I’m finally seeing women’s sport and women in sport gain some ridiculously overdue recognition.
Now don’t get me wrong, there is a long, long way to go but when Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was named the IAAF female athlete of the year, the interview that followed made me sit up. Shelly was asked about an incredible year that saw her win three gold medals at the World Champs in Moscow, but to my amazement Usain Bolt – who picked up male athlete of the year – was asked about the pocket rocket too!
I’ve interviewed Fraser-Pryce on a number of occasions in Jamaica, and she has a remarkable story to tell. She is also a great talker. So I’ve always wondered why we have seen such little coverage of her? Google her and check the achievements, then tell me she shouldn’t be one of the globes biggest sporting names. Maybe the penny is beginning to drop.
Away from athletics, I saw a great documentary as part of ITV Sports Life Story series about Nicola Adams MBE. It celebrated her journey to winning a historic gold medal – the first for any female boxer – at the London Olympics. Adams is another sportswoman I’ve got to know over the years. I’m pleased the boxer’s story sat prominently in such a high profile series.
Away from my media role, as a sports consultant, I witnessed the Professional Footballers Association vote the England women’s captain, Casey Stoney, onto it’s management committee, at the union’s AGM. In doing so she became the first female player to take up such a position. Highly significant.
Meanwhile, Kick It Out recently held a mentoring conference specifically aimed at helping and encouraging women to find work in football, and the Women In Football network continues to go from strength to strength. Check both organisations out.
In short – this column can be summarised as follows… It’s been a struggle, and will no doubt continue to be, but women are taking their rightful places in sport and I am all up for that.
– This column first appeared in The Voice Newspaper