11 Of The Most Influential Female Athletes Who Inspire Us Every Single Day
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There’s no question that female athletes are strong. From battling it to the top of the world’s highest peaks to swimming in treacherous conditions to running marathons at knockout speeds, women have proved time and time again that they’re capable of achieving seemingly impossible physical feats.
In short, they’ve made the impossible, possible.
But female athletes aren’t just strong, they’re powerful. They break down barriers. They fight, with all their might, for equality. They transcend sports to become cultural game changers.
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women who pioneer future generations and empower us to achieve our goals.
The following women have gone above and beyond in their sport, and their legacy will continue to pave the way for athletes - and women - everywhere.
1. Imo Boddy
At just 22 years old, Boddy became the youngest woman to run the length of the UK, earning her an official world record title. The gruelling challenge saw Boddy run 60 km every day for 22 days, covering 1,320 km in total!
Adding to her list of achievements, Boddy completed her first Ironman - that’s a full-throttle challenge consisting of running, cycling and swimming for those of you who don’t know - at just 17 and also ran seven marathons in seven days. Oh, and she also created her own version of Ironman, which now takes place every year at her former school. So, yeah, she’s pretty iconic to say the least.
The dedicated endurance runner and fitness professional hopes her passion and own experiences will inspire people to push beyond their limits, get uncomfortable and realise their body’s hidden potential.
2. Karé Adenegan
Winner of the 2018 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award, Adenegan is a British wheelchair athlete, competing at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, aged just 15, winning one silver and two bronze medals.
Continuing her successful streak, she set a new world record in 2018, sprinting to victory in the T34 100m at the London Müller Anniversary Games.
Fast forward to the 2018 Para World European Athletics Championships, Adenegan won her first gold medal in a senior competition, becoming the only athlete to defeat Hannah Cockcroft OBE DL in a T34 women’s wheelchair race. In 2021, she went on to win a further two silver medals at the Paralympics in the 100m and 800m competitions.
3. Femke Bol
A triple-threat on the athletics track, when Bol isn’t standing on podiums at major championships, she’s busy breaking records.
At the 2022 Golden Spike meet, Bol set a new world record time of 36.86 seconds in the 300m hurdles. Not only did it make her the first woman ever to run the event in under 37 seconds, it also slashed a full 1.3 seconds off the previous record. Meanwhile, at the 2020 Olympics, Bol became the third fastest woman of all time in the 400m hurdles, and the first Dutch athlete to win a medal in the event.
Her long list of medals include three European golds, two silver World Championship medals and one Olympic bronze to name a few.
4. Alice Dearing
Alice Dearing, one of Great Britain’s top female swimmers became the first Black female swimmer to represent Britain at the Olympics, when she competed in the 10km marathon event in 2021. She is only the third Black swimmer to represent Great Britain competitively.
In 2020, the then 23-year-old, co-founded the Black Swimming Association. The charity advocates for greater diversity in aquatics, and has the support of Swim England.
5. Jessica Gadirova
In 2020, Great Britain’s women’s artistic gymnastics team won their first team medal in 93 years with the help of Gadirova. But in 2022, she showed that she can also make it on her own.
As well as leading her nation to team silver, Gadirova set herself apart when she became the first British woman to win an individual all-around medal at a world championship competition. Not entirely satisfied, she then went onto win a gold in the floor exercise too.
Gadirova was later voted Young Sportswoman of the Year by the Sunday Times, and nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
6. Coco Gauff
An American professional tennis player, Gauff rose to prominence when she defeated former world number one and seven-time Grand Slam champion, Venus Williams in the opening round of Wimbledon 2019.
Gauff won her first Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour singles title at the 2019 Linz Open, aged just 15, making her the youngest singles title-holder since 2004. Since then, she has won three WTA Tour singles titles and six doubles titles.
Reaching her first major singles final at the 2022 French Open, Gauff is currently ranked number six in the singles (she’s previously ranked as high as number four) and number two in the doubles - having previously reached number one just last year.
7. Nina Matejić
Breaking barriers from the outset, Matejić sought success outside of her homeland, aged 16, when she started a World Cup qualifier for Serbia in Germany, scoring within three minutes. It was here that she also had a trial for Bayern Munich, training with girls several years her senior.
Having played with boys until 14, the footballer joined Serbia’s senior women’s league, scoring 39 goals in the 2020/21 season for Požarevac - including 16 in the six-game relegation play-offs. It was then that she earned her international promotion.
With seven goals in three games, Matejić finished as top scorer in the first qualifying round of the WU19 Euro, where Serbia topped its group ahead of Italy, Hungary and Wales.
