Historic moments such as the Lionesses winning the UEFA Women’s Euros (twice!), Emma Raducanu’s US Open triumph, and the achievements of Olympic and Paralympic athletes like Rebecca Adlington, Ellie Simmonds, and Claire Cashmore have inspired a new generation of women and girls in sport. The 2012 London Olympics also represented a major milestone, becoming the first Olympic Games in which women competed in every sport, highlighting progress toward greater equality in global athletics.
Women’s sport in the UK has seen a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, marked by ground-breaking achievements, growing visibility, and increased opportunities for female athletes, highlighting both extraordinary achievement and growing equality on the world stage. We want to know: which moment in women’s sport from the past 20 years stands out most to you?
The Lionesses winning the Euros – Twice!
The Lionesses’ UEFA European Championship victories transformed women’s football in England, increasing attendance, media coverage, and participation in grassroots sport. Their success inspired young girls nationwide – our East Anglian pride strengthened by Lauren Hemp from Norfolk being part of that success.
Emma Raducanu makes tennis history
Emma Raducanu made sporting history in 2021 by becoming the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. Her achievement was celebrated around the world and highlighted the growing impact of young female athletes in international sport.
Rebecca Adlington at the Beijing Olympics
Rebecca Adlington became one of Britain’s greatest swimmers during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she won two gold medals. As the first British swimmer in over a century to win Olympic gold, she inspired a resurgence in British swimming and became a role model for young women in sport.
Ellie Simmonds wins gold aged 13
Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds became one of Britain’s most successful Paralympians after winning multiple gold medals from a young age. She played a major role in changing perceptions around disability sport and inspired greater inclusion and representation in athletics.
Claire Cashmore at the Rio Paralympics
Claire Cashmore is one of Britain’s most accomplished Paralympians, competing across multiple Paralympic Games and winning medals in both swimming and triathlon. Her long and successful career demonstrates resilience, dedication, and the growing strength of women’s Paralympic sport.
2012 Summer Olympics – Women compete in all events for the first time
The London 2012 Olympics marked a historic milestone as the first Olympic Games where women competed in every sport. It was also the first Games in which every participating country included female athletes, representing a major step forward for gender equality in international sport.
Of course, these are just a handful of examples out of countless other moments where women in sport redefined possibility, inspired a generation, and demanded the world take notice. Or, put simply: changed the game.
Head to the link below to vote for your favourite moment, either from our list, or enter your own!