8. Dina Asher-Smith
The fastest British woman in recorded history, Asher-Smith has made - and is still making history. A South London native, the 27-year-old has countless medals to her name, ranging from 2019 200m World Champion to Olympic bronze in 2016 and 2020 and gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, 2018 European Championships and 2019 Diamond League.
In Summer 2015, she became the first British woman to run the 100 metres in under 11 seconds.
9. Misty Copeland
As the first African-American female principal dance at the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Copeland is a pioneer in the world of professional dance - and beyond. Among her many impressive titles: author, actress, diversity advocate, brand ambassador and real-life hero to young dancers.
Copeland, who didn’t take up ballet until the late age of 13, is big on elevating the next generation of dancers. She served on the advisory committee for the ABT’s Project Plié, which provides training and mentorship to dance teachers in radically diverse communities.
10. Aliyah Boston
Having just turned 21, Boston broke the record for the most double-doubles in South Carolina women’s basketball history.
As the reigning national player of the year, it should come as no surprise that Boston continues to break records. Her 14 rebounds in a game against Arkansas, helped the Gamecocks break another, as they posted the highest rebounding margin ever in a Southeastern Conference (SEC) game.
Boston joined the Gamecocks’ program back in 2019. Right away, she didn’t disappoint, averaging 12.5 points and 9.4 rebounds in helping the Gamecocks to a 32-1 record. She then began her ascension to becoming a household name, winning the SEC’s Freshman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
11. Tabby Stoecker
Now a world champion skeleton athlete, careering down the ice track at speeds of up to 125 km per hour is not something Stoecker dreamt of as a kid.
The-22-year-old’s love for sport stemmed from Circus Arts, where she soared to new heights flying the trapeze. In 2019, she spotted an ad for the Discover Your Gold programme on Instagram. She was picked, started training and last year, won a silver medal at the Junior World Championships - just a month after her first competition!
In an interview with Glorious Sport, Stoecker talks about wanting to empower girls going through puberty. She draws on her own experiences, explaining she’s keen to debunk the myth that having a period and developing breasts will hinder your ability to achieve your goals in sport.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LIMITED-EDITION T-SHIRTS
So, you’re here about our FREE limited-edition tees? Bravo!
The good news is, they launch today at 3pm GMT / 4pm CET / 10am EST.
But there’s only a limited quantity up for grabs, so if you want to avoid disappointment, you’ll have to get in quick!
Remember, you’ll need to donate £1, £2, £5, £10 or £15 and pay for shipping. All proceeds will be donated directly to Women’s Sports Foundation, so they can continue their vital work in helping women and girls reach their full potential in sport, and in life.
In other words, you’re getting an ultra cute tee and supporting a good cause. That’s a win-win in our books!
International Women’s Day isn’t just about celebrating the women who have broken records or fought for world championship titles. It’s celebrating every woman, everywhere - and that includes you too.
Here at AYBL, we make every effort to ensure that every single day of the year - that’s all 365 of them - is about empowering our female community. And today, especially, we want you to feel inspired to establish your own goals as part of a wider motive to help you become the best version of you.
Make any Mission Possible this International Women’s Day.
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Your 5-Minute Mental Health Check Up
Hey there! How are you feeling?
That’s a question we don’t ask ourselves enough.
It’s quite normal for us to schedule an appointment with the dentist or doctor to check our oral and physical health, so why is it less common to check on our mental health?
So many factors are closely related to our mental health, which is why it’s important to address the small changes and approaches we can take to prioritise and care for our mental wellbeing.
According to research, one in five US adults experience a mental health problem of some kind each year, while in England, as many as one in four people experience the same issue.
That’s why, for Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve created a quick and easy five-minute mental health check you can do every day, anywhere.
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
Mental health is how you feel in your mind and your mood. Just like your physical health, it depends on many factors, including your genetics, your environment, your circumstances, what you do to maintain it, and underlying physical or mental health conditions you may suffer from, and how they are treated.
This Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from Monday 15th May to Sunday 21st May, addresses anxiety. Anxiety is an emotion we all experience, but sometimes it can get out of control and cause issues for our mental health.
In a survey of 3,000 adults, 34% said they experienced anxiety.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Here are just a few things you can ask yourself or do to ensure you’re doing what you can to protect your emotional wellness.
HAVE I DRANK ENOUGH WATER?
Keeping hydrated is key for both your physical and mental health. When you don’t drink enough water and start to become dehydrated, your body triggers warning signals that you’re in a ‘life-threatening’ situation and starts kicking up stress hormones, particularly cortisol. An increase in cortisol is connected to anxiety, depression and mood disorders.
Carry a bottle of water with you to keep your hydration levels topped up. If you’re someone who likes more structure, you can use alarms or trackers to remind you that drinking water is part of your self-care.
HAVE I EATEN THE RIGHT FOODS TO FUEL MY BODY?
Diet and lifestyle can have a profound effect on our mood and research reveals there’s a direct link between what we eat and how we feel.
There are plenty of foods and nutrients that can put a smile on your face and make you feel awesome. When we’re stressed, it’s tempting to reach for comfort foods like pizza and sugary snacks that give us a temporary ‘high’. However, these foods can soon leave you feeling exhausted, jittery or sluggish.
Food high in fibre, as well as fruit, veg, nuts and seeds are more beneficial to your mental health. Discover our very own nutritious mood-boosting recipes here.
DID I GET ENOUGH SLEEP?
Anyone who has struggled with sleep will know what a difference it makes to our bodies, minds and ability to function.
For many people, sleep is often the first thing that suffers when they’re struggling with their mental health. The CDC recommends adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep a day.
If you’re struggling with your sleep, there are a few simple changes you can make, including:
- Establish a bedtime routine;
- Avoid tech and caffeine before you go to sleep;
- Practice meditation/relaxation.
READ MORE: How To Fix Your Sleep Schedule
GET OUTSIDE
Humans are hardwired to need time in nature, as we evolved to prefer environments where we had fresh water, sunlight, and nature because those provided us with the resources we needed to survive. But, nowadays, nature doesn’t just allow us to survive, it helps us to thrive.
Spending even small bursts of time outdoors can greatly benefit your mental wellbeing. A 2019 study found that spending just 20 minutes outside significantly lowered stress hormone levels.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Okay, so this one is our thing for sure. Keeping active has so many benefits, mentally and physically - from lifting weights to flowing yoga.
Regular movement throughout the day can boost your mood, reduce stress and refocus your mind.
Partner some fresh air with your movement to elevate the benefits - and kill two birds with one stone.
Explore our guided workouts and fitness tips here.
REACH OUT TO FRIENDS
Human connections actually boost feel-good neurotransmitters in your brain. The key is not how many friends you have, but to surround yourself with those whom you can be your most authentic self.
Be honest with yourself about how much time you need to spend with your friends to feel fulfilled, refreshed and empowered, and then make it happen - even if it’s just a catch-up dinner once a month, it makes a difference.
Meeting new people can be equally beneficial to your mental wellbeing, as studies have shown that connecting with strangers can help us feel happier and more connected with our communities.
WHAT AM I DOING TODAY THAT I CAN LOOK FORWARD TO?
Planning things to look forward to or that you enjoy doing can help us cope with difficult situations by increasing our sense of hope.
Whether it’s something as small as binge-watching your favourite TV series or something more extravagant like a weekend away with friends, factoring in time to do what you love will help you adopt a more positive outlook each day.
A huge part of prioritising your mental wellbeing is learning to understand and manage your feelings.
When we’re upset, we don’t always know why we’re feeling that way. It often helps to acknowledge our feelings without any judgement or telling ourselves we’re ‘weak’ for feeling the way we do.
We all have good days and bad days, and that’s okay. However, by asking ourselves the questions in this article and adopting these simple habits, we can work toward feeling like our best selves once again. Remember, rest is a basic human need.
How To Start Running
The hardest part of running? Getting out the door.
Running is a great way to get fit and feel better, but sometimes, a lack of motivation - or even know-how - can catch you short.
Starting a new running habit needn’t be difficult - all you need is a good pair of running shoes and the willingness to move a little or a lot, all at your own pace.
To help put you one stride ahead, we’ve pulled together the very best running tips for beginners, so you can get off to a safe start and enjoy hitting the tarmac (or treadmill).
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO RUNNING
THE BENEFITS OF RUNNING
If enjoyment alone isn’t enough to get you increasing your stride, perhaps the proven health benefits of running will?
Running is one of the most effective ways to increase daily activity, cardiovascular fitness and mental health. It also is widely accessible, as you don’t need any fancy equipment, it’s relatively inexpensive and you can do it just about anywhere.
Here are some of the other key health benefits of running:
- Promotes muscle development;
- Can help aid weight loss;
- Helps to relieve stress levels;
- Boosts the release of endorphins, sometimes called a ‘runner’s high’;
- Increases bone strength and joint health;
- Promotes better sleep;
- Increases lung capacity, metabolism and energy levels;
- Reduces cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.
GETTING STARTED
Whether you’re new to running or getting back to it after a long break, it’s really important to ease yourself in and gradually build up to avoid injury. Here are some top tips to get your started on the right foot.
Now, we’re not saying you need to go out and buy a wardrobe full of expensive new running kit, but what we are saying is that staying equipped for the environment and surface you’ll be running on is non-negotiable.
Start by investing in a suitable pair of running shoes that fit comfortably and offer extra support, cushioning and grip for your runs.
When it comes to the clothing, well, that’s where we step in. Fusing form and functionality, our Pace Collection is designed for practicality - with soft, lightweight and breathable details - so you can run with ease and without distraction.
Take measured steps to keep your body safe and free from injury. Warming-up is an essential part of any workout, especially running. We recommend walking or doing an easy jog for five to 10 minutes before increasing your intensity. You may also benefit from warm-up exercises, such as dynamic stretches.
Be mindful of other safety advice, such as running against the flow of traffic and carrying your mobile with you at all times.
READ MORE: Top Tips For Staying Safe When Running In The Dark
Nothing can get you lost in the moment quite like blasting your beats as you pound the pavement.
We all have our own taste in music, which makes it all the more important to pick a playlist that’ll motivate you to power through, even when times get tough, with the wind against you and the heavens pouring.
If you need a little inspo, we’ve got plenty of tracks to keep you moving. Check out our Spotify here.
OUR TOP SIX RUNNING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Now that we’ve established the basics, you’re probably wondering exactly how to start running?
Here’s how…
If you’re totally new to running, chances are your motivation levels are pretty high. That being said, it’s as important as ever to pace yourself. This includes your running speed, intensity and training frequency.
Don’t be afraid to start off with a few fast paced walks each week to build up confidence, condition your muscles and create a positive habit you can stick to. Pacing yourself will allow you to continue progressing and reduce your risk of injury.
The likelihood of strains, repetitive stress and foot pain tends to be greater during your first few weeks of running as a beginner, or if you’re returning to running after a long break.
The Run-Walk Method is a great way for new runners to get started, helping to build endurance with less joint stress and is a manageable intensity level.
The method combines running with intervals of walking. Start by alternating one minute intervals of running with one minute of walking, and then gradually try to increase the time spent running. As you become more comfortable, reduce the time spent walking.
Check out our beginner’s running plan further down this page.
Never underestimate the power of rest.
It’s completely natural for your muscles to feel a little sorer than usual, but if you’re experiencing genuine pain or discomfort, it’s crucial you allow it time to rest and recover.
If you’re suffering from sore muscles, more likely than not, it’s DOMS - AKA delayed onset muscle soreness. This is the aching or stiffness you experience as a result of intense training, however, this should subside within 48 hours.
Avoiding exercise altogether can actually prolong DOMS, so consider lower intensity exercise, such as walking, mobility and slow jogging to increase blood flow and relieve your muscle fatigue.
Chances are, you already knew this, but if not, you’ll soon learn that eating well and staying hydrated can significantly influence your runs.
You lose water through sweat, whether cold or hot, so you need to drink before, during, and after your runs. You ideally want to drink 120 ml to 180 ml of water every 20 minutes, but pay attention to your thirst level and drink when you feel thirsty. During longer workouts (90 minutes or more), some of your fluid intake should include a sports drink to replace sodium and other minerals (electrolytes).
In terms of nutrition, it’s best to eat something light and high in carbohydrates but low in fat, protein and fibre. Aim to finish eating 90 to 120 minutes before you start running.
If you’re running for longer than 90 minutes, you’ll need to replace some of the energy you’re burning. A general rule of thumb is to consume 100 calories after an hour and another 100 calories every 45 minutes.
It’s easy to neglect other aspects of your fitness and strength when starting your running journey. Balancing your running sessions with other forms of resistance training and exercise will help to build muscular resilience, reducing your risk of injury and boosting performance.
Repeatedly hitting the road without building strength in the gym can not only lead to injury, but a performance plateau too. Be sure to balance out your training with strength-based exercises to work on muscular endurance, speed, power and potential imbalances - all of which will help with your running in the long run.
You can find plenty of guided workout routines and strength-building exercises, like our Back & Shoulder Workout, on our Fitness page.
Running is a natural movement, but that doesn’t mean you can’t improve aspects of your running form to improve your experience and efficiency.
First things first, keep your posture upright. Keep your head lifted, your back long and tall and shoulders level but relaxed. Maintain a neutral pelvis and ensure you’re not leaning forward or back at your waist.
Likewise, it’s important to monitor your footstrike - this is the way your foot hits the pavement. You might land on your heel, in the middle of your foot, or on your toes or forefoot. It’s recommended that you should try to land in the middle of your foot, and then roll through to the front of your toes. However, if you’re naturally a toe runner (land on your toes) or heel striker, it may be best not to change your stride.
READ MORE: The Principles Of Good Form With Caroline Gravity
RUNNING PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
Without a clear idea of what you’re trying to achieve, and the steps you need to take to get there, you’re making the challenge much tougher than it needs to be.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate running plan for beginners